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MONSTER

Painkiller

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Painkiller
Item: Painkiller
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 21, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperAnshar Studios

Overview

The classic Painkiller series is back! Battle through Purgatory in fast-paced co-op action, wielding infernal weapons against relentless demonic hordes. Condemned for your sins, the Voice of the Creator offers you a chance at redemption. Will you seize it or be lost to darkness?

Elsewhere

7.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Painkiller's story is a forgettable, underdeveloped shell that prioritizes chaos over coherence, leaving players with hollow stakes and generic tropes while the gameplay struggles to justify its existence.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

60%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews of Painkiller’s story reveal a few scattered positives, though they are overshadowed by broader criticisms. Some critics acknowledge the game’s premise as functional or even intriguing, noting its focus on purgatory, demonic conflicts, and personal stakes. For instance, IGN Italia mentions that the narrative is “minimal” but not entirely unengaging, while Gamereactor UK highlights an “interesting premise” involving celestial forces like Metatron and Azazel. Others, such as Worth Playing, describe the story as “engaging without being overly complex,” suggesting it serves its purpose as a backdrop for action. Additionally, GameBlast and Gameliner note that the narrative, while minimal, provides a basic framework for the gameplay, allowing players to focus on combat. These points indicate that while the story isn’t deeply developed, it at least avoids being outright detrimental to the experience. However, the overwhelming consensus among critics is that Painkiller’s story lacks depth, coherence, and emotional resonance. Multiple reviewers, including Gamepressure, GAMES.CH, and TheSixthAxis, describe the narrative as “generic,” “superficial,” or “minimal,” with characters and dialogue failing to leave an impression. CD-Action calls it “pretextual and bordering on absurdity,” while Impulsegamer and GameSpew criticize its lack of emotional investment and engagement. The story is frequently dismissed as background noise, with Vandal and GameMAG noting that it fades into “background chatter” during gameplay. Even when the plot involves personal stakes—such as Daniel Garner’s quest to reunite with his wife (Cincinnati Enquirer, Armchair Empire)—critics like Digital Chumps and PC Games argue it feels disconnected from the action, lacking character development or meaningful cutscenes. The narrative is consistently seen as a secondary element, prioritizing gameplay over storytelling. Overall, the critics agree that Painkiller’s story is a significant weakness, with most viewing it as a shallow, underdeveloped framework that fails to enhance the experience. While a few reviewers acknowledge its basic structure or thematic elements, the majority emphasize its lack of depth, coherence, and emotional impact. Gamepressure and COGconnected highlight the narrative’s convoluted and unengaging nature, while The Jimquisition notes its forgettability despite extensive playtime. Even when the story attempts to tie into personal stakes or cosmic conflicts, it often falls flat, as seen in critiques from IGN France and Try Hard Guides, who describe it as “minimalistic” or “secondary to gameplay.” The consensus is clear: Painkiller’s story is a missed opportunity, prioritizing action over narrative substance and leaving players with little to connect to beyond the combat.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Painkiller delivers blistering, arcade-style combat and addictive co-op fun but collapses under repetitive missions, clunky design, and a reliance on tired FPS tropes that leave it feeling stale long before the final boss.