The latest installment of the Painkiller franchise has made its debut on Steam, and while it continues the two-decade tradition of follow-ups that fail to capture the essence of the original, it does present a game that is, at the very least, competent. This reboot, sharing the same name as its predecessor, offers a familiar experience, albeit one that feels more like a shadow of the iconic 2004 title.
Gameplay and Reception
My experience with the game is limited to the now-unavailable demo showcased during the Steam Next Fest, but it left me with the impression of a standard, if unremarkable, co-op shooter reminiscent of the Doom series. Painkiller is certainly adequate; it boasts decent graphics, runs smoothly, and did not pose any risk to my computer’s performance. However, I find it challenging to recommend at its current price point of , especially when alternatives like Helldivers 2 or the upcoming Arc Raiders are available for the same cost.
Player feedback on Steam reflects a similar sentiment, with the new Painkiller holding a “mixed” user rating. Many players express disappointment, noting that it does not deliver the experience promised by its name. One user succinctly summarized the situation: “If you wanted something like the OG Painkiller—stay away. If you want a pretty generic and borderline hectic forced co-op shooter—try it.” In essence, it’s a game that is merely fine.
Nostalgia and Legacy
The primary critique, and a valid one at that, is the undeniable fact that this game is simply not the original Painkiller. The 2004 classic, developed by People Can Fly, was a chaotic blend of outrageous levels, bizarre enemies, and heavy metal soundtracks, all woven into a narrative that was as absurd as it was captivating. The original Painkiller carved out a niche for itself, becoming a cult classic that subsequent attempts have failed to replicate.
This led me to ponder whether my fondness for the original Painkiller was clouding my judgment. Having played through it multiple times, I decided to revisit the classic by reinstalling Painkiller Black, which includes the base game and the Battle Out of Hell expansion. To my delight, my memories were not distorted by nostalgia; the game remains exceptional.
The RTX Remix Transformation
Furthermore, the Painkiller RTX Remix mod has breathed new life into this 20-year-old title. While the original game already looked decent, the RTX Remix mod elevates it to a stunning new level. Enhanced lighting, reflections, and shadows transform the visual experience, prompting genuine awe. This mod recently earned the “best overall” accolade in Nvidia’s RTX Remix contest, along with a ,000 prize for the development team.
However, it is important to note that the RTX Remix is still a work in progress. During my testing, I encountered some instability, including crashes when loading pre-mod saves and transitioning between levels. Yet, when it functioned properly, the experience was nothing short of breathtaking, maintaining smooth performance throughout. If someone had told me this was a project from Nightdive Studios, I would have readily believed it.
Ultimately, while the new Painkiller is a passable addition to the gaming landscape, it does not stand out against contemporary titles such as the latest Doom games, Borderlands, or Wolfenstein. For those curious about the original’s legacy, I highly recommend purchasing the classic Painkiller, currently available for a mere couple of dollars on GOG. It may very well be the best investment in gaming you can make. And for those nostalgic fans eager to relive the experience, the RTX Remix mod offers a remarkable opportunity to rediscover the magic of Painkiller after two decades.
