Perhaps Doom: The Dark Ages Didn’t Require Mechs and Dragons After All

Okay, let’s see if I can, you know, wrap my head around this. Doom: The Dark Ages, it’s a trip, seriously. There’s this gameplay thing that just clicks — I mean, who doesn’t love a good old shotgun, right? But then, there’s this bit with the Doom Slayer piloting a giant mech or dragon creature, and I’m like… what? It sort of throws me off. Maybe it’s just me or — I dunno — the neon wings were too flashy?

When you’re playing as Atlan, it’s like you’re stepping into a Pacific Rim movie. This ginormous mech wanders around causing mayhem — smashing bridges, whatnot. Mostly it punches stuff; throws in a foot stomp for flavor. But wait, no chainsaw shield? Seriously? I kept thinking, why no parry action like on the ground? Instead, it’s like this weird dance: scoot, dodge, punch. Doesn’t hit the right note.

Now, when Atlan grabs a massive gun, oh boy, that’s when it feels right. Blowing up demons big time — Doom style. Only twist? You dodge to get ammo. Makes zero sense, if I’m honest. And then — poof — gun’s gone once the fight’s over. Bummer, right? I just wanna keep blasting!

Those dragon levels… yeah, not better. Riding a mechanized beast with laser wings should scream epic — but nope. Mostly, it’s dragon dodgeball, waiting for perfect timing to fire back. Against turrets! Why not fire-breathing behemoths? Feels like a missed shot, honestly. Kinda sucks the thrill away.

Not all’s lost, though. Flying through levels blasting demon aircraft is a blast. Like these mini space shooter moments. If only they ditched that dodging nonsense, could’ve been rad.

Doom: The Dark Ages meshes a wicked techno-medieval vibe, and man, the weapons — especially that chainsaw shield — rock! But, those mech and dragon bits? Fun ideas caught up in odd mechanics. Next time there’s a dragon, it better be as badass as our Slayer. Fingers crossed.