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

The release of DOOM: The Dark Ages has stirred up significant frustration among its fanbase due to the physical edition's minimal content. The game disc, which was expected to provide a complete gaming experience, contains only a mere 85 MB of data. This has left fans furious, especially since the game was shipped earlier than anticipated by some retailers, even before the premium edition's promised 2-day early access on May 15.

Twitter (X) user @DoesItPlay1, who received the game early, confirmed on May 9 that the PS5 version of the game disc only has a file size of 85.01 MB. Players are required to download over 80 GB of additional data to actually play the game. This revelation has sparked widespread disappointment among fans, many of whom feel that the physical disc is essentially useless and a waste of resources. Some fans have expressed their discontent by deciding to wait for the digital release instead. Bethesda's decision to include such a small portion of the game on the disc has been met with criticism, leaving fans with no choice but to download a substantial amount of data upon launch.

Despite the controversy surrounding its physical edition, DOOM: The Dark Ages has received glowing reviews from those who have played it. Reddit user TCXIV, who got their hands on the collector’s edition, described the game as an "amazing trip" and shared numerous screenshots showcasing various elements such as menus, interface, bestiary, demons, cutscenes, and major spoiler moments. The community's feedback highlights the game's impressive features and engaging gameplay.

Here 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 shifts away from the aerial flair seen in DOOM (2016) and Eternal, focusing instead on a grittier, boots-on-the-ground combat experience. For a deeper dive into our thoughts on the game, feel free to check out our detailed review below.