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Painkiller receives praise for its fast-paced action, engaging gunplay, and cooperative elements. Many reviewers highlight the game’s emphasis on intense, arcade-style combat, with GameSpot noting its “straightforward” focus on fast-paced action and IGN France commending its “solid and fast-paced” mechanics. The variety of weapons, customizable options, and unique systems like the tarot cards (mentioned by AtomicGamer) add depth, while GameBlast and GamingTrend appreciate the satisfying combat that encourages experimentation. Co-op play is frequently praised for enhancing the experience, with ZTGD and GAMES.CH noting that it “significantly” improves enjoyment through shared challenges. The game’s chaotic, run-and-gun style, reminiscent of classics like Doom and Quake (as highlighted by ActionTrip), also earns nods for its adrenaline-fueled appeal. However, the gameplay is heavily criticized for its repetitiveness and lack of innovation. Multiple reviewers, including GameMAG, Multiplayer.it, and PC Format, point to monotonous mission structures, generic enemy encounters, and poorly designed levels that fail to evolve. The forced co-op mechanics often frustrate players, with Gamepressure and COGconnected noting that the “forced co-op design” detracts from solo play, while GameSpew and IGN Adria highlight AI limitations when playing alone. Critics like Game8 and Gamesurf describe the experience as “generic” and “unrewarding,” with XboxEra and Cultured Vultures pointing to linear progression and arena-style combat that grows stale over time. The limited weapon variety (mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and Final Weapon) and repetitive objectives further amplify these issues, leaving many feeling the game lacks depth. Overall, critics agree that Painkiller delivers a thrilling, fast-paced shooter experience with strong co-op elements but struggles to maintain engagement due to its repetitive design. While GameInformers and Digital Chumps acknowledge the fun mechanics and chaotic action, they also concede that the lack of variety and innovation hampers long-term appeal. The game’s reliance on familiar tropes—such as wave-based combat and limited exploration—resonates with fans of classic FPS titles but fails to introduce meaningful new ideas. Despite mixed opinions on its co-op structure, the consensus leans toward a “good but flawed” experience, with G4 TV and ActionTrip praising its nostalgic energy while others like Game8 and Gamesurf find it ultimately unfulfilling. The game’s strengths in combat and cooperative play are overshadowed by its inability to sustain interest beyond initial sessions.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Painkiller’s visuals dazzle with dynamic shadows, chaotic gore, and richly detailed environments, but repetitive biomes, generic designs, and technical flaws undercut its ambition. A competent shooter, not a standout.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Painkiller received a mix of praise for their technical execution, atmospheric elements, and creative ambition. Many critics highlighted the game’s ability to create immersive environments, with 1UP noting its “fantastic graphics” and “unique art style,” while GameSpot praised its “beautiful graphics” and “richly detailed environments.” The game’s use of lighting, shadows, and physics engines like Havok was frequently lauded, with GameRevolution emphasizing its “dynamic shadows” and G4 TV applauding the “visceral visual style” and chaotic gore effects. Impulsegamer and Cultured Vultures appreciated the thematic biomes and arena-level design, while Digital Chumps acknowledged “clever ideas” in environmental concepts. The reboot’s brighter, more colorful aesthetic compared to its predecessors also drew praise from BaziCenter, who noted a shift toward “brighter and more colorful hell,” though this contrasted with some critics’ expectations of darker tones. However, several reviewers criticized the game for its lack of originality and polish. Digital Chumps and GAMES.CH described the environments as “familiar” and “monotonous,” while GameMAG called the art direction “dull and uninspired.” Digitally Downloaded and IGN France pointed to technical shortcomings, such as “uninspired enemy designs” and “uneven textures,” respectively. The Jimquisition found the visuals “too dark and spiky,” making it hard to distinguish enemies from environments, while Gamepressure criticized the “chaotic and cluttered” design. GameSpew and PlayStation Country noted that while some aspects were visually appealing, others felt “drab” or “generic.” Critics like Multiplayer.it and GameBlast also highlighted a lack of creativity in level design, with environments feeling “unorganic” or overly derivative of other games. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Painkiller’s visuals were technically competent and occasionally impressive but struggled to stand out in a crowded genre. While IGN Adria and XboxEra praised its “different graphical styles” and “impressive vistas,” many felt it lacked the innovation or polish of top-tier AAA titles. The game’s strengths—such as its atmospheric gothic themes, detailed environments, and physics-driven action—were often offset by repetitive biomes, generic designs, and technical inconsistencies. GameInformers and Gameliner noted that while the graphics were “outstanding” or “visually appealing,” others like IGN Italia and CD-Action found them “average” or “lacking standout features.” Despite these mixed reactions, the game’s visual ambition and technical execution earned it a place as a competent, if not groundbreaking, entry in the shooter genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Painkiller's heavy metal soundtrack energizes gameplay with immersive, adrenaline-fueled intensity, but its generic, repetitive nature and uneven voice acting undermine memorability, leaving a functional yet unremarkable audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Painkiller received mixed but generally positive reception, with several critics highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing gameplay. Many praised the heavy metal soundtrack for its energetic and immersive qualities, noting that it complements the game’s fast-paced action and intense atmosphere. BaziCenter emphasized the soundtrack as a “highlight,” while GameSpew and IGN Adria appreciated how it contributed to a fun, adrenaline-fueled experience. TheSixthAxis and GameSpot also noted the music’s ability to align with the game’s themes, with GameSpot specifically praising “appropriate enemy sounds” and “spot-on weapon effects.” Additionally, 1UP and Boomtown highlighted dynamic soundscapes, such as varied enemy noises and eerie ambient effects, which added depth to exploration. The metal soundtrack was frequently described as fitting for the game’s tone, with Impulsegamer noting it “enhances the atmosphere during battles” and Gamers’ Temple crediting its intensity for creating an adrenaline-fueled environment. However, several critics found the sound design and music lacking in originality and memorability. Checkpoint Gaming criticized the heavy metal soundtrack as “generic,” while Digitally Downloaded and COGconnected described it as unremarkable and uninspired. CD-Action and GameMAG called the music “flat” and “forgettable,” with DailyGame noting its repetitive nature after extended play. Final Weapon and Try Hard Guides pointed to a lack of diversity in the soundtrack, particularly across different biomes, while IncGamers found the metal style “annoying” and mismatched for the game’s theme. Voice acting was another recurring issue, with Four Fat Chicks criticizing the protagonist’s “poor” performance and Gamepressure stating that AI dialogue overshadowed sound design. Additionally, Gamesurf and GameBlast noted that voice lines were either minimal or drowned out by effects, detracting from immersion. Overall, critics agreed that Painkiller’s sound design and music effectively supported its action-oriented gameplay but fell short of being exceptional. While the heavy metal soundtrack was widely seen as a fitting choice for the game’s intensity—with IGN France praising its “energizing” quality and Warcry calling it “top-notch”—many felt it lacked originality or emotional impact. The consensus leaned toward the music being functional rather than memorable, with GameMAG and CD-Action describing it as “uninspired” and “forgettable.” Despite these criticisms, the sound design’s role in creating an immersive atmosphere—whether through eerie ambient effects (Boomtown) or punchy weapon sounds (PlayStation Universe)—was acknowledged. Ultimately, while Painkiller’s audio elements were praised for their adequacy and thematic alignment, they failed to leave a lasting impression, leaving room for improvement in both musical diversity and voice acting quality.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Painkiller splits critics: a few praise its minimalist charm, snappy banter, and atmospheric touches, but most condemn it as inconsistent, cringeworthy, and immersion-breaking, with repetitive dialogue, flat performances, and over-the-top comedy undermining the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

56%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Painkiller receives mixed praise, with some critics highlighting its unique contributions despite its flaws. IGN France notes that the absence of voice acting aligns with the game’s heritage and isn’t viewed as a drawback, suggesting it may cater to fans of minimalist design. Final Weapon and Try Hard Guides commend the engaging banter among characters, describing it as humorous and occasionally standout, even if they acknowledge it could be more consistent throughout gameplay. Game8 also praises the voice acting for enhancing the audio experience, while PlayStation Country mentions that narration, though limited, adds a layer to the game’s atmosphere. These positive takes suggest that, for some players, the dialogue and humor—when present—are effective in creating a memorable, albeit niche, experience. However, the majority of critics express dissatisfaction with the voice acting, citing issues of quality, consistency, and impact. BaziCenter criticizes the "poorly executed humor" that undermines character enjoyment, while Digital Chumps and GameOver.gr note that dialogue often feels disjointed or cut off, failing to engage players. The Jimquisition describes the voice acting as "limited and irritating," with repetitive lines and a lack of chemistry, and Four Fat Chicks singles out the main character’s subpar performance. COGconnected, Gamepressure, and PC Games all label it as mediocre or cringeworthy, arguing that it detracts from immersion rather than enhancing it. Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis also criticize the over-the-top comedy and lack of depth, suggesting characters feel one-dimensional despite their designs. These critiques highlight a recurring theme of underwhelming execution across multiple platforms. Overall, the consensus leans toward the negatives, with most critics agreeing that the voice acting falls short of expectations. While a few reviewers appreciate its occasional humor or atmospheric contributions, the majority find it inconsistent, poorly delivered, or overly comedic. IGN France’s neutral stance and Final Weapon/Try Hard Guides’ praise for banter stand out as exceptions, but they are overshadowed by broader criticisms about repetition, lack of depth, and immersion-breaking moments. The mixed reception reflects a game where voice acting is neither a strength nor a major flaw, but its shortcomings significantly impact the overall experience for many players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Painkiller delivers solid technical performance across platforms but struggles with polish: PS5 shines with 60fps stability yet faces control quirks and crashes; Xbox Series X offers reliable combat despite minor start-up hiccups; PC impresses with mid-range optimization but grapples with bugs, AI glitches, and resource demands. A functional experience marred by uneven execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Painkiller across its platforms shows a mix of strengths, with notable positives for each system. On PS5, critics like Impulsegamer praised the game’s ability to maintain a steady 60fps even during intense moments, while PlayStation Country and IGN France highlighted smooth gameplay and stable frame rates, though some acknowledged minor control ergonomic issues. For Xbox Series X, XboxEra noted solid performance with occasional start-up drops but overall stability during combat, suggesting the console handles the game well. On PC, the reception was overwhelmingly positive, with multiple reviews—such as CD-Action’s emphasis on excellent optimization and Vandal’s praise for smooth performance on mid-range hardware—highlighting the game’s ability to run smoothly at high settings without significant drops. Additionally, ActionTrip praised the effective use of the Havok physics engine, enhancing gameplay stability. However, technical shortcomings were also evident across platforms. On PS5, The Jimquisition reported crashes and freezes, while TheSixthAxis criticized traversal mechanics like grapple points failing to trigger, leading to frustrating experiences. For Xbox Series X, though stability was generally noted, the lack of explicit discussion on technical issues suggests some reviewers found it unremarkable. On PC, challenges included compatibility problems (Cincinnati Enquirer’s load times and drive issues), AI bugs (Gamepressure), and system resource demands (Gamezilla!), which affected performance. Additionally, G4 TV highlighted laggy multiplayer, and GameSpy reported CD drive issues and crashes, though fixes were later released. While many PC reviews praised optimization, others like GameMAG noted occasional drops during large enemy encounters, indicating uneven technical execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Painkiller delivers competent technical performance across all platforms, but with varying degrees of polish. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions were generally stable, though plagued by minor issues like control quirks or traversal bugs, while PC received mixed feedback—praised for optimization but criticized for bugs and system demands. Despite these flaws, the game’s ability to run smoothly on high-end hardware (as noted by 1UP and Final Weapon) and its lack of major crashes in most cases (per PlayStation Universe) suggest it meets baseline technical expectations. However, critics like Gamepressure and Gamezilla! emphasized that unresolved issues, such as AI glitches or performance hiccups, detract from the experience, indicating room for improvement. The broader sentiment leans toward Painkiller being technically functional but not exceptional, with its strengths in optimization and stability overshadowed by occasional technical missteps.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Painkiller’s roguelike thrills and multiplayer hype can’t mask its repetitive grind, shallow progression, and undercooked content—leaving a game that’s fun once but forgettable after.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers who highlight positive aspects of Painkiller’s replay value often point to its roguelike elements, multiplayer modes, and procedural systems as key contributors. For instance, 1UP notes that difficulty-dependent maps and bonus objectives enhance replayability, while Four Fat Chicks and G4 TV praise the tarot card system and multiple difficulty levels for encouraging players to revisit challenges. GameSpew and IGN France also commend the rogue mode and cooperative gameplay, suggesting that these features provide enough variety to justify repeated playthroughs, especially for fans of fast-paced shooters or co-op experiences. Additionally, Final Weapon and Try Hard Guides acknowledge the Rogue Angel mode’s randomized challenges as a standout feature, even if they admit its limitations. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns about the game’s limited replay value, citing repetitive gameplay, lack of content, and underdeveloped progression systems. BaziCenter and Checkpoint Gaming argue that the game’s short campaign and grindy upgrade mechanics fail to incentivize multiple playthroughs, while Digital Chumps and Digitally Downloaded criticize the repetitive missions and bland level design. IGN Adria and TheSixthAxis note that even with extra challenges or modes like Rogue Angel, the experience quickly becomes monotonous due to a lack of meaningful variation. Gamepressure and Gameliner further emphasize that the absence of rewarding progression or engaging content makes the game feel like a one-and-done experience, undermining long-term appeal. Overall, while Painkiller receives some praise for its rogue-like mechanics, multiplayer options, and procedural elements, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward disappointment regarding its replay value. The positives are often overshadowed by criticisms of repetitive design, insufficient content, and unengaging progression systems. IGN France and GameSpew highlight that the game’s potential is diluted by its lack of depth, while GameRevolution and Multiplayer.it stress that even multiplayer modes fail to fully compensate for these shortcomings. Despite a few advocates like 1UP and Worth Playing, the majority agree that Painkiller struggles to maintain player interest beyond its initial playthrough, making it a game with limited long-term appeal despite its occasional engaging features.

TL;DR

replay value

Painkiller’s roguelike thrills and multiplayer hype can’t mask its repetitive grind, shallow progression, and undercooked content—leaving a game that’s fun once but forgettable after.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict on Painkiller highlights several positives, particularly its engaging gameplay mechanics and fast-paced action. Critics like IGN France praised it as a reimagined shooter that balances modern cooperative elements with nostalgic flair, while GameSpot commended its thrilling action and impressive visuals as a commendable first effort from a new developer. GamingTrend noted its "excellent gameplay mechanics," and GameGuru highlighted its addictive nature, rich graphics, and great music, calling it a must-play for fans of bloody first-person shooters. The game’s weapon customization, sharp visuals, and chaotic co-op experiences were frequently cited as standout features, with GameBlast acknowledging its satisfying combat and robust customization options. These elements suggest that Painkiller succeeds in delivering an adrenaline-fueled experience for players seeking straightforward, action-driven gameplay. However, the negatives dominate the critical reception, with repeated complaints about lack of depth, repetitive content, and a disconnect from the original game’s identity. Gamepressure and CD-Action called it a "poorly made" reboot that fails to capture the essence of the classic Painkiller, while Multiplayer.it described it as a generic cooperative FPS with "few redeeming qualities." PC Format criticized its "lack of engaging gameplay," and GameMAG pointed to "dull maps, repetitive missions, and poor difficulty balance." Many reviewers, including BaziCenter and COGconnected, noted that the game’s departure from its predecessor’s charm and identity left it feeling hollow. Additionally, issues like minimal story depth, forced multiplayer focus, and technical flaws (e.g., TheSixthAxis’s mention of "technical issues") further undermined its appeal. These critiques paint a picture of a game that prioritizes style over substance, leaving players unsatisfied in the long term. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus among critics leans toward Painkiller being a flawed but occasionally enjoyable experience. While it appeals to fans of fast-paced, mindless shooters—Cincinnati Enquirer recommended it for "fast-paced, mindless shooter" enthusiasts—the game struggles to stand out in a crowded genre. GameSpew noted that it may disappoint series veterans but could entertain newcomers, while Gameliner called it "painfully average." The divide between those who appreciate its chaotic fun (e.g., GameGuru) and those who find it repetitive or shallow (e.g., Gamepressure) reflects a game that excels in short bursts but lacks the depth to sustain long-term engagement. Ultimately, Painkiller is seen as a missed opportunity to honor its legacy, offering enough surface-level appeal to satisfy casual players but falling short of delivering a cohesive, memorable experience.

TL;DR

Painkiller is a chaotic, fast-paced shooter with addictive gameplay, sharp visuals, and addictive co-op fun—but its lack of depth, repetitive design, and failed reboot of a beloved series make it a hollow, forgettable experience that prioritizes style over substance.

MONSTER

Reviews

139 reviews found

100

Four Fat Chicks

Jan 1, 1970