- Painkiller Games List In Order
- Painkiller Games In Order Of War
- Painkiller Game Series
- Painkiller Games In Order
Painkiller: Hell & Damnation is a remake of the first-person shooter video game Painkiller, developed by The Farm 51 and published by Nordic Games. Painkiller: Hell & Damnation was released on October 31, 2012 for PC and is set to release for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in January 2013. Painkiller on Steam: Played on Trauma (4/4) and Nightmare (3/4) difficulty. I don't usually record FPS games, since they are. Painkiller Review. Painkiller is a simple first-person shooter at heart, but it's very well-put-together and does what it does exceedingly well. Video Games PS4 Xbox One Switch Wii U PC 3DS PS3 Xbox 360 Accessories Virtual Reality Trade-In Deals Best Sellers More Gaming 1-16 of 64 results for Video Games: 'painkiller' Skip to main search results.
Painkiller: Hell & Damnation | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | The Farm 51[a] |
Publisher(s) | Nordic Games |
Director(s) | Wojciