REVIEW: DOOM™: The Dark Ages (2025 Video Game) - on Xbox

Game and artwork provided by Bethesda

Review by Jon Donnis

Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest instalment in the legendary first-person shooter franchise, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks in 2025. Marking the eighth main entry and the third in the modern series, it takes players back in time, setting the story long before the events of the 2016 reboot. This prequel explores the origins of the Doom Slayer, immersing players in a gritty techno-medieval war between humanity and the demonic forces of Hell.

Unlike its fast-paced predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages shifts the gameplay towards a more grounded and deliberate style. The combat feels weighty, reflecting the Doom Slayer's transformation into an ironclad force of nature. Enhanced melee options add a layer of tactical depth, and the introduction of slow-motion glory kills allows players to feel in control even amidst chaotic battles. The game's standout innovation is the Shield Saw, a versatile tool that can block, parry and attack with a single input, rewarding skill and timing over frantic shooting. This fresh combat mechanic redefines encounters, requiring players to engage carefully rather than relying solely on speed and reflexes.

The arsenal expands with new weapons such as the Skull Crusher, a unique gun firing bone fragments that fits perfectly with the dark medieval setting. Alongside traditional melee weapons like the iron mace and flail, these tools diversify combat styles, encouraging experimentation. Another new feature is the ability to pilot massive machines, including a cybernetic dragon and a towering 30-storey Atlan mech, adding spectacular moments that break up the combat flow and showcase the game's grand scale.

Narratively, the game delves deeper into the Doom Slayer's past, adding layers of complexity to his motivations and the brutal war he fights. Set in the kingdom of Argent D'Nur, players witness the brutal conflict between the Night Sentinels and Hell's armies, led by the cunning Prince Ahzrak. The story is richer in character development, enhanced by well-crafted cutscenes that elevate the game beyond mindless shooting. It explores themes of control, betrayal and resilience, particularly through the relationship between the Slayer and his manipulative master, Kreed Maykr.

The game's world is atmospheric and immersive. The techno-medieval aesthetic blends grim castles and ruined fortresses with otherworldly Hellscapes, creating an environment that feels both ancient and futuristic. While the graphics are solid, they tend to lean towards a muted palette, which fits the setting but may lack some of the vibrancy seen in earlier entries. The sound design is atmospheric, though the musical score does not quite reach the iconic heights of previous Doom games, which might disappoint some fans expecting bombastic metal anthems.

Despite the deliberate pacing, combat remains engaging, demanding patience and strategy rather than pure aggression. The Shield Saw system rewards mastery and keeps encounters fresh, while the variety of enemies and the introduction of massive mechanical foes prevent the gameplay from becoming stale. However, some players might find the slower pace less thrilling than the relentless action they are used to. 

Doom: The Dark Ages offers a bold new direction for the franchise. It blends weighty, strategic combat with a compelling story set in a richly imagined world. Although the soundtrack and visuals may not impress everyone, the game's innovative mechanics and atmospheric setting make it a worthwhile experience. It is a welcome challenge for fans of first-person shooters seeking something a little different, and it sets a strong foundation for future additions to the series. I score Doom: The Dark Ages a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://amzn.to/4jF6b8J

REVIEW: The Precinct (2025 Video Game) Law, Order, and a Touch of Neon Noir - Out On Xbox Now

Game provided free by Fallen Tree Games

Review by Jon Donnis

In an era where open-world games often lean toward playing the villain, The Precinct dares to flip the badge. Developed by Fallen Tree Games and published by Kwalee, this action-adventure title puts players in the polished shoes of rookie officer Nick Cordell Jr., patrolling the rain-slicked streets of Averno City, a fictional metropolis modelled after 1980s New York. Instead of carjackings and chaos, you'll be issuing tickets, responding to 911 calls, and slowly uncovering the truth behind your father's mysterious death.

This is more than just another sandbox title. It's a love letter to classic cop dramas and a rare attempt to blend police simulator mechanics with high-octane chases and cinematic flair.

A Living City in 1983

Averno City is the star of the show. With its neon-lit back alleys, foggy parks, and graffitied subway platforms, it drips atmosphere. Dynamic weather and a day-night cycle bring life to the world, and while the map isn't massive by modern standards, it is densely packed with detail. From the financial district's towering glass monoliths to the crumbling tenements of the inner boroughs, The Precinct captures the look and feel of a noir-styled East Coast city on the brink.

What sets this city apart is its vibrancy. Pedestrians go about their lives. Criminals break into cars or sprint through traffic. You're not just chasing scripted events. The game generates crimes across the map, prompting you to respond in real time. It makes every shift feel unique.

Cop Drama, With a Twist

You play as Nick Cordell Jr., son of the late police chief, and the story threads that follow his personal and professional life are surprisingly engaging. The narrative unfolds gradually, rooted in gang conspiracies, political cover-ups, and the legacy of his father's death. It's nothing revolutionary, but it serves the tone well and gives purpose to your beat patrols.

Gameplay mirrors the duties of a real patrol officer, taking cues from titles like Police Quest. You'll write parking tickets, read Miranda rights, book suspects at the station, and call for backup. Your starting kit includes a .38 revolver, baton, and taser, all of which feel authentic. The use-of-force system encourages restraint, rewarding players who follow proper procedure rather than blasting through every situation.

Of course, the action heats up often enough. Car chases, shootouts, and helicopter pursuits punctuate the quieter moments, keeping the pace varied. The combat can feel a little rough early on, particularly in shootouts, but the aiming assistance options help smooth that out quickly.

Playing in Shifts

The Precinct thrives in shorter play sessions. The structure of completing a "shift" works naturally with the game's slightly repetitive loop. It doesn't quite hold up for marathon sessions, but it is perfect for dipping in and out. A quick 30-minute stint still feels meaningful, whether you're busting a drug ring or just calming down a heated parking dispute.

Voice acting and sound design are top notch. The chatter of the streets, the crackle of the radio, the crunch of tyres on wet pavement, all of it feeds into the immersive, cinematic mood. The synth-heavy soundtrack feels period-appropriate and drives home that noir cop drama aesthetic.

A Few Scuffs on the Badge

There are a few minor issues. Occasionally, bugs crop up, such as NPCs glitching or animations stuttering, but nothing game-breaking. The combat, particularly firearms handling, lacks polish early on. However, the more you play, the more natural it feels.

More critically, the gameplay loop can begin to feel repetitive. There is plenty to do, but the core tasks cycle back quickly. This is where post-launch support and DLC could make a huge difference. The game world cries out for expansion.

Final Verdict

The Precinct is a refreshing take on the sandbox genre. It succeeds in creating a compelling cop simulator that is both fun and atmospheric. Its strongest asset is its ability to make you want to play "just one more shift". Between the rich setting, the noir-infused storytelling, and the satisfying gameplay systems, there's a lot here to love.

It is not perfect, but it doesn't need to be. What matters is that The Precinct delivers a new kind of open-world experience, and it does so with real style. With future updates or expansions, it could easily grow into a beloved franchise.

Score: 8.5 out of 10

Out Now on Xbox - https://amzn.to/4jjraO2