DOOM The Dark Ages draws inspiration from Frank Miller's Batman

Heavy and powerful Slayer!

After the release of new gameplay and release date, the fans are really excited for the DOOM The Dark Ages. This time, the slayer is going to be more like a tank: Heavy, strong and more powerful.

Hugo Martin, the creative director at ID Software has revealed that they were inspired by Batman comics to give a similar Slayer with more dominance. Let’s check out more details in this article.

DOOM: The Dark Ages releases on May 15th, 2025. pic.twitter.com/HorR3PRA1j

— MidnightTheSpartan (@MrMidnai) January 23, 2025

The inspiration from Frank Miller’s Batman

In an era where game characters frequently get more agile with each sequel, id Software has chosen to pivot, revealing a new aspect of the Doom Slayer’s powers by enhancing his physical strength and presence, similar to Miller’s portrayal of Batman.

Hugo Martin, the creative director at id Software, said in a Q&A session with True Achievements that Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight series had a significant influence on the design of the new Slayer in DOOM The Dark Ages.

“He showed a depiction of Batman that was huge. He was amazing. He was powerful. He looked like a tank,” Martin explained. That is how they wanted to make their Slayer pretty similar to that.

The leaked codename, DOOM Year Zero, was a direct reference to Batman: Year One, highlighting Miller’s influence on the game’s thematic elements.

Martin stated that following DOOM Eternal, which tested mobility to its limits, they believed there was a new “Doom Slayer power fantasy” to explore. “There was no more speed and acrobatics to pull out of DOOM Eternal,” he explained, emphasizing the transition from acrobatics to raw power. The new gameplay concepts, such as piloting an Atlan mech and riding a dragon, suit this new, heavier approach.

Martin emphasized the new Slayer’s physicality: “He’s not easy. We’re constantly refining how heavy he feels. When he walks, you can hear it. Everything he does is big and powerful, and it feels awesome.” This design choice aims to provide players with a visceral sense of power and impact with every move the Slayer makes.

After looking at the new DOOM The Dark Ages gameplay at the Xbox Developers Direct event, I think they really nailed it. This Slayer is really bada** and I liked how much aura he has while he fights the demons head-on.

Also Read: DOOM The Dark Ages PC requirements & multiplayer game mode details

This time, we also have a huge mecha that players can ride and kill some huge demons, while a dragon has some guns and you can fly around. This also highlights some inspiration taken from Batman as well in DOOM The Dark Ages.

The game is slated to release on May 15, 2025 and will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC and Xbox Game Pass. Are you excited for DOOM The Dark Ages? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

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