DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One

The gameplay in "The Ancient Gods - Part One" expansion for *Doom Eternal* has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it retains the core mechanics of the base game, it introduces frustrating elements such as the spirit possession mechanic and a significant increase in difficulty that can feel artificial. Some players appreciate the challenge and the need to master the game's mechanics, while others find the new enemy types and mechanics tedious and detrimental to the overall flow of combat. Overall, the expansion is seen as a test of skill that may appeal to dedicated fans but could frustrate 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 Andrew Hulshult and David Levy's compositions are generally regarded as solid and fitting for the game, they are often described as lacking the intensity and memorability of Gordon's tracks, leading to a perception of the music as more background noise than a driving force in gameplay. Overall, while some tracks are praised, many players feel the soundtrack does not reach the same heights as its predecessor, with issues related to volume and repetitiveness also noted.

The graphics in the game have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising the stunning visuals and diverse art styles across the levels. While some noted that the graphics are on par with "Doom Eternal," others highlighted specific environments as particularly beautiful, contributing to the overall immersive experience. However, a few critiques mentioned inconsistencies in texture quality and level design, suggesting that while the aesthetics are impressive, they do not always translate to engaging gameplay.

The grinding aspect of the DLC has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and frustrating, with many players noting that combat encounters feel drawn out and unbalanced. The introduction of new enemy mechanics, particularly those involving possession and increased difficulty, has turned what could be engaging battles into monotonous endurance tests, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. Many reviewers express that the gameplay has shifted from a fun challenge to a grindy experience that lacks the excitement and fluidity of the base game.

The stability of the DLC has been widely criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. While some players found the core gameplay enjoyable, the frequent issues—especially in specific levels and mechanics—led to frustration and a sense of unpolished design. Overall, the DLC is perceived as significantly more buggy than the base game, prompting recommendations to wait for further patches before playing.

The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding the over-the-top elements, like giant tentacles and absurd enemy encounters, genuinely funny, while others feel that the humor often falls flat or feels forced. Characters like the intern provide comedic relief, but the overall writing has been criticized as "hilariously bad." Many reviews suggest that the game's attempts at humor can detract from the gameplay experience, leading to a sense of frustration rather than amusement.

The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its visuals and overall performance, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, crashes, and a decline in frame rates compared to the base game. Many users express frustration over the DLC's lack of optimization, noting that it feels unpolished and prone to bugs, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Overall, while the game showcases impressive graphics, the performance problems detract from its potential.

The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its cinematic quality and immersive environments, often described as better than the original campaign. Reviewers highlight the effective use of soundtracks that enhance the mood, with unique atmospheres for each level that evoke feelings of chaos and intensity. Overall, the combination of stunning visuals, engaging music, and well-designed arenas contributes to a compelling and atmospheric gameplay experience.

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 their desire to replay. 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, citing its unrelenting difficulty and tedious combat as mentally taxing rather than rewarding. While some moments, like achieving a precise shot, evoke feelings of empowerment, the overall experience is marred by a lack of engaging storytelling and overwhelming challenges that detract from the enjoyment. Many reviewers indicate a desire to return to the main game instead of replaying the DLC.

The monetization strategy of the game has drawn criticism for its reliance on microtransactions, which contradicts earlier assurances from the game's director that it would not adopt a free-to-play model. Players feel that the inclusion of time-restricted content tied to additional payments reflects a predatory approach typical of the industry, despite the game being sold at a premium price.