Latest news with #Slayer
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Doom: The Dark Ages does what Doom does best, forging carnage in a forge of chaos
Don't you think video games are getting too complicated? Every title coming out these days feel compelled to drop me into a 200-hour increasingly cinematic sandbox filled with fetch quests that demand dozens of hours exploring vast open worlds for what, just to kill off the bad guy for world peace? Well, Doom: The Dark Ages is exactly that but it's honest about it, and bluntly effective. After years of watching the franchise from the sidelines, occasionally nodding along to Mick Gordon's brutal soundtracks without context, I finally dove headfirst into it. What I discovered wasn't just my entry point into the series, but a reminder of why sometimes the most sophisticated gaming experiences come wrapped in the simplest packages. The Dark Ages positions itself as a prequel to the modern Doom trilogy, casting the legendary Slayer in a medieval-meets-sci-fi setting where alien overlords, demonic hordes, and humanity's last defenders clash across sprawling battlefields. The premise couldn't be more straightforward: you are an unstoppable force of nature, demons exist, and your job is to make them not exist anymore. No moral complexity, no branching dialogue trees, no companion approval ratings to manage. Just pure, undiluted aggression channeled through increasingly creative methods of digital violence. What struck me immediately was how liberating this clarity felt. In a gaming landscape increasingly obsessed with cinematic storytelling and player choice consequences, The Dark Ages presents a different philosophy entirely. The Slayer speaks exactly one word throughout the entire campaign, yet his character development through body language and environmental storytelling proves more compelling than most fully-voiced protagonists. There's something profoundly satisfying about a character who solves every problem by hitting it really, really hard with medieval weaponry. Rip and tear, stand and fight by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo The Dark Ages' isn't very good with it's storytelling but let's honest it doesn't really need to be. Instead, it is the Doom's ages old combat formula, which is subtly evolved but still maintain its frenetic DNA. The introduction of the Shield Saw fundamentally changes how encounters unfold, shifting from Doom Eternal's emphasis on constant movement to a "stand and fight" mentality that initially sounds counterintuitive to everything the franchise represents. Yet somehow, it works brilliantly. While shields have mostly been known to be defensive equipment to humans, for the Slayer, it's a weapon, traversal tool, and tactical game-changer rolled into one circular buzzsaw of destruction. Parrying incoming attacks feels satisfying in a way that transcends mere mechanical feedback; there's a rhythm to combat that emerges naturally as you learn to balance aggression with precise timing. Unlike the rigid resource management that sometimes made Doom Eternal feel like solving an equation under pressure, The Dark Ages allows for more improvisational approaches to demon disposal. The weapon roster adapts familiar tools to the medieval setting without losing their essential character. The Super Shotgun remains the close-quarters king, but new additions like the skull-spitting gatling gun and chain-attached railgun offer fresh approaches to crowd control and armour piercing. Each weapon feels purposeful rather than redundant, contributing to a combat system that rewards experimentation without punishing players who develop preferences. What impressed me most was how the game manages to feel both more accessible than its predecessor while maintaining tactical depth. The shield bash's traversal capabilities replace Eternal's air dash system seamlessly, while the parry mechanics add a layer of skill expression that never feels mandatory for success. It's a delicate balance that many action games struggle with, providing systems that enhance experienced play without alienating newcomers. Hell on earth (but make it medieval) Beyond the moment-to-moment combat, The Dark Ages succeeds in creating environments that justify their existence beyond being demon-killing arenas. The level design strikes an excellent balance between linear progression and exploratory freedom, with larger hub areas offering multiple objectives and secrets to discover at your own pace. These aren't the overwhelming open worlds that dominate modern gaming, but focused playgrounds that reward curiosity without overwhelming players with busy work. The medieval aesthetic could have easily felt like a gimmicky departure from the series' established visual language, but id Software wisely blends fantasy elements with the technological underpinnings that define Doom's universe. Watching massive mechs stomp across castle battlefields while dragons soar overhead creates moments of genuine