DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One

The gameplay in *Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One* has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it retains the core mechanics of the base game, it introduces frustrating new elements that can disrupt the flow of combat. Critics highlight the increased difficulty and reliance on specific strategies, particularly with new enemy types like spirits that can feel tedious and unbalanced, leading to a more grindy experience rather than the fast-paced action fans expect. Overall, while some players appreciate the challenge and the beautiful level design, others find the gameplay changes detract from the enjoyment, making it less accessible for casual players.

The music in the DLC has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over the absence of composer Mick Gordon, whose work set a high standard in the base game. While some praise the new soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult and David Levy for its intensity and fitting atmosphere, others find it lacks the memorable impact and energy of Gordon's compositions, describing it as repetitive or too quiet during gameplay. Overall, the new music is seen as a decent but not fully satisfying replacement, with many hoping for a return to Gordon's style in future installments.

The graphics in the game are consistently praised for their stunning visuals and impressive art style, maintaining the high standards set by Doom Eternal. Players appreciate the diverse aesthetics across different levels, with many describing the environments as gorgeous and well-designed. However, some critiques mention that certain areas may feel overly shiny or less engaging compared to previous titles, yet overall, the graphics remain a standout feature of the game.

The grinding aspect of the DLC has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and frustrating, with many players feeling that the combat encounters are artificially prolonged and lack the engaging challenge found in the base game. Reviewers frequently mention the overpopulation of enemies, particularly the spirit-possessed marauder, which turns battles into monotonous endurance tests rather than enjoyable challenges. Overall, the DLC is seen as a disappointing departure from the fast-paced, exhilarating gameplay of Doom Eternal, with many encounters described as tedious and unbalanced.

The stability of the DLC has received significant criticism, with many users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. While some players noted minor issues, the consensus is that the DLC feels less polished than the base game, with specific complaints about buggy mechanics, frustrating enemy encounters, and game-breaking glitches. Overall, the stability issues have led to a mixed reception, with many recommending a wait for patches before diving in.

The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding comedic value in the absurdity of certain enemies and situations, such as the giant tentacles and the interactions with the intern character. While some reviews highlight the humor as a positive aspect, others criticize the writing and over-the-top scenarios as unfunny or excessive. Overall, the game's humor seems to resonate with those who appreciate its irreverent tone, while others feel it detracts from the experience.

The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance on high-end systems, while others report significant issues such as frame stuttering, lag, and crashes, particularly in the DLC. Many users noted that the expansion feels less optimized compared to the base game, leading to frustration with performance degradation and bugs. Overall, while the visuals are commendable, the inconsistent performance across different setups has left many players disappointed.

The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and cinematic quality, with many reviewers noting the impressive level design and environmental details that enhance the overall experience. The soundtrack, while different from Mick Gordon's iconic style, is still considered effective in complementing the game's chaotic and dramatic settings. Overall, the combination of unique environments, engaging music, and intense gameplay creates a captivating atmosphere that resonates well with players.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while many players appreciate the challenging maps and various modes that enhance replay value, others find the lack of progression and collectibles detracts from the experience. Some reviews highlight that the arenas provide significant replay potential, especially for fans of the genre, while others feel the long levels and frustrating encounters limit enjoyment. Overall, it seems that replayability is highly dependent on individual player preferences and tolerance for challenge.

Players express a mix of frustration and emotional exhaustion with the DLC, often feeling overwhelmed by its difficulty and lack of engaging narrative. While some moments evoke a sense of achievement, such as defeating tough enemies, many reviewers report that the experience is more taxing than rewarding, leading to feelings of disappointment and a desire to return to the base game instead. Overall, the emotional impact is characterized by a struggle between moments of triumph and overwhelming frustration.

The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a "cash grab" due to the presence of microtransactions and time-restricted content that contradicts earlier promises from the developers. Despite being marketed as a full-priced title, the reliance on additional purchases has left a sour taste, leading to frustration over perceived greed in the gaming industry. Overall, players advise caution regarding spending, suggesting that the game's value does not justify its price.