Fans of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* have been hit with a major disappointment regarding the game's physical edition, leading to a wave of pre-order cancellations. The issue stems from the game disc containing only 85 MB of data, which is far from enough to play the game. Players are required to download over 80 GB of additional content to get started, a revelation that has come to light after several retailers shipped the game ahead of its official release date.
The frustration was highlighted by Twitter (X) user @DoesItPlay1, who specializes in game preservation and the review of physical game editions. In a post, @DoesItPlay1 pointed out the shortcomings of the physical release, noting that *DOOM: The Dark Ages* necessitates an internet connection for updates to be playable. This requirement has sparked significant backlash from the gaming community, with many expressing their disappointment and opting to cancel their pre-orders in favor of waiting for the digital release.
The core issue for many fans is the desire for a fully functional physical copy that doesn't require an internet connection to enjoy. The feeling of not truly owning the game because of these mandatory downloads has led to widespread discontent. Despite this, some early recipients of the game have shared positive experiences on Reddit, praising the game for its return to a more grounded, intense combat experience, which marks a departure from the aerial dynamics of *DOOM (2016)* and *DOOM Eternal*.
Here at Game8, we've reviewed *DOOM: The Dark Ages* and awarded it an impressive 88 out of 100. Our review highlights the game's successful revival of the *DOOM* series with a focus on gritty, boots-on-the-ground combat. For a deeper dive into our thoughts on the game, feel free to check out our detailed article below!
Fans Cancel Their Pre-Orders
