Game intel
Painkiller
The classic Painkiller series is back! Battle through Purgatory in fast-paced co-op action, wielding infernal weapons against relentless demonic hordes. Condem…
Few first-person shooters boast as devoted a following—or as many faltered revival attempts—as Painkiller. When Anshar Studios teamed up with 3D Realms to resurrect this demon-blasting classic, skeptical fans raised their eyebrows. In an era overflowing with reboots, can this one deliver the relentless pace and gory spectacle that defined the early-2000s original?
Painkiller’s base edition launches at an aggressive €39.99, undercutting most AAA shooters. For €49.99 you unlock the Deluxe Edition, which includes a Season Pass promising three DLC packs. Preorders also grant an “Iron Crusade” skin bundle—flashy, but unlikely to sway purists who care more about gameplay than cosmetics.
Anshar Studios brings experience from Gamedec, a narrative-driven RPG—and while that pedigree is solid, arena-style shooters demand a different skill set. 3D Realms carries heavyweight nostalgia as the force behind Duke Nukem and Ion Fury, but its recent output has been uneven. Readers should watch for early gameplay demos to judge whether they’ve recaptured the original’s frenzied combat loop.
The Season Pass touts three future expansions, but details are scarce. Will these add substantial new campaigns and arenas, or simply serve up weapon skins and character outfits? Given how often passes default to cosmetic filler, Painkiller’s DLC lineup remains one of the biggest question marks.
Fans longing for raw, twitch-based action have reason to be cautiously optimistic. If the reboot nails brutal speed, inventive weapons and grotesque level design, it could ignite LAN-party memories. But if it leans too heavily on live-service mechanics—battle passes, seasonal events—it risks feeling like just another nostalgia cash-in.
| Publisher | 3D Realms & Anshar Studios |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 9, 2024 |
| Genre | First-Person Shooter, Action |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
Painkiller’s reboot arrives October 9 at €39.99, with a €49.99 Deluxe Edition and three-pack Season Pass. Developers have pedigree but mixed results—watch for gameplay reveals before buying in. If the core’s still pure carnage, this could be a revival worth cheering; if not, expect more style than substance.
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