Summary
The reveal trailer forDOOM: The Dark Agesfeatures plenty of impactful weapons butfans will be pleased to hear that the most instantly iconic will be far more prevalent than they may have initially expected. The standout moment of the footage shown off during Xbox’s recent showcase event saw The Doom Slayer donning a massive shield on his left arm, a tool that looks to primarily be a defense against demons. That expectation is shattered when the Slayer revs it up like a medieval chainsaw, turning it into a brutal weapon.
Speaking toGamesRadar+, creative director Hugo Martin confirmed thatThe Dark Ages' Shield Saw will always be equipped to the player’s left hand, allowing the right hand to switch between different weapons. The developer elaborates that because the shield is also a potent means of offense,having it always be present almost allows the Doom Slayer to dual-wield. The system is designed to further fulfill onDOOM’s power fantasy by making players “feel like Aragorn, or Leonidas at the hot gates of 300,” said Martin before noting that it was a really fun challenge for the team.
DOOM: The Dark Ages - Release Window, Story, Setting, & New Gameplay
Here’s everything to know about the upcoming DOOM game DOOM: The Dark Ages, which takes the familiar hero of the Doom Slayer to a new context.
The Shield Saw Is More Than Sheer Defense
Captain America Goes To Hell
As mentioned above, the standout moment of theDOOM: The Dark Agestrailer sees theDoom Slayer engage the saw bladeof his shield and use it as a melee weapon on an unexpecting enemy, deliving on the promise of ripping and tearing. That moment was exciting enough butid Software took it even further by allowing players to throw the shield like Captain America, chewing up any foe that it hits. It’s a weapon with depth and flexibility that serves to enhanceDOOM’s run-and-gun philosphywhile never slowing down the action.
Having said that, the Shield Saw does provide a good amount of protection when enemies come on a little strong.The Doom Slayer can also raise it to block incoming firebut whether or not it can constantly be held up to defend against enemies or whether there’s a limitation remains to be seen. Even without a stamina meter or similar system stifling how long the Shield Saw can be used to block damage, using it in such a fashionno doubt leaves the Slayer opento quick flanks and rushes from behind.
Despite the hype surroundingDOOM: The Dark Ages, there’s still a great deal to learn about the game.id Software has locked in a release window of 2025so more information will likely be revealed in the coming months. There’s potential for the game to have a major presence at Gamescom 2024 but that remains to be seen.