spectacle that feel earned rather than manufactured. These setpiece moments, while not always mechanically perfect, serve their purpose as palate cleansers between the more intense combat encounters. The game's approach to progression also deserves mention for how it respects player time. Upgrades feel meaningful without being overwhelming, and the currency systems are straightforward enough that you're never confused about what you need or where to get it. Secrets are well-integrated into level design, offering genuine rewards for exploration without requiring exhaustive searching to find every hidden item. When glory kills actually feel glorious Perhaps what surprised me most about The Dark Ages was how it made me reconsider my relationship with action games in general. I've spent years gravitating toward narrative-heavy experiences, convinced that emotional investment required complex storytelling and character development. The Dark Ages demonstrates that engagement can come from perfectly tuned mechanics and clear, achievable goals just as effectively as any branching storyline. The game's violence is cartoonish in the best possible way—so over-the-top that it transcends any concerns about real-world implications and becomes pure digital catharsis. There's an almost meditative quality to chaining together perfect parries, weapon swaps, and glory kills that creates its own form of flow state. The feedback loop is immediate and satisfying: see demon, devise elimination method, execute plan, admire results, repeat. This isn't to say The Dark Ages completely abandons narrative ambition. The wordless characterisation of the Slayer, the environmental storytelling embedded in each level, and the broader mythology all contribute to a surprisingly coherent world. But these elements serve the gameplay rather than demanding attention in their own right, creating a more integrated experience than many games that pride themselves on their storytelling. The campaign's 22-chapter structure maintains excellent pacing throughout its roughly 20-hour runtime, never allowing any single element to overstay its welcome. Even the occasional mech and dragon sequences, while mechanically simpler than the core combat, provide necessary variety and spectacle without derailing the overall experience. The sound of silence (and chainsaws) If there's one area where The Dark Ages stumbles, it's in the audio department. While I haven't really spent hours slaying on Mick Gordon's composition, yet somehow his absence is immediately noticeable, and I guess it would be even more so for someone who have been a regular of series' previous entires. While Finishing Move's soundtrack is competent, it lacks the driving intensity that made Gordon's work such an integral part of the Doom experience. The music often fades into background noise rather than amplifying the on-screen chaos, a significant departure from how seamlessly audio and gameplay integrated in previous entries. This isn't a fatal flaw, but it does represent a missed opportunity to elevate already excellent gameplay with equally excellent audio design. The sound effects themselves remain top-tier, every shotgun blast, demon roar, and shield clang carries appropriate weight, but the musical backing never quite matches the energy of what's happening on screen. Until it is done (for now) Doom: The Dark Ages succeeds as both an entry point for newcomers and a worthy addition to an established franchise by remembering that complexity and sophistication aren't synonymous. It knows exactly what it wants to be and executes that vision with laser focus. Now I understand what I'd been missing all these years. The Dark Ages doesn't just serve as my belated introduction to the series, it's a masterclass in why Doom has endured for over three decades. What I initially dismissed as mindless violence revealed itself as carefully orchestrated chaos, where every system works in harmony to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The sophistication I'd been seeking in complex narratives and sprawling worlds was here all along, hidden beneath layers of demon viscera and shotgun shells. This realisation feels almost embarrassing in hindsight. I'd spent years chasing elaborate gaming experiences, convinced that depth required complexity, when Doom was quietly perfecting the art of elegant simplicity. The Dark Ages strips away every unnecessary element to focus entirely on what matters: the pure joy of interactive entertainment. No padding, no filler, no respect for your time wasted on anything that doesn't contribute to the core experience. In a year likely to be dominated by sprawling open worlds and narrative epics, Doom : The Dark Ages offers something increasingly rare: a game that respects your time, trusts your intelligence, and never forgets that fun should be the primary objective. Sometimes that's exactly what hell ordered. Our rating: 4/5 AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Amazing festivals and outdoor events to enjoy in Cardiff in 2025
