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How Doom: The Dark Ages draws from the ’90s Doom games

by David Chen
3 minutes read

Title: Uncovering the Legacy: How Doom: The Dark Ages Draws from the ’90s Doom Games

In the realm of first-person shooters, the Doom franchise stands tall as a pioneer that has shaped the gaming landscape for decades. With the recent release of Doom Eternal, the series has once again captured the attention of gamers worldwide. However, amidst the high-octane action and futuristic setting of Doom Eternal, there lies another gem that pays homage to the roots of the franchise – Doom: The Dark Ages.

Preview: A more grounded game than Doom Eternal, in more ways than one.

Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a bridge between the classic ’90s Doom games and the modern iterations of the series. While Doom Eternal dazzles players with its fast-paced gameplay and futuristic arsenal, Doom: The Dark Ages takes a different approach, drawing inspiration from the atmospheric and horror elements that defined the original Doom games.

One of the key aspects that Doom: The Dark Ages borrows from its ’90s predecessors is its level design. Unlike the sprawling, interconnected levels of Doom Eternal, Doom: The Dark Ages features more compact and claustrophobic environments that harken back to the tight corridors and maze-like structures of the original Doom games. This design choice not only challenges players to navigate through challenging spaces but also creates a sense of tension and suspense reminiscent of the series’ early days.

Moreover, Doom: The Dark Ages pays homage to the ’90s Doom games through its enemy design. While Doom Eternal introduces a plethora of new demonic foes, Doom: The Dark Ages revisits classic enemies like Imps, Cacodemons, and Revenants, giving players a nostalgic trip down memory lane. By reintroducing these iconic adversaries, the game captures the essence of the original Doom experience while adding a fresh spin to keep players engaged.

In addition to its level design and enemy roster, Doom: The Dark Ages also draws from the ’90s Doom games in terms of its tone and atmosphere. The game embraces a darker and more ominous ambiance, trading the bombastic set pieces of Doom Eternal for a more subtle and eerie approach. This shift in tone not only sets Doom: The Dark Ages apart from its modern counterpart but also reinforces its connection to the classic Doom titles that laid the foundation for the series.

While Doom Eternal continues to push the boundaries of the franchise with its fast-paced gameplay and larger-than-life spectacle, Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a love letter to the ’90s Doom games that started it all. By embracing the legacy of the series and weaving it into a new and compelling experience, Doom: The Dark Ages offers players a chance to revisit the roots of Doom while exploring fresh interpretations of its iconic elements.

In conclusion, Doom: The Dark Ages stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Doom franchise, drawing inspiration from the ’90s games that defined the series while carving its path forward. With its homage to classic level design, enemy roster, and atmospheric tone, Doom: The Dark Ages captures the essence of what made the original Doom games timeless classics. So, whether you’re a veteran Doom player or a newcomer to the series, Doom: The Dark Ages invites you to experience a different side of hellish terror that pays tribute to the games that started it all.

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