Fans of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* are expressing their disappointment and cancelling their pre-orders after discovering that the game's physical disc only contains a meager 85 MB. This revelation has left many players frustrated, as they must download an additional 80 GB to play the game. The issue surfaced when several retailers inadvertently shipped the game ahead of its official release date, leading to widespread dismay among the community.
On Twitter (X), the account @DoesItPlay1, known for its focus on game preservation and reviewing physical editions, highlighted the blunder. They noted that the game requires an internet connection to update and become playable, sparking a significant backlash. Fans voiced their concerns, feeling that the need for an internet connection undermines the ownership of a physical copy. Many have decided to wait for the digital release instead, as they prefer a game that's ready to play straight out of the box.
Despite the controversy surrounding the physical edition, early recipients of the game have shared positive experiences on Reddit, describing *DOOM: The Dark Ages* as an amazing title. At Game8, we awarded the game an impressive 88 out of 100, praising its brutal revival of the *DOOM* series. The game shifts from the aerial acrobatics of *DOOM (2016)* and *Eternal* to a more grounded, gritty combat experience. For a deeper dive into our review, check out our detailed article below!
DOOM: The Dark Ages Pre-Launch Updates
Fans Cancel Their Pre-Orders
The backlash intensified on social media, where @DoesItPlay1's post drew attention to Bethesda's decision and encouraged fans to voice their opinions. The community's response has been overwhelmingly negative, with many feeling cheated by the requirement for a substantial download to access the game they thought they had purchased in full.
Despite the physical edition's shortcomings, the gameplay itself has received high praise. Those who got their hands on the game early have taken to Reddit to share their enthusiasm, highlighting the game's engaging combat and its return to the series' roots. Our review at Game8 echoes these sentiments, commending *DOOM: The Dark Ages* for its innovative approach to the franchise's formula. To learn more about our thoughts on the game, be sure to read our comprehensive review below.