With summer just around the corner, you are probably wondering what to do to keep everyone entertained. If you are looking for a fun and exciting day or night out or just a few hours away from the house, then look no further than these brilliant festivals, concerts and gigs in Cardiff. Keeping the children entertained is a familiar challenge for most parents. Luckily, you're spoilt for choice in Cardiff, with plenty of family-friendly activities also coming up for 2025. We have rounded up some of the most entertaining things to do, which are guaranteed to put smiles on faces. So, no matter what the weather's doing outside, there's no excuse for staying away from the city this summer and beyond. Tafwyl Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 at Coopers Field - free event Bringing together the best of Welsh language music, arts and culture, alongside an array of street food and market stalls. There is a warm welcome for all at this free event, Welsh-speaker or not, so come along and join in the festival fun. Pride Cymru Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 at Coopers Field -ticketed event (Image: Matthew Horwood) Pride Cymru is excited to host the biggest celebration of equality and diversity. Returning to Coopers Field in Cardiff, get ready for a show-stopping lineup of fantastic performers, the iconic parade, and a community market that's nothing short of fabulous. Cardiff Food and Drink Festival Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29 at Roald Dahl Plass - free entry The city's original celebration of homegrown produce and irresistible street food. Sample a vast array of food from local and national producers, stroll around the street food piazza, and enjoy the sounds of live music against the backdrop of the scenic waterfront. Stevie Wonder Wednesday, July 9 at Blackweir Live - ticketed event Stevie Wonder returns to Cardiff after over 50 years, headlining Blackweir Live with timeless hits like 'Superstition' and 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered'. His 'Love, Light & Song' tour promises a legendary night of soul and joy under the Welsh sky. Blackweir Live is a brand-new series of shows in Cardiff, with an unmissable line-up of shows this summer, which also includes Alanis Morissette, Noah Kahan, Slayer, and Kings of Leon. Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park Saturday, July 19 to Monday, August 25 at Roald Dahl Plass - free entry This family favourite returns to Cardiff Bay this Summer. Roald Dahl Plass will be filled with family funfair attractions, food and drink and a packed programme of free family entertainment. Or why not hop on the big wheel for the best views of the waterfront? DEPOT in the Castle Saturday, July 26 at Cardiff Castle - ticketed events Jess Glynne leads a vibrant, multi-genre lineup at Cardiff Castle's home-grown summer festival. Expect chart-toppers and festival favourites from Maximo Park, Sigma, Kate Nash, and more. A family-friendly celebration packed with energy, nostalgia, and the iconic DEPOT party spirit, the venue is also set to welcome headline shows from artists including Sting, James, Faithless, Tom Jones, Elbow, Funeral For A Friend and more at TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle. The Hundred Saturday, August 9 to Sunday, August 24 atSophia Gardens -ticketed events Cardiff-based team Welsh Fire will be back for four exciting matches in The Hundred. This thrilling 100-ball cricket tournament combines top-tier cricket with blockbuster entertainment, and has built a reputation as a summer sporting staple event. Amgueddfa Cymru Food Festival Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 atSt Fagans National Museum of History -free entry (Image: Aled Llywelyn) A firm favourite in Wales' foodie calendar, St Fagans comes alive with more than 80 food, drink and craft stalls nestled among the historic buildings. Enjoy a feast of family-friendly foodie activities, cookery demos, tasty treats and live music from some of Wales' finest producers. Adventure Cinema Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21 atCardiff Castle - ticketed events It's time for summer, and the one of the UK's top outdoor cinema experiences has everything perfectly scripted to make this one to remember. Adventure Cinema will be screening Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman, and Star Wars: A New Hope. Cardiff Music City Festival Friday, October 3 to Saturday, October 18 - ticketed events A two-week-long celebration of gigs, happenings, installations and pop-ups, harnessing the power of music, performance and tech to unite and inspire. The festival is taking place throughout venues and spaces across the city for a second year this autumn. Make it a night to remember Why not stay overnight and make the most of your visit? There's too much on offer for just one day in Cardiff, so why not make a night of it and enjoy an overnight stay in one of the capital's hotels?
Hypebeast
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Anti Social Social Club Teams Up With 'DOOM: The Dark Ages' on Collaborative Capsule
Anti Social Social Clubis getting back into its gaming bag with another collaborative collection. After a recent link-up withAssassin's Creed: Shadowsback in March, the streetwear imprint is now joining forces withDOOM: The Dark Agesfor an apparel capsule inspired by the game's apocalyptic medieval aesthetic. The drop spans hoodies, tees, headwear, and watches, each of which is stamped with motifs lifted from the video game, including the Slayer's helmet and shield. Slayer imagery lands on a lineup of hoodies and T-shirts, also offset by ASSC's branded hits and logos. Other graphics lean into the game's general aesthetic, with other tees and hoodies emblazoned with the game's lettering. However, the high point of the release might be the watches, crafted by MSTR. The duo delivers a lineup of 'Marking Watches,' with one watch imbued withDOOM: The Dark Agesbranding on the band, ASSC branding on the face, and the demon lettering atop. Another takes a more minimalistic approach, with centered lettering and a leather band. Peep the full Anti Social Social Club x DOOM collaboration in the lookbook above and shop the collection when it drops later this week, on Saturday, May 24 at the ASSC officialwebstore.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
DOOM: The Dark Ages review… This cacophony of chaos impales itself firmly as a Game of the Year contender
HELL YEAH DOOM: The Dark Ages review… This cacophony of chaos impales itself firmly as a Game of the Year contender Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIKE a beloved old pet dog, DOOM: The Ages is impossible to put down. It's a demonic drug, a hit of horrifying annihilation that makes you want more and more. Because it slays more than Taylor Swift in a glitter hat factory. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Hell hath no fury... like a Doom Slayer with loads of guns Credit: Bethesda Softworks Care must always be taken when trying to improve a cult classic - and the original Doom rightfully belongs among the icons of gaming history. So it's a huge relief to see that idSoftware has not only been respectful in making this DOOM, they've also been really smart. But is The Dark Ages the best game since the original release? Hell yeah! 10 There's an impressive array of weaponry to dispatch demons with Credit: Bethesda Softworks First off, there's a more involved plot than previous follow-ups like DOOM (2016) and 2020's DOOM: Eternal. Read more Gaming News WHIPS DON'T LIE Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is out on the PS5 and is a rare gem You play the heavy-footed Doom Slayer called upon by the Night Sentinels of Argent D'Nur and the mysterious Maykrs in their battle against the dark forces of Hell. Your job? To save humanity. The Maykrs have a strange hold over the Slayer who gradually starts to think, and fight, on his own terms. Previous follow-ups to this mega franchise were decent nods to the original but they weren't truly great games. They lacked what makes a DOOM game utterly brilliant - an intense, mind-blowing run-and-gun experience which takes your breath away. Literally. The Dark Ages, however, achieves this in bundles. 10 The 22 chapters are bold and intense Credit: Bethesda Softworks Because you become so engrossed in dispatching the multitude of enemies spawning all around you that you forget to breathe. I lost count of the times where I finished a chapter (there are 22 to smash through), let out an exhausting breath… and noticed that I was two feet away from my gaming chair. Such is the intensity of The Dark Ages. 10 Jumping into a giant mech suit feels like Power Rangers but, you know, better Credit: Bethesda Softworks It's not just a blast and dash game either. This time round you have to be more tactically astute in your demon-slaying ways. The sheer number of enemies that bear down on you during battle is daunting, but this just increases the adrenaline rush you get when your planned destruction works. This immersive action results in hours lost wiping the floor with growling Pinky Riders and horrible Hell Knights. 10 Plan your battles wisely as you'll need to be smart as well as sharp Credit: Bethesda Softworks The arsenal is as kick-ass as it is clever. And each new weapon brings slightly different whoops of joy as you learn more about what can be achieved when you pull the trigger. For example, the Impaler is brilliant for headshots and once you get your upgrades to a certain point, it can then slow down time to get the perfect hit. 10 Enemies vary in difficulty and there are some cool close-up melee options Credit: Bethesda Softworks The Shredder can dispatch hordes of Imp Stalkers all at once and again, use your upgrades wisely, and it can auto-charge to a more destructive ammo when following a melee attack. 10 Saving humanity has never been so exhaustively exhilarating Credit: Bethesda Softworks But id Software's addition of a shield is a masterstroke - this can rip through multiple foes or deflect attacks. It's upgradable too and becomes an essential tool at your side. That is until you get the ball and chain - talk about an epic flail! Each chapter is gorgeous in its detail and impressive in scope. The map is easy to read and offers a clear pathway to cute collectables, gold chests and secret areas you won't want to miss in your 20+ hours of the game. 10 A banging soundtrack helps immerse you in the depths of Hell Credit: Bethesda Softworks Even the soundtrack is gloriously DOOM-esque. A head-banging barrage of heavy metal which delights the senses when blasted through decent headsets - I couldn't help but ramp up my Turtle Beach Stealth 700s to complete the experience. It all makes for an epic romp in Hell - you won't just dip your toes in the Lake of Fire, you'll want to go skinny-dipping and plunge in head-first. 10 A deep plot gives DOOM: The Dark Ages an extra edge over predecessors Credit: Bethesda Softworks The Dark Ages is intense - a cacophony of chaos that impales itself firmly as a Game of the Year contender. 10 A dragon! Yes, you can ride a dragon Credit: Bethesda Softworks
