Doom: The Dark Ages was always going to have a tough challenge ahead of it. After the twin lightning bolts of Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal both took the notion of high-octane slaughter as far as it could go, it wasn't entirely clear what another sequel – or in this case, a prequel – could actually bring to the table. Now the attempt to fix what ain't broke has brought us The Dark Ages, an uncertain followup that's at its best when it just feels like you're playing Eternal again, and at its worst when it's selling you unwieldy new mechanics. No wonder the overloaded Slayer seems more tired than angry by the time the closing credits roll.
