The Medieval Era May Present an Unsolvable Dilemma for the Next Game

As the gaming calendar fills with must-play titles, one that really stands out in 2025 is Doom: The Dark Ages. Set to release soon, this game promises to deliver a blend of medieval flair and the intense action that fans have come to love. Serving as a prequel to 2016’s successful reboot, this installment takes us on a journey filled with both demons and dragons, setting a stage for unique battles and unforgettable moments.

The Doom series has always prided itself on its adrenaline-pumping gameplay and ferocious demon confrontations. With the introduction of a medieval backdrop in Doom: The Dark Ages, fans can expect one of the most exciting revolutions in the franchise’s history. The 2016 reboot revitalized the series, while Doom Eternal left a significant mark as a standout release of 2020. Now, as we delve into this prequel, many are left wondering about the franchise’s future direction after this chapter.

It’s hard not to speculate about where Doom will head next. When speaking with PCGamer at January’s Xbox Developer Direct, the game’s director, Hugo Martin, hinted at potential future endeavors. While he expressed his enjoyment of working on Doom projects and his willingness to continue, he noted that the focus remains squarely on delivering an exceptional experience with Doom: The Dark Ages for now. Given the grandeur expected from this release, id Software’s attention to this game seems warranted.

Looking beyond this installment, there are a couple of potential paths for the Doom series. Should Doom: The Dark Ages captivate its audience, the logical next step could be a sequel that builds upon its medieval features. Alternatively, the series might return to explore new facets of Doom Eternal. Ignoring the innovations and delightful mechanics introduced in the prequel in favor of a sequel that merely shadows previous titles could leave fans wanting more.

Whether Doom: The Dark Ages is powerful enough to mark a seismic shift in the series will depend on its reception. Too much reliance on the medieval theme might risk waning interest if it doesn’t surpass the appeal of the previous titles’ settings. However, continuing where Doom Eternal left off could invigorate the series, steering clear of any prequel fatigue.

In terms of gameplay, Doom: The Dark Ages promises an arsenal of inventive weapons. Fans can look forward to wielding the Sawed-Off Shotgun, a Serrated Sawblade Boomerang Shield, and even a Railgun with ground skull bullets. Add to that a futuristic Plasma Rifle, a brutal Chain Flail, and the colossal Mech Suit and Cyber Dragon, and you have the makings of an exhilarating ride.

Scheduled to hit Xbox Game Pass at launch, Doom: The Dark Ages is one piece of a larger puzzle that makes 2025 an exciting year for gamers. This title is poised to push the franchise into uncharted territory, with a fresh blend of archaic and contemporary elements. Once May rolls around, it will be intriguing to see if this fresh approach becomes the new norm for the series or if it’s just a thrilling detour before the next evolution of Doom unfurls.