Painted in Blood

The main pros of the game

• Atmosphere and Art Style: Many users praised the game's haunting atmosphere and unique artistic direction, describing it as a blend of retro aesthetics with modern graphics. The environments are noted for their beauty and detail, contributing to the game's psychological horror themes.
• Engaging Combat: Players found the combat satisfying and reminiscent of classic "boomer shooters," with various mechanics that encourage strategic gameplay, such as utilizing weak points on enemies and the flashlight mechanic.
• Narrative Depth: The storyline, which involves psychological themes and personal trauma, resonates with players, adding emotional weight to the gameplay experience.
• Exploration and Secrets: The game encourages exploration, with hidden secrets and collectibles that enhance replayability and immersion in the game world.
• Content for Early Access: Reviewers noted that there is a substantial amount of content available even in early access, making it a worthwhile investment.

The main cons of the game

• Performance Issues: A significant number of users reported performance problems, including low frame rates, stuttering, and bugs that affect gameplay. Many felt that the game requires optimization, especially given its Unreal Engine 5 framework.
• Technical Bugs: Players encountered various bugs, such as issues with resolution settings, key bindings, and game crashes that hindered the overall experience.
• Difficulty Balance: Some users found the game to be overly challenging, with enemies described as "bullet sponges" and health pickups being scarce, which could frustrate players.
• Janky Controls and Animations: A few reviews mentioned that the controls felt unrefined and that animations could be improved for a smoother experience.

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

• Video Settings and Customization: Many players expressed a desire for more comprehensive video settings and customization options to enhance performance and visual experience.
• Additional Content: Some users noted that the game feels short and expressed a hope for more chapters or levels to be added in future updates.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions included the need for features like an "always run" mode, better keybinding options, and improved UI for health and stamina indicators.
• More Enemy Variety: A few reviews indicated that the enemy variety could be expanded to keep combat fresh and engaging.

Summary

• Overall, "Painted In Blood" is viewed positively for its artistic ambition, engaging gameplay, and atmospheric storytelling, but it faces challenges related to performance and technical polish that need addressing as it continues through its early access phase.

Summary generated on: November 17, 2025