DOOM: The Dark Ages – Review And File Size Details

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.8

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Gameplay Review of DOOM: The Dark Ages

Fast-Paced Combat and Gore

DOOM: The Dark Ages retains the series' signature fast-paced, brutal combat. The visceral feeling of tearing demons apart remains core to the experience. However, the Dark Ages setting introduces exciting new mechanics to enhance this already iconic gameplay:

• New Weapons: Expect to wield medieval weaponry infused with demonic power, such as a demonic flail that tears through hordes of enemies and a cursed longsword that unleashes fiery slashes.
• Brutal Enemy Variety: Prepare for encounters with grotesque, demonic interpretations of medieval creatures – think demonic knights, hellish gargoyles, and ghastly wraiths.
• Enhanced Glory Kills: The satisfying Glory Kill system remains, but with gruesome, Dark Ages-themed finishing moves. Expect to see decapitations, impalements, and other equally brutal methods of dispatching your foes.

Dark Ages Setting and Atmosphere

The Dark Ages setting profoundly impacts DOOM: The Dark Ages's atmosphere and level design. The game cleverly blends the familiar DOOM aesthetic with the gritty, medieval world:

• Gothic Architecture: Levels feature gothic cathedrals, crumbling castles, and dark, foreboding forests, all infused with demonic influences.
• New Enemy Types: Demons are creatively integrated into the medieval setting. Imagine encountering demonic versions of classic medieval figures like knights and even dragons!
• Environmental Storytelling: The environments themselves tell a story. Explore decaying castles and battlefields to discover remnants of a forgotten war between hell and a medieval kingdom.

Story and Narrative

While DOOM games haven't traditionally focused on complex narratives, DOOM: The Dark Ages attempts to weave a compelling story:

• A Forgotten War: The story revolves around a long-forgotten conflict between hell and a medieval kingdom. The protagonist, a resurrected warrior, finds themselves embroiled in this ancient struggle.
• Minimal Character Development: The focus remains on the gameplay, so don't expect deep character arcs.
• Atmospheric Enhancement: The story serves to enrich the setting and enhance the atmosphere of the game, adding another layer to the already intense gameplay.

Graphics and Visual Fidelity of DOOM: The Dark Ages

Visual Style and Detail

Visually, DOOM: The Dark Ages presents a stunning blend of the series' signature style with a realistic interpretation of the Dark Ages. The id Tech 7 engine is pushed to its limits:

• Gritty Realism: The game opts for a more gritty, realistic aesthetic compared to previous DOOM installments. This complements the medieval setting perfectly.
• Detailed Environments: From the intricate details of gothic architecture to the realistic textures of armor and weapons, the level of visual detail is remarkable.
• Dynamic Lighting: Stunning lighting effects enhance the atmosphere, creating a truly immersive experience.

Performance and Optimization

Across platforms, DOOM: The Dark Ages delivers a smooth, consistently high-performing experience:

• PC Performance: On PC, the game boasts excellent frame rates, even at the highest settings. Players can customize their settings to optimize performance based on their hardware.
• Console Performance: On PS5 and Xbox Series X, the game runs at a consistently smooth 60 frames per second with stunning visuals.
• Optimization: The game benefits from solid optimization, minimizing issues and ensuring a consistently enjoyable experience.

File Size Breakdown for DOOM: The Dark Ages

Download Size Across Platforms

Before downloading DOOM: The Dark Ages, be aware of the considerable hard drive space it requires:

• PC (Steam/Epic Games Store): Approximately 80 GB (This may increase with future updates)
• PS5: Approximately 75 GB (Including Day-One Patch)
• Xbox Series X/S: Approximately 75 GB (Including Day-One Patch)

Storage Space Considerations

It's essential to consider the space required for DOOM: The Dark Ages and potential future updates:

• Allocate Extra Space: Leave additional space beyond the initial download size to accommodate future patches and updates, potentially totaling an extra 10-15 GB.
• Console Storage: Console users may need to delete other games to make space.
• PC Storage: PC players with limited storage should consider using an external hard drive.

Conclusion

DOOM: The Dark Ages successfully blends the frenetic, gory combat of the DOOM franchise with a surprisingly immersive Dark Ages setting. While the narrative is minimalistic, it effectively supports the intense gameplay experience. Graphically, the game is a stunner, and its optimized performance ensures smooth gameplay. However, remember the significant download size. At approximately 75-80 GB, DOOM: The Dark Ages demands considerable storage space. Before you download DOOM: The Dark Ages, ensure you have enough room and prepare for a brutal, medieval adventure! Share your thoughts and experiences with DOOM: The Dark Ages download, gameplay, and file size in the comments below! If you're ready to unleash hell in the Dark Ages, pre-order or purchase DOOM: The Dark Ages today!