If players thought Doom Eternal felt lore-heavy after Doom 2016, The Ancient Gods is the glorious payoff, making that campaign better in retrospect and prepping for a hell of a finale that aims to cap off the entire reboot series.

While we may regret the rather light content and some less successful arenas, it is difficult to resist our pleasure by browsing the 3 levels that make up this DLC. The DOOM experience is as strong as ever and we can't wait to see what happens next.

The Ancient Gods Part 1 does what Doom expansions always used to: provides more Doom, but makes it harder. Its new enemies are more of an annoyance than a fun challenge but there were already more than enough tricks up Eternal’s sleeves to build on for increasingly tough battles. I recommend a bit of practice on Eternal proper before you dive into this DLC, but once you do you’ll find that the rush of combat is as satisfying as ever.

Extremely challenging in an artificial way, not perfectly polished and lacking the music of Mick Gordon: The Ancient Gods – Part One doesn’t fully continue the Doom Eternal glory. Still, it offers a pleasant torture for the most fanatical Doom-sadomasochists, situated in three beautiful levels in which you’ll be challenged more than the two main games combined. Nightmare insanity!

The Ancient Gods: Part One on Xbox One changes nothing fundamental from DOOM Eternal, but instead dials up the demon slaying up to eleven. It’s worth battling through as there’s still fun to be had, but you’ll have to work a lot harder for it.

Despite some new and enduring weak spots, Doom Eternal's frantic combat (mostly) continues to shine through. Once you get back into the swing of the action, the rock-paper-scissors design philosophy still results in a great time. I just wish Doom Eternal could get out of its own way.