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
DOOM: The Dark Ages review… This cacophony of chaos impales itself firmly as a Game of the Year contender
LIKE a beloved old pet dog, DOOM: The Ages is impossible to put down. It's a demonic drug, a hit of horrifying annihilation that makes you want more and more. Because it slays more than 10 Hell hath no fury... like a Doom Slayer with loads of guns Credit: Bethesda Softworks Care must always be taken when trying to improve a cult classic - and the original Doom rightfully belongs among the icons of So it's a huge relief to see that idSoftware has not only been respectful in making this DOOM, they've also been really smart. But is The Dark Ages the best game since the original release? Hell yeah! 10 There's an impressive array of weaponry to dispatch demons with Credit: Bethesda Softworks First off, there's a more involved plot than previous follow-ups like DOOM (2016) and 2020's DOOM: Eternal. Read more Gaming News You play the heavy-footed Doom Slayer called upon by the Night Sentinels of Argent D'Nur and the mysterious Maykrs in their battle against the dark forces of Hell. Your job? To save humanity. The Maykrs have a strange hold over the Slayer who gradually starts to think, and fight, on his own terms. Previous follow-ups to this mega franchise were decent nods to the original but they weren't truly great games. They lacked what makes a DOOM game utterly brilliant - an intense, mind-blowing run-and-gun experience which takes your breath away. Literally. The Dark Ages, however, achieves this in bundles. Most read in Gaming 10 The 22 chapters are bold and intense Credit: Bethesda Softworks Because you become so engrossed in dispatching the multitude of enemies spawning all around you that you forget to breathe. I lost count of the times where I finished a chapter (there are 22 to smash through), let out an exhausting breath… and noticed that I was two feet away from my gaming chair. Such is the intensity of The Dark Ages. 10 Jumping into a giant mech suit feels like Power Rangers but, you know, better Credit: Bethesda Softworks It's not just a blast and dash game either. This time round you have to be more tactically astute in your demon-slaying ways. The sheer number of enemies that bear down on you during battle is daunting, but this just increases the adrenaline rush you get when your planned destruction works. This immersive action results in hours lost wiping the floor with growling Pinky Riders and horrible Hell Knights. 10 Plan your battles wisely as you'll need to be smart as well as sharp Credit: Bethesda Softworks The arsenal is as kick-ass as it is clever. And each new weapon brings slightly different whoops of joy as you learn more about what can be achieved when you pull the trigger. For example, the Impaler is brilliant for headshots and once you get your upgrades to a certain point, it can then slow down time to get the perfect hit. 10 Enemies vary in difficulty and there are some cool close-up melee options Credit: Bethesda Softworks The Shredder can dispatch hordes of Imp Stalkers all at once and again, use your upgrades wisely, and it can auto-charge to a more destructive ammo when following a melee attack. 10 Saving humanity has never been so exhaustively exhilarating Credit: Bethesda Softworks But id Software's addition of a shield is a masterstroke - this can rip through multiple foes or deflect attacks. It's upgradable too and becomes an essential tool at your side. That is until you get the ball and chain - talk about an epic flail! Each chapter is gorgeous in its detail and impressive in scope. The map is easy to read and offers a clear pathway to cute collectables, gold chests and secret areas you won't want to miss in your 20+ hours of the game. 10 A banging soundtrack helps immerse you in the depths of Hell Credit: Bethesda Softworks Even the soundtrack is gloriously DOOM-esque. A head-banging barrage of heavy metal which delights the senses when blasted through decent headsets - I couldn't help but ramp up my It all makes for an epic romp in Hell - you won't just dip your toes in the Lake of Fire, you'll want to go skinny-dipping and plunge in head-first. 10 A deep plot gives DOOM: The Dark Ages an extra edge over predecessors Credit: Bethesda Softworks The Dark Ages is intense - a cacophony of chaos that impales itself firmly as a Game of the Year contender. 10 A dragon! Yes, you can ride a dragon Credit: Bethesda Softworks DOOM: The Dark Ages FORMATS: PS5 (reviewed) , Xbox, PC PRICE: £69.99 PUBLISHER: Bethesda Softworks DEVELOPER: id Software RELEASE DATE: Out now AGE RATING: 18+ SCORE: 66/6 (erm, 5 out of 5)
