FromSoftware games are infamously challenging. In a FromSoft action-RPG, it's not just bosses that will one-shot players, it's regular enemies too, and that high level of challenge has caused a bit of a stir in recent years. But Doom: The Dark Ages, surprisingly, might have the key to solving this ongoing FromSoftware difficulty debate.
First announced back at Xbox's June 2024 Showcase, Doom: The Dark Ages is the next mainline entry in the long-running Sci-Fi shooter franchise, and this time, things are getting a little more fantastical. During the recent Xbox Developer Direct, id Software shed some more light on Doom: The Dark Ages' combat, story, and exploration, providing plenty of gameplay footage for each aspect. Id Software also showcased a new custom difficulty setting for Doom: The Dark Ages, which could be something for FromSoftware to consider in the future.
Doom: The Dark Ages Flips One Series Tradition on Its Head
Doom: The Dark Ages adheres to the Doom formula despite its many differences, but one major change might be felt more than others.
Future FromSoftware Games Could Borrow Doom: The Dark Ages' Difficulty Customization
FromSoftware Games Need to Strike an Impossible Balance
While FromSoftware games have been challenging since the studio's debut (1994's King's Field), a discussion surrounding that high level of challenge has continued to grow louder over the last decade, usually resurfacing with the launch of a new FromSoftware action-RPG. On one side of the fence, some FromSoft fans believe that the high level of challenge is an inherent part of the experience, and that removing it would remove a core part of the developer's unique identity.
While that might be true, it's undeniable that FromSoftware's higher level of difficulty can often be a major barrier to entry for newcomers. Contrary to some fans' beliefs, this isn't always a "skill issue." There are many gamers out there who experience physical disabilities that affect their reaction timing or ability to perceive minute changes in enemy attack patterns. These gamers have frequently discussed how FromSoftware's games are simply inaccessible to them due to the lack of any difficulty options. This is where Doom: The Dark Ages' difficulty customization could offer a solution.
How Doom: The Dark Ages' Difficulty System Could Work in a FromSoftware Game
Though it's certainly not the first AAA game to offer custom difficulty options, Doom: The Dark Ages' mechanics do share some clear similarities with FromSoftware's action-RPGs, making a direct comparison between them appropriate. Doom: The Dark Ages' custom difficulty settings will allow the player to manually adjust individual components of the game, such as enemy aggression, projectile speed, parry windows, damage to the player, and general game speed. Those who don't want to adjust any of these values can simply choose one of Doom: The Dark Ages' preset difficulty options, just as they would in any previous entry in the franchise.
This might be a good way for future FromSoftware games to strike a balance between the two aforementioned schools of thought. The players who want to experience FromSoftware's intended experience could simply play the game like normal, while those who want to adapt the difficulty to best suit their needs or desires could. The introduction of accessibility options doesn't mean it would inherently detract from the experience for some fans, or even affect their experience at all.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 86 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- May 15, 2025
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda Softworks
WHERE TO PLAY
BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELL
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine.
REIGN IN HELL
As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for.
STAND AND FIGHT
Experience an epic story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this cinematic and action-packed story. Bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, the DOOM Slayer fends off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy the Slayer and become the only one that is feared. Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell and turns the tide of the war.
DISCOVER UNKNOWN REALMS
In his quest to crush the legions of Hell, the Slayer must take the fight to never-before-seen realms. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond. Armed with the viciously powerful Shield Saw, cut through a dark world of menace and secrets in id's largest and most expansive levels to date.
- Engine
- id Tech
- Franchise
- DOOM
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
