Painkiller

The main pros of the game

• Fast-Paced Gameplay: Many players enjoyed the fast and fluid combat mechanics, comparing it favorably to games like Doom and Vermintide. The movement system, including dashes and wall jumps, allows for dynamic gameplay.
• Graphics and Visuals: The game is praised for its solid graphics and aesthetic design, with many noting the detailed environments and visual effects.
• Gunplay: The weapons are described as satisfying to use, with unique secondary fire modes and upgrade systems that add variety to combat.
• Co-op Experience: Playing with friends enhances the fun, and the game is designed around cooperative play, which many found enjoyable.
• Good Optimization: Players reported smooth performance with minimal bugs, even on lower-end systems.

The main cons of the game

• Not True to Original Painkiller: Longtime fans of the original series expressed disappointment that this game does not capture the same tone, atmosphere, or gameplay style as the original Painkiller games. Many felt it lacks the "soul" of the original.
• Limited Content: The game features only 9 missions across 3 biomes, which players felt was too short for the price. The missions can be repetitive, leading to a lack of engagement after the initial playthrough.
• Forced Co-op with Bots: The game requires players to have bots in single-player mode, which many found frustrating. The AI can sometimes hinder gameplay rather than enhance it.
• Dialogue and Humor: Many users criticized the writing and humor as cringeworthy and out of place, detracting from the game's serious tone.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Some players found the combat mechanics to be clunky, with issues regarding enemy visibility and feedback. The two-weapon limit was also a point of contention.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Lack of a Single-Player Campaign: Players wanted a more robust single-player experience without the need for AI companions.
• More Weapons and Enemies: Users expressed a desire for a wider variety of weapons and enemy types to enhance gameplay diversity.
• Better Progression and Unlock Systems: The upgrade and unlock systems were seen as lacking depth, with many feeling that the meta-progression wasn't rewarding enough.
• Text Chat and Communication Features: The absence of text chat options for communication in multiplayer was noted as a significant drawback.
• More Unique Character Abilities: Players hoped for more distinct character classes or abilities to encourage synergy and teamwork.

Summary

• Overall, while Painkiller (2025) has its share of fans who appreciate its gameplay and modern co-op features, it has also faced significant backlash from longtime fans of the original series who feel it strays too far from what made Painkiller special. The game seems to cater more to co-op FPS enthusiasts than to those looking for a nostalgic experience.

Summary generated on: November 17, 2025