Doom: Dark Ages Inspired by Eternal's Marauder

When director Hugo Martin revealed that the core philosophy behind Doom: The Dark Ages was "stand and fight" during Xbox’s Developer Direct, I was immediately captivated. This approach starkly contrasts with Doom Eternal, which thrived on fast-paced, dynamic combat. However, Doom Eternal did introduce one enemy that forced players to adopt a "stand and fight" mentality—the Marauder. This adversary, one of the most polarizing enemies in the franchise, is despised by many yet adored by me. The revelation that Doom: The Dark Ages combat hinges on reacting to bright green lights—the same key element to defeating the Marauder—solidified my excitement for the game.

Rest assured, The Dark Ages doesn't trap you in a one-on-one showdown with an enemy as tricky as Eternal's Marauder. Although there's the Agaddon Hunter, equipped with a bulletproof shield and a lethal combo attack, the essence of Eternal's challenging encounters permeates the entire enemy roster in The Dark Ages. The concepts behind the Marauder have been reimagined, refined, and integrated into the core combat mechanics, resulting in battles that carry the strategic depth of a Marauder fight without the same level of frustration.

The Marauder presents a unique challenge in Doom Eternal. Typically, combat in Eternal involves dashing around arenas, mowing down lesser enemies while juggling larger threats. Eternal has been dubbed a management game, not just for resources but for controlling the battlefield through speed, positioning, and weapon choice. The Marauder disrupts this dynamic, demanding undivided attention, often in isolated battles. When encountered amidst other foes, the best strategy is to dodge its attacks, clear the area, and then confront it head-on.

Doom Eternal's Marauder is one of the most controversial enemies in FPS history. | Image credit: id Software / Bethesda

Standing still isn't the key here; it's about dominating the battlefield through strategic positioning. Too close, and the Marauder's shotgun blast is nearly impossible to avoid. Too far, and you're pelted with easily dodged projectiles but out of reach for his axe swing. The trick is to stay within the sweet spot where he'll attempt an axe attack, leaving him vulnerable during the wind-up animation. His energy shield blocks all other attacks, so you must wait for his eyes to flash bright green, signaling your brief window to strike.

This flash of bright green is similarly crucial in Doom: The Dark Ages. Paying homage to the original Doom, demons unleash barrages of projectiles, among which are special green missiles that can be parried with the Doom Slayer's new shield, sending them back at the attackers. Initially, this parry serves a defensive purpose, but later, with the shield's rune system unlocked, it becomes a potent offensive tool, stunning foes with lightning or triggering an auto-targeting cannon.

Navigating The Dark Ages' battlefields involves a series of focused one-on-one engagements with various formidable demons. While survival doesn't hinge solely on the green lights, mastering the shield runes makes parrying a key element of your arsenal. Integrating this into your combat strategy reveals the shared roots between The Dark Ages' parry system and Eternal's Marauder battles. You must find the optimal distance, as demons won't fire at close range, and then maneuver to intercept the green orbs, requiring quick reflexes to execute the parry successfully. This focus transforms your journey into a series of intense, individual showdowns, embodying the "stand and fight" ethos.

The Marauder's primary criticism was its disruption of Doom Eternal's flow, forcing players to abandon established tactics. This shift is precisely why I appreciate the Marauder: it challenges you to adapt in ways the rest of the game does not. Doom Eternal broke the norms of first-person shooters, and the Marauder broke those new rules, presenting the ultimate test. While I enjoy this challenge, I understand the frustration it caused for others.

Though the Agaddon Hunter might resemble the Marauder the most in The Dark Ages, every demon carries a piece of Eternal's most fearsome enemy. | Image credit: id Software / Bethesda

Doom: The Dark Ages addresses this issue by integrating diverse combat styles into its overall battle strategy. Each major enemy type features a unique green projectile or melee attack, requiring different approaches. For instance, the Mancubus launches wide energy "fences" with green "pillars" that you must dodge to parry effectively. The Vagary sends volleys of deadly spheres, compelling you to dash and intercept the deflectable rows. The skeletal Revenant mimics the Marauder closely, remaining invulnerable until you parry its green skulls fired from shoulder launchers.

With each demon requiring distinct maneuvers, the introduction of new enemies feels seamless rather than jarring. While the Agaddon Hunter and Komodo present significant challenges with their melee attacks, you're well-prepared to adapt by the time they appear. The Marauder's design was never the issue; it was the unexpected shift in gameplay that players weren't ready for. Doom: The Dark Ages prepares you for similar mechanics by making reaction-based combat integral to the entire experience, rather than a sudden twist. This change might reduce the challenge compared to the Marauder's tight timing, but the essence of locking step with an enemy, waiting for the right moment, and striking when the green light signals remains central to every fight. Doom: The Dark Ages offers a fresh take on these concepts, yet they remain unmistakably connected to the Marauder's legacy. You stand and you fight.