In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the developers behind *Doom: The Dark Ages* unveiled exciting new details about the game's gameplay. This installment promises to place a stronger emphasis on storytelling, with the narrative taking a central role. The game's levels are set to be the largest in the series' history, providing players with a sandbox-like experience that blends exploration and combat.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton shared key highlights from the discussion. Unlike previous Doom titles where much of the backstory was tucked away in text logs, *The Dark Ages* will adopt a more direct storytelling approach. The game's atmosphere will lean into a medieval aesthetic, dialing back on futuristic elements. Even the iconic weapons will undergo a design overhaul to match the new setting.

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Similar to its predecessors, *Doom: The Dark Ages* will feature distinct levels, but these will be the most expansive yet, combining dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game's chapters are divided into "acts," beginning with narrow dungeons before expanding into vast areas. Players will have the unique opportunity to control both a dragon and a mech, adding a fresh layer of variety to the gameplay.

A new addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a versatile shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This shield can be thrown at enemies, reacting differently based on whether it hits flesh, armor, energy shields, or other materials. The shield also enables a dash attack, allowing players to close distances swiftly. With the absence of double jumps and roars from earlier games, this mechanic becomes crucial for battlefield mobility. Additionally, the shield supports parrying, with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.

Parrying in *The Dark Ages* serves as a "reload" for melee attacks, while melee combat restores ammunition for primary weapons—akin to the chainsaw mechanic in *DOOM Eternal*. Melee options include a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower but powerful mace, offering players varied combat strategies.