Fans of DOOM: The Dark Ages have been hit with a wave of disappointment following the revelation that the game's physical edition comes with a mere 85 MB disc. This news has led to a significant number of pre-order cancellations, as players find themselves facing the necessity of downloading over 80 GB to play the game. The issue came to light after several retailers mistakenly shipped the game before its official release date.
The controversy was highlighted by a Twitter (X) post from @DoesItPlay1, a user known for focusing on game preservation and reviewing physical editions to ensure they work without internet requirements. In their post, they expressed concerns about the 85 MB disc and how DOOM: The Dark Ages requires an internet connection to update and become playable. This sparked a flurry of reactions from fans, many of whom voiced their frustration and disappointment on the platform. A significant portion of the fanbase has decided to cancel their pre-orders, opting instead to wait for the digital release. The sentiment among these fans is clear: they prefer a physical copy that's ready to play without needing an internet connection, as this makes them feel like they truly own the game.
Despite the backlash, some early recipients of the physical copy have taken to Reddit to share positive experiences, praising the game's quality. Here at Game8, we've rated DOOM: The Dark Ages an impressive 88 out of 100. Our review highlights the game's brutal renaissance of the DOOM series, which shifts from the aerial flair of DOOM (2016) and Eternal to a grittier, boots-on-the-ground combat loop. For a more in-depth look at our thoughts on the game, feel free to check out our detailed article below.
