Some video games have a way of embedding themselves in the hearts of players, creating lasting memories that transcend time. Adrian Chmielarz, co-founder of The Astronauts, has had a hand in crafting at least three such titles. Among them are the iconic Gears of War series, including its 2013 spinoff, Gears of War: Judgment, the wildly inventive Bulletstorm, known for its chaotic gameplay and sharp humor, and the cult classic Painkiller, celebrated for its horror-infused atmosphere and powerful weaponry.
Reflections on Painkiller’s Legacy
As discussions swirl around the upcoming 2025 reboot of Painkiller by Anshar Studio, I sought Chmielarz’s thoughts on this latest iteration. His response was both candid and humorous: “Next question, please,” followed by a hearty laugh. He expressed admiration for Anshar, acknowledging their dedication and efforts in game development. However, he voiced concerns about the direction of the reboot, likening it to a “Skinwalker”—sharing the name but lacking the essence of the original.
Chmielarz elaborated, “If the same game was released under a different title, nobody would ever ask, ‘Hey, is this kind of like a sequel to Painkiller?'” He found it perplexing that the intellectual property was being utilized in a way that seemed disconnected from its foundational elements. “You grab the IP because you believe it had something,” he noted, “but there’s no traces of the DNA of that IP in your game. That’s weird to me.”
He admitted to trying out the beta version of the game but found himself at odds with its design choices. “I disagreed with every single thing they’ve done in it, and that’s it,” he stated, drawing parallels to his experience with Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, which struggled to recapture the magic of its predecessor.
The Importance of Atmosphere
Chmielarz emphasized the significance of atmosphere in gaming, recalling how previous iterations of Painkiller had missed the mark. “The Painkiller of 2025 isn’t the only Painkiller that didn’t get it,” he remarked, pointing out that several semi-sequels had failed to capture the original’s spirit. “They focused on the mechanics and believed that ‘we get cool guns and cool enemies, let’s have a lot of this type of gameplay, and some blood on the screen, and that’s enough.’ Half of Painkiller was about the atmosphere, and it treated itself seriously.”
He argued that the immersion factor is crucial, stating, “It wasn’t the best, but at least it gave you the idea that the people who made it believed in it, believed in that world, and wanted you to have a more horror experience.” This belief in the game’s world is what he feels is essential for creating a compelling experience.
Counterproductive Reboots
Chmielarz expressed that rebooting Painkiller was “counterproductive” for Anshar. “If they’d actually called it something else, they would have sold more copies and the reaction would be much more positive,” he asserted. He noted that many fans of the original are disappointed with the 2025 version, feeling it strays too far from what made the original special. “Rename the game to anything else and the reception would be much better,” he suggested, highlighting that the IP’s potential was squandered, ultimately harming Anshar’s reputation.
With a current rating of ‘Mixed’ at 55% on Steam, many negative reviews cite the disconnect from the original as a primary concern, with one user questioning whether anyone involved in the project had actually played Painkiller. The new game, while a competent co-op FPS, seems to draw more from modern titles like Doom than from its own legacy, leading some to feel it is merely “cosplaying as Painkiller.”
In an era where nostalgia can drive sales—evident in the success of remakes like Silent Hill 2 and Resident Evil 4—Chmielarz warns that straying too far from the original can alienate both existing fans and potential newcomers alike.
Currently, Chmielarz is channeling his creative energies into Witchfire, an early-access first-person RPG set in a dark fantasy realm. More insights from our conversation with him will be shared in the coming weeks.
