So, I saw someone reference The Ancient Gods 1 as the 90s' "Plutonia Experiment" of modern Doom, and I found that to be rather accurate at least due to its difficulty. The Ancient Gods is a DLC addition to Doom Eternal, comprised of two parts. This DLC is the harder, "if you want a more serious challenge" mode of Eternal (which in fairness is pretty challenging as it is for the average player). The count of demons is far higher, and it introduces new mechanics as well that play into the challenge, so here's what it generally has to offer.
The DLC starts pretty much right into the action, although it starts light in preparation for what is to come. It doesn't take long however to get into tense and packed arenas which is where I think it really excels. You'll see the standard affair of demons, but it will throw considerably more high-tier enemies generously around the environment; cyber-mancubus, sometimes multiple marauders, sometimes waves of shield enemies which take away time breaking their shields down with the plasma rifle. And plenty of archviles to buff these already higher counts of demons. I would say that mechanics-wise, the Ancient Gods does not change things up incredibly, but it has a few key differences to make it harder. First of which is probably most noticeable is the possessed spirit enemies. This is a unique but f'ed addition in which a ghostly spirit spawns, inhabits a demon, and thus makes it the most powerful it can possibly be. Not just buffed, but fast, and immune to all effects until killed. When killed, the spirit will need to be killed or it will possess another (potentially higher tier) enemy. TAG1 also introduces a few new enemies, like the Blood Makyr (basically a regular makyr, but more powerful and with a charge up phase that leaves it vulnerable to a headshot).
Ancient Gods had a benefit to me in that it really does take you from arena to arena without a lot of sidetrack or filler. I liked that about this DLC. In terms of story, it's nothing complicated unless you're one to really delve into the lore. After the events of Eternal, forces of Hell overrun the heavens and you must stop them. If you're after lore, you can read the page collectibles which rather than hiding it honestly just places in front of you most of the time. If there is an honest criticism I have for these DLCs (and modern Doom in general, really) it is that it lacks in exploration and secrets, something I felt to be a key part of the series before (TDA improved on this however and returned to form a bit)
So overall, you're going to experience a lot of good arenas and some genuinely challenging fights which make take more than a few attempts. Slayer gates were top tier in this DLC, imo, though while they are optional you may feel like you have to finish them due to just how f'ed they can be in difficulty. Had cool bosses with unique movement required like the cube boss, and the final boss Samur Makyr took advantage of the new spirit enemy mechanics. It was tough, but I found it fun to time the kills in order to clear them and make it to the end of the fight.
I'd say that environments, gameplay, etc wise, it was solid. It's what you'd expect from more Eternal, if that's your thing. Just be ready for more challenge than your average Eternal run.
7.5/10
