Doom: The Dark Ages totally flips the script on the classic Doom formula by ditching those tight, claustrophobic corridors for massive, sprawling levels that beg to be explored. It's a whole new vibe, man. While not every chapter is a vast open world, the ones that are come packed with secrets—hidden gold, shiny rubies, mysterious wraithstones, collectible toys, and slick weapon skins, most locked behind doors needing specific color-coded keys or key cards. Hunting for 100% completion with pinged challenges on these maps is an absolute blast, making looting feel incredibly rewarding. But hold up, because the game takes things to a whole new level with two game-changers: epic, large-scale Atlan battles and the star of the show, flying astride the adorable yet ferocious Mecha Dragon, Serrat. The Atlan fights are cool and a nice break from the usual run-gun-parry chaos, but let's be real, Serrat is where it's at. This feature doesn't just add a new layer; it fundamentally expands how players interact with the world, creating a dynamic synergy with the core gameplay that's pure genius.
Serrat: More Than Just a Gimmick, It's a Game-Changer 🐉✈️
Controlling Serrat isn't some tacked-on feature; it's a core, immersive experience that seamlessly bridges different parts of a level. Imagine this: you're soaring on red Argent energy wings at insane speeds, the wind (or whatever passes for it in Hell) rushing past. The gameplay loop with Serrat is brilliantly simple yet engaging:
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Exploration on Steroids: Fly across breathtaking vistas that were previously just background scenery.
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Aerial Combat: Engage turrets and enemies mid-flight, using the game's signature color-coded parry/dodge system even while in the air. Talk about skill transfer!
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Seamless Transition: Land on specific platforms to dismount and continue your demon-slaying on foot. The flow is remarkably smooth.
This marriage of dragon flight and the Slayer's ground-based maneuverability creates the dynamic, fast-paced gameplay the modern Doom series is famous for. If nothing else, Serrat allows the game's scale to expand exponentially. Hopping onto your mechanical dragon between dungeon-like areas isn't just convenient; it's an exhilarating, fluid part of the adventure.
Why Flying Mounts Deserve a Permanent Spot in the Doomiverse
Here's the big question on everyone's mind after playing The Dark Ages: will we ever see flying mounts again? The ending of this prequel leaves room in the timeline before Doom (2016), but with Serrat meeting its end and no flying creatures in the later games, the future is uncertain. id Software killing off Serrat might suggest they're putting a fork in the flight traversal concept. And honestly, that wouldn't be shocking—every Doom game since the 2016 reboot has boldly done its own thing without clinging too tightly to its predecessor's ideas. The shield parries and melee focus already make The Dark Ages unique.
But, debuting such a thrilling feature only to never revisit it? That feels like a major missed opportunity, fam. 🥲 Let's break down why flying mounts should stick around:
| Pro | Con (But Solvable!) |
|---|---|
| Exploration Depth: Unlocks verticality and hidden areas. | Narrative Fit: Serrat's story is done. |
| Pacing Variety: A thrilling change of pace from intense ground combat. | Gameplay Balance: Could make some sections too easy if not designed carefully. |
| Franchise Evolution: Keeps the formula fresh and innovative. | Asset Development: Creating new mounts takes resources. |
The Future is in the Skies: Ideas for Doom's Next Ride
Just because Serrat is gone doesn't mean the concept has to die. The Doom universe is vast and full of possibilities. Here are some lit ideas for future flying mounts:
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Alien Creature Mount in a Doom Eternal Sequel: Picture the Slayer taming and riding some horrific, biomechanical alien beast instead of a dragon. It would be a fresh take while keeping the awesome aerial mobility.
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Leviathan Rider in the Cosmic Realm: If the series ever returns to the Cosmic Realm shown in The Dark Ages, imagine soaring atop a nightmarish, space-faring leviathan. The scale and horror potential would be off the charts!
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Evolving Mechanics: Future mounts could have integrated weapons, special dash abilities, or even the power to temporarily tear through dimensional walls for shortcuts.
Ultimately, flying mounts add a tremendous amount to player agency, exploration, and overall progression. They deserve to play a larger, recurring role in the franchise. Whether it's a new mechanical companion or a terrifying living creature, the sky should no longer be the limit for the Doom Slayer. The success of Serrat proves that when id Software introduces a bold new mechanic, they can execute it in a way that feels authentic and incredibly fun. Here's hoping the next chapter in the saga lets us take flight once again. The potential is, quite literally, sky-high. 🚀
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