DOOM: The Dark Ages

What’s it about?

Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel to Doom (2016) that follows the rise of the series' protagonist, the Doom Slayer, as he becomes the last hope of a kingdom fighting against the forces of Hell in a techno-medieval setting.

The facts

• Directed by Hugo Martin
• Developer id Software
• English language
• Prequel to the franchise reboot DOOM (2016) which was also rated R16
• First-person shooter style game

Why did it get this rating?

This game was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a gothic fantasy and science fiction first-person shooter game which also features storylines that play through in-game events and dramatic cut away scenes as well as hidden lore items.

Graphic violence

As a first-person shooter game there is a significant amount of violence in the gameplay. It features violence that inflicts serious physical harm that is gory and bloody.

There is a mix of gothic fantasy and science fiction the game setting, and unlike previous games in the DOOM franchise reboot the weapons are more gothic fantasy. An example of the weapons include:

• Stake launchers
• Bone-based machineguns
• A shield with chainsaw-like blades

Deaths are gruesome, and there is a nearly constant stream of bloody and good. Once enemies are heavily damaged, they become stunned, allowing players to finish them off with a finishing move (including decapitation, and bisecting a hulking demon). The gothic setting and clearly fantastical monsters, along with the bright arcade-like resources and status effects reduce the impact of the gore.

Horror

Like earlier games DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, the demonic enemies would be at home on the cover of a 1980s metal album. They vary from lithe monsters which attack with energy blasts, teeth and claws, to massive creatures made of flesh and metal.

Various areas tell visual stories of demonic invasions, battles, and the horrors of hell. The hell levels are particularly gruesome with rotting bodies left impaled on stakes or tied to racks, and flayed skins are found stretched out to dry.

These scenes are not a significant part of the game play as players will be focused on combat. This horror imagery is likely to shock and disturb younger audiences.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Gaming resource hub for parents and caregivers