Watch 30 minutes of Doom: The Dark Ages — gameplay and presentations

New gameplay footage of the upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages has been posted online, showcasing radical changes to the iconic franchise's core mechanics.

The nearly 30-minute video reveals a new melee combat system with parrying, control of a massive battle mech, and flights on a cyber dragon. Developer id Software has fundamentally reimagined the gameplay approach while maintaining the franchise's signature brutality.

The footage appears to be captured from the PS5 version until approximately the 14-15 minute mark, after which it transitions to clips from other videos.

The most significant innovation is the shield parrying mechanic, transforming chaotic shootouts into more tactical engagements. Unlike Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, where players remained in constant motion, The Dark Ages allows for defensive positioning and reflecting enemy projectiles back at demons.

The shield functions as a full-fledged weapon — players can throw it at opponents, slice through enemies with a circular saw, and even ignite demons by heating the shield with super shotgun blasts. This combat system resembles a hybrid between classic Doom and some mechanics from Sekiro.

An impressive gameplay element is the ability to control the gigantic Atlan battle mech and fly on a cybernetic dragon.

Overall, Doom: The Dark Ages maintains the classic Doom brutality while offering gamers an entirely new experience that balances classic action with more thoughtful tactical combat.

Doom: The Dark Ages is scheduled for release on May 15, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles.