The Doom Slayer’s New Melee Mindset: A Love-Hate Affair with Doom: The Dark Ages
As a long-time fan of the Doom series, I was both excited and apprehensive about the latest installment, Doom: The Dark Ages. The game’s emphasis on melee combat and parrying has raised eyebrows among fans, and I was curious to see how this new approach would play out. After spending a few hours with the game, I’m thrilled to report that it’s a love-it-or-hate-it experience that will appeal to fans of the series, but may not be for everyone.
A New Kind of Doom
Doom: The Dark Ages is a departure from the fast-paced, run-and-gun action of Doom Eternal. Instead, the game focuses on up-close-and-personal combat, with an emphasis on parrying and meleeing. The addition of a shield, which can be thrown like a frisbee and equipped with buzz saw blades, adds a new layer of strategy to combat. The shield-bash move, which allows you to dash towards enemies and deal significant damage, is a game-changer. It’s fast-paced, fluid, and incredibly satisfying.
A Shift in Focus
The shift in focus from speed to melee combat may take some getting used to, especially for fans of Doom Eternal. However, once you adjust to the new rhythm, you’ll find that the game’s combat design is just as engaging, if not more so. The parry mechanics, which allow you to build up charges for a powerful melee attack, add a new layer of depth to combat. It’s a mechanic that requires strategy and timing, making it feel more rewarding than simply mashing buttons.
Love It or Hate It
Doom: The Dark Ages is a game that will divide fans of the series. If you’re a fan of melee combat and parrying, you’ll love the new direction. However, if you’re used to the fast-paced action of Doom Eternal, you may find the game’s slower pace and emphasis on melee combat to be a departure from what you’re used to. It’s a game that requires an adjustment period, but one that’s well worth the investment.
Actionable Insights
If you’re considering playing Doom: The Dark Ages, here are a few actionable insights to keep in mind:
- Be prepared to adjust to a new pace: The game’s emphasis on melee combat and parrying requires a different kind of strategy and timing.
- Master the shield-bash move: This move is a game-changer, allowing you to dash towards enemies and deal significant damage.
- Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal: The game’s melee combat is incredibly satisfying, and the parry mechanics add a new layer of depth to combat.
Conclusion
Doom: The Dark Ages is a game that will appeal to fans of the series, but may not be for everyone. If you’re willing to adjust to a new pace and focus on melee combat, you’ll find a game that’s engaging, challenging, and incredibly satisfying. With its emphasis on parrying and meleeing, Doom: The Dark Ages is a love-it-or-hate-it experience that’s sure to spark debate among fans of the series.