id Software has released "Revelations," a substantial expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages, marking a conclusion to the current chapter of the venerable franchise. This DLC arrives a decade after id Software's successful reboot of Doom in 2016, which was followed by Doom Eternal and its own DLC, and then last year's medieval-themed prequel, The Dark Ages.
The release of "Revelations" comes at a somber time for id Software and its parent company Xbox, following recent significant layoffs. The expansion aims to bridge the narrative gap between The Dark Ages and the 2016 reboot, presenting a culmination of id Software's recent design choices, both successful and questionable.
"Revelations" sees the Doom Slayer embarking on a mission to dismantle the High Council of Hell. His initial plan is thwarted, leading to his imprisonment in purgatory. A mysterious demon intervenes, equipping the Slayer with a new chain spear and tasking him with collecting magical stones to escape and confront the true mastermind.
While the premise is straightforward, the expansion, like its recent predecessors, leans heavily into cutscenes and dialogue. Though well-acted and visually impressive, the extensive narrative elements, detailing various demonic factions and lore, often overshadow the action. The initial hours of "Revelations" can be a slow burn, with the new chain spear feeling less intuitive than the shield, and its grappling hook function feeling out of step with the more grounded combat of The Dark Ages. This initial dissatisfaction led to a temporary pause in play for some reviewers.
However, the experience improves significantly as the expansion progresses. Upon regaining the repaired shield and exploring purgatory's diverse realms, the focus shifts back to intense combat encounters against large numbers of demons. The combination of the spear and shield becomes a key gameplay element. The shield excels at blocking attacks, while the spear's dash and grapple-chain abilities enhance the Slayer's mobility in larger arenas. The expansion also introduces surprisingly complex puzzles that utilize both the spear and shield mechanics, at times reminiscent of Portal's environmental challenges.
A point of contention for some is the addition of new skill trees and upgrade systems, which are seen as an unnecessary layer of complexity for a character whose primary function is demon slaying. The visual of the Slayer appearing in numerous cutscenes without his iconic helmet has also been noted, making him feel less like a fearsome force and more like a character with extensive backstory.
The expansion's conclusion brings back the lore-heavy cutscenes, which some players may find detracts from the core demon-slaying experience. Ultimately, "Revelations" successfully concludes The Dark Ages, with its ending neatly aligning with the start of Doom (2016), though narrative connective tissue between the DLC's finale and the reboot's opening is implied but not fully detailed.
The future of id Software remains uncertain following the recent layoffs, leaving the prospect of future Doom titles in question. Nevertheless, the enduring legacy of the franchise, coupled with the dedication of its development team, suggests that both Doom and its creators will eventually return, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.