I originally could not recommend this game due to the intrusive Denuvo Anti-Cheat software that was installed on players' computers with kernel-level privileges intrusively and without notification. Thankfully, this decision was reversed in response to public outcry so I can now review the game on its own merits, although the entire situation has left a bad taste in my mouth and does color my impression of the game overall.

I doubt I need to go into too much detail regarding the overall gameplay, seeing how similar it is compared to its predecessor. So I will focus on some of the main changes this iteration in the series has made and my impression of them. Chief among these is the addition of a light "resource management" mechanic that restricts the amount of consumables you can find lying around the world in exchange for a series of new combat moves. When used successfully these will produce a drop of the corresponding resource, and upgrade points can be used to upgrade them as you progress. I have mixed feelings about this personally. On one hand, it encourages the player to diversify their moveset and add a new level of challenge, while on the other it can be a lot to remember on top of everything else in an already-hectic game. Plus getting stuck between encounters with no ammo or low health can be punishing if you can't find any pickups, especially on higher difficulties.

Efforts to add variety to the gameplay have also been made, as you might expect. Overall I appreciated the way they did this. Platforming elements have been added with a simple yet challenging at times multi-jump and mid-air dash mechanic. They can be satisfying once you get the timing down and the sections seem to be just long enough that they break up the gameplay but don't overstay their welcome. The moves you obtain here really shine during crowded gunfights, where you can swing between poles raining down death on demons below.

One of the most controversial additions to this entry in the franchise is the new enemy, the Marauder. This demon has an impenetrable shield he can bring up at any time so a frontal assault is always a fruitless endeavor. As if that weren't enough, if you manage to accidentally hit his shield he promptly summons a ghost dog to attack you. This leaves the only way to effectively beat him being to bait him until he lowers his shield and hit him with a series of blasts from the game's most powerful weapons before he recovers. You can also hit him with splash damage from behind with explosives from behind, but this can be a tough strategy as he is charging you nearly constantly. Add to this that he has exceedingly high health so you have to repeat this process multiple times. People's opinions on this enemy are mixed, but I personally find it to feel very cheap, as well as completely bringing the series' signature smooth frantic gameplay to a grinding halt as you give it your complete and undivided attention. It just isn't fun and made me put off completing the game due to frustration.

All things being said, if you enjoyed DOOM 2016 you'll probably like this. As long as you're aware of the differences between the games the phenomenal gunplay is still a standout that gets your blood pumping like nothing else. However, this is all clouded by the multiple controversies surrounding the game (mainly the previously mentioned security risk), making this a very tentative recommendation from me. I still prefer the first game personally, but it's hard to complain about a continuation of a winning formula.