Roundup: Here’s What The Critics Think Of Xbox’s DOOM: The Dark Ages
By The moment has finally come – DOOM: The Dark Ages evaluations are here, stirring the depths of hell, just ahead of Xbox’s major Game Pass rollout next week. Among those assessments is our very own Pure Xbox analysis, which we will summarize for you below!
Here’s what we, along with several other gaming reviewers, think of DOOM: The Dark Ages:
Pure Xbox (9/10)
“DOOM: The Dark Ages is yet another outstanding installment from id Software. It might introduce significantly more storytelling elements while also decelerating the pace with larger environments, but in terms of action, it remains the same exhilarating core combat; deeply strategic, extremely challenging (on higher difficulties) and as ingenious, vibrant, and stylish a shooter as you’ll likely experience this year.”
PSU (9.5/10)
“id Software has once again succeeded in reinventing the DOOM formula, incorporating new gameplay features like the immensely enjoyable shield saw. DOOM: The Dark Ages is a relentless, adrenaline-charged thrill ride from beginning to end. This blockbuster demands your undivided attention as the finest FPS this year thus far.”
IGN (9/10)
“Far from merely offering ‘More Doom,’ DOOM: The Dark Ages presents a fresh take on the renowned shooter series that is heavier and more grounded, yet still intensely vibrant and exhilarating. The new shield is an exceptional addition, providing a multitude of offensive and defensive options, and when combined with the expansive lineup of classic Doom weaponry, it offers countless fun and thrilling ways to eliminate the hoards of demons in your way.”
GamingBolt (9/10)
“With exceptional combat, remarkable weaponry, ferocious beasts to confront, and brilliantly executed gameplay and design innovations, DOOM: The Dark Ages presents a fantastic new iteration of DOOM while preserving the series’ fundamental strengths.”
But Why Tho? (8.5/10)
“DOOM: The Dark Ages is fiercely intense, boisterous, quick-paced, and overflowing with the enjoyment you crave. Sometimes, you just need to grab a shotgun, a flail, and a saw-bladed shield to tear through adversaries. In short, DOOM: The Dark Ages is gratifying. The gameplay is significant and ultimately compensates for any shortcomings in the narrative.”
Push Square (8/10)
“DOOM: The Dark Ages opts for a slightly divergent path as it revisits a medieval onslaught on hellish hordes. Not all alterations yield positive results, as the introduction of a mech and dragon enhances very little of the overall experience. However, when the game shifts to FPS action, few can surpass id Software’s prowess. Dedicate some time to acclimate to DOOM: The Dark Ages, and you’ll uncover another immensely exhilarating first-person shooter.”
VGC (4/5)
“DOOM: The Dark Ages succeeds in many areas, with its primary drawbacks occurring when the game diverges from its core, exceptional combat loop. While not every fresh addition is effective, the game’s new open environments are delightful, and the Doomslayer’s arsenal remains thrilling to navigate.”
GamesRadar (3.5/5)
“Though DOOM: The Dark Ages is a solid offering, its differences from previous titles often detract from the overall experience. Most aspects that earn praise regarding the Slayer’s 2025 journey are those adapted from earlier installments, while innovative elements like melee combat and mech segments feel like missteps the series should reconsider moving forward. Still, the thrill of obliterating cacodemons with a shotgun is never truly diminished, and the over-the-top aesthetics will always enhance the experience.”
Dexerto (6/10)
“Above all, DOOM: The Dark Ages features truly outstanding combat. The action in this installment ranks among the best in the series’ history. Yet ultimately, in an effort to expand upon a successful formula, id Software has not quite met the high expectations established by DOOM 2016 and DOOM Eternal.”
As of this posting, DOOM: The Dark Ages boasts a Metacritic score of 83 and an OpenCritic rating of 86 – placing the average scores just beneath our Pure Xbox rating but still fairly close overall. You can jump into id Software’s latest shooter via Xbox Game Pass on May 15, or even earlier with an early access upgrade.
Excited to embark on your demon-slaying journey? Share your thoughts on these DOOM ratings below.