The recent release ofDoom: The Dark Agesis shaping up to be another positive step in the longstanding and iconic shooter franchise, further giving the series' new identity a chance to really shine. It is no secret thatThe Dark Agesstands as one of the most unique entries that theDoomIP has received in some time; its unusual setting focuses on a deeply fascinating era of the franchise’s lore and Doom Guy’s overarching story.
This ambitious core setting forDoom: The Dark Agesperfectly lends itself to some big gameplay changes, with the title adopting a more open level design, increased exploration and travel options, as well as an exciting range of fresh combat mechanics. One of the most integral and defining gameplay changes associated withThe Dark Agesis the introduction of the Shield Saw. This weapon is one of the most commonly used thanks to its crowd control and damage absorption abilities. The Shield Saw is already fighting for a deserved place in the Doom Slayer’s iconic arsenal of weapons, and a future combination of the Shield Saw and the Crucible sword seems like an opportunity that is too good to pass up.
A Saw Shield and Crucible Sword Combo Would Be the Ultimate Testament to Doom’s Recent Ambition
Doom: The Dark Agestells the story of theDoom Slayer’s time protecting the ancient world of Argent D’Nurin an uneasy alliance with the planet’s Night Sentinels. It’s an excellent setting to further showcase the might and legacy of the franchise’s powerful protagonist. The factions, themes, and imagery ofThe Dark Agesare very Medieval in nature, so it only makes sense for this inspiration to extend to the new weapons of the title.
In terms of the franchise’s wider timeline,Doom: The Dark Agestakes place betweenDoom 64and 2016’sDOOM.
One of thefirst weapons found inDoom:The Dark Agesis the Shield, which is quickly upgraded to the Shield Saw, leaning into the exaggerated Medieval themes of the project. The Shield Saw can be used to parry and reflect certain attacks, as well as simply absorbing damage or bursting into a combat engagement with explosive power. In its Shield Saw form, the weapon can be thrown and recalled to stun enemies and pierce through metal, making it one of the most versatile additions to the Slayer’s arsenal.
The power and utility of the Shield Saw has understandably drawn some comparisons between the weapon and the Crucible, a powerful weapon that first appeared in 2016’sDOOMbefore becomingan iconic usable item inDoom Eternal. When used as a weapon, the Crucible draws concentrated power into a beam of red energy that acts as a blade, which is extremely effective against Hell’s most powerful demons and thus quickly became a fan-favorite weapon of choice inEternal.
Doom’s Ties to Melee Combat Makes a Shield and Crucible Combo a No-Brainer
While it may not have made sense for a Crucible blade to appear inDoom: The Dark Ageslore-wise, the classic sword and shield archetype begs the opportunity for players to simultaneously weld the Crucible alongside the Shield Saw in a futureDoomgame. The close-quarters nature of both weapons would make for some extremely powerful and varied combinations when used smartly, bringingthe historic role of melee combat in theDoomfranchiseto a memorable crescendo.
The Dark Agesproves that there are still so many concepts that theDoomfranchise has at its disposal going forward, and an overlap of the Crucible and Shield Saw in a future project could be a fantastic way to create some truly memorable sequences that combine two beloved weapons. While iD Software should maintain its clear focus on introducing fresh experiences to theDoomfranchise built around a consistent formula,the dual-wield potential of the Crucible and Shield Sawshould not go to waste.
