DOOM: The Dark Ageshasn’t been shy about showing off its new gameplay direction since its first reveal, with the latest reveal giving even more sneak peeks at the kind of gameplay that will be included in its full release. UnlikeDOOM Eternal, the upcomingDark Ageswon’t have players flying around at high speeds, but making their way across the battlefield as an unstoppable force instead. There’s still plenty of fast-paced action shown off in each trailer, but the new direction will help it stand out from its predecessors.
Even if you haven’t seen the latest trailer,DOOM: The Dark Agesis already shaping up to be a worthy successor toDOOM Eternal, while developing brand-new stories for its medieval-inspired game world. While it’s too early to tell for sure,The Dark Agescould have the potential to be a solidcontender for GOTYthanks to its unique sci-fi fantasy setting and adrenaline-pumping gameplay.While the content of the newest trailer didn’t reveal too many new game-changing secrets, aside from its greater focus on story and a mysterious new demon, the real surprise was where the trailer was first showcased.
The Dark Ages' Latest Trailer Was Revealed At WrestleMania
A Surprising Sponsorship That Feels Like A Match Made In Heaven
While wrestling is far from the first thing you would associate the iconicDOOMfranchise with,the collaboration withWrestleManiato unveil their newest trailer felt like a match made in heaven for the series. The unapologetically extravagant style ofDOOM: The Dark Agesseems to fit perfectly with the over-the-top flair of WrestleMania, with both franchises aiming to offer an explosive spectacle starring larger-than-life characters and storylines.
Much like the dramatized plots WrestleMania has offered over the years,DOOM: The Dark Ageshas agreater narrative focusthan its predecessors, featuring more cutscenes and seemingly more interactive characters than before. Even the concept of having longstanding rivalries, alliances, and massive stadium battles are all hallmarks of Wrestling and its character building as a whole. Even though these concepts are vaguely applicable to theDOOMfranchise,The Dark Agesseems to feature several grand villains that could offer some serious competition for The Slayer, leading up to a similarly climactic confrontation between the two deadly fighters.
DOOM’s Sponsored Event Was More Than A Simple Gameplay Reveal
Offering A Unique Spectacle For Fans Of Both Genres
Bringing Hope For More Collaborations In The Future
The Dark Ages Still Has Plenty Of Room For Crossover Content
With excitement forThe Dark Agesramping up closer to its release thanks to these kinds of promotions,the game has already received several fantasticDOOM-themed Xbox merchand collectors' editions to be a worthy companion toThe Dark Agesitself. There’s even been some speculation that the chain shield and helmet shown during WresleMania’sDark Agesspotlight could be hinting at future limited collector’s items, but their massive size makes them more likely to just be simply promotional items than anything else.
Given how culturally significant theDOOMfranchise is in the gaming world as a whole,it’s surprising that the series hasn’t had a massive stream of collaborations or crossovers over the years. While theDOOMreboots did get several collaborations withFall Guys,Fortnite, andCall of Duty: Warzone, there has been a shocking absence of official crossover content within theDOOMreboots themselves.
There has been a shocking absence of official crossover content within theDOOMreboots themselves
While it wouldn’t be the most immersive addition, a part of me is still hoping thatThe Dark Ageswill receive some form of WWE collaboration content within the game itself, even if it’s just a simple Slayer skin.DOOM’s rebootshave never shied away from immersion-breaking cosmetics, asthe ability to mow through the undead legions of hell as an iconic wrestler is an exciting prospect to imagine. Even if a collaboration betweenDOOMand the WWE doesn’t make its way into the upcomingDOOM: TheDark Agesitself, there are plenty of opportunities for interesting merch collaborations to satisfy fans.
