As part of the recent Xbox Developer Direct, we got a lot of new details for DOOM The Dark Ages, the big news is of course the May 15 release date. Check out the new gameplay trailer for the game below.

There is a lot of new information to get through for the game, so lets jump in. First up you can still run and shoot like in past DOOM games, so the shield won’t get in the way of that, but it will make things more interesting.

This all-new Shield Saw will allow players to block, parry, deflect and even barrelling through the enemy onslaught from a distance with the mighty Shield Bash. Perhaps the most interesting part is that its all done with a single button, with the game knowing what you need at the right time. You can even live out your Captain American dreams and throw your shield towards your enemies and will saw them as it flies past, before returning to you, doing damage on the way back. The shield can even stick into some enemies, dealing out continuous damage and if that was not enough, you can be pulled towards the shield, perfect for helping you clear larger gaps.

But that is not all that is new, players will also find DOOM-ified melee offerings like a deadly flail, spiked mace or an electrified gauntlet. Like the Shield Saw, the melee offerings are tied to a single button, which means you won’t need to decide on which weapon you want to beat your foes with, the game will pick the right one for the right enemy.

The element that I am most excited for is that the slayer kills are returning, but unlike DOOM 2014 and DOOM Eternal, they are not canned animations, meaning they won’t stop you slay play. The new system is dynamic, which means that if you kick them they go flying, jump up and then melee them and you might drive them into the ground, the angle at which you approach and the attack you do, will change up the result.

We also got details on the Atlan, that giant mech suit that we saw in the reveal trailer for the game and your dragon mount. Both additions are not just one use only, as the game is promising more use with each, plus each has a series of weapons you will want to make use of.

Finally, the last big reveal from the Xbox Developer Direct, the game will let you approach things as you see fit. Players will be able to utilise techniques in the environment, such as breaking down loose barricades with your Shield Bash, to uncover secrets. Spend your collected spoils of war to upgrade your equipment and enhance your abilities, becoming an even greater asset in your campaign against evil.

One important part of the series is the iconic score by composed Mick Gordon. While he crafted the other two games, there was a falling out between him and the studio, so he is not returning. Instead the score will be composed by Finishing Move, who have composed scores for Borderlands, Halo and Crackdown in the past.

DOOM The Dark Ages is coming out on May 15th for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. Those who purchase the Premium Edition or Collector’s Bundle will receive up to two-day early access, campaign DLC, Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack. The DOOM: The Dark Ages Collector’s Bundle includes:

• 12” DOOM Slayer Statue (PVC)

• Metal Red Key Card Replica

• SteelBook® Case

• Game Disc + All Premium Edition Content

We also got some new screens to enjoy.

Ok now finally, if you wanted to watch the entire DOOM The Dark Ages presentation from the Xbox Developer Direct, you can do that below.