"DOOM: The Dark Ages' Physical Copy Demands 80 GB Download, Angering Fans"

Fans of DOOM: The Dark Ages have been left furious after discovering that the physical edition of the game comes with only an 85 MB disc. This revelation came to light when some retailers shipped the game earlier than anticipated, even before the premium edition's 2-day early access period set for May 15. However, the excitement quickly turned to frustration as players realized they needed to download over 80 GB of data to actually play the game. This was confirmed by Twitter (X) user @DoesItPlay1 on May 9, who shared screenshots from their PS5 showing the game disc's minimal file size and the subsequent requirement for an internet connection to download the rest of the game.

The backlash has been significant, with fans expressing their disappointment in Bethesda's handling of the physical copies. Many feel that the inclusion of a disc is a waste of resources, as it does not contain the full game. Some fans have decided to wait for the digital release to avoid the hassle. It's clear that this decision by Bethesda has been met with widespread disapproval, leaving fans with no option but to download a substantial amount of data at launch.

Despite the controversy surrounding the physical edition, early impressions of DOOM: The Dark Ages have been overwhelmingly positive. Based on various Reddit posts, players who have accessed the game early have shared glowing reviews of its story, UI, weapons, and more. Reddit user TCXIV, who received the collector's edition, described the game as an "amazing game, what a trip," and shared numerous screenshots showcasing different elements of the game, including menus, the interface, bestiary, demons, cutscenes, and major spoiler moments.

At Game8, we've given DOOM: The Dark Ages a score of 88 out of 100, praising its brutal renaissance of the DOOM series. The game trades the aerial flair of DOOM (2016) and Eternal for a grittier, boots-on-the-ground combat loop. For a more in-depth look at our thoughts on the game, be sure to check out our detailed article below.