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 mere 85 MB. This revelation has caused a stir, as players are required to download an additional 80 GB to fully enjoy the game. This issue came to light after several retailers mistakenly shipped the game ahead of its official release date.
The controversy was highlighted by a recent post on Twitter (X) from user @DoesItPlay1, a dedicated account focused on game preservation and the quality of physical game editions. They pointed out that *DOOM: The Dark Ages* requires an internet connection to update and become playable, which has sparked a significant backlash among fans. Many have voiced their frustration on social media, with a number of them deciding to cancel their pre-orders and wait for the digital release instead. The sentiment among the community is clear: they value having a fully functional physical copy without the need for an internet connection, feeling that the current setup diminishes their sense of ownership over the game.
Despite the uproar over the physical edition, early recipients of the game have taken to Reddit to share their positive experiences, praising *DOOM: The Dark Ages* for its gameplay. Here at Game8, we've given the game a high score of 88 out of 100, applauding its return to the series' roots with a gritty, boots-on-the-ground combat style that diverges from the aerial dynamics of *DOOM (2016)* and *Eternal*. For a deeper dive into our review, feel free to check out our detailed article below!
DOOM: The Dark Ages Pre-Launch Updates
Fans Cancel Their Pre-Orders
The backlash against the physical edition of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* has led to a wave of pre-order cancellations. The minimal content on the disc, coupled with the necessity for a large download, has not sat well with the fanbase. @DoesItPlay1's post on Twitter (X) has become a rallying point for fans to voice their concerns and share their disappointment with Bethesda's decision.
Despite the controversy, those who have managed to play the game early have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback on platforms like Reddit. They commend the game for its engaging gameplay and the return to a more grounded combat experience. Our review at Game8 reflects this sentiment, awarding *DOOM: The Dark Ages* an impressive 88 out of 100. For more insights into what makes this game stand out, be sure to read our full review below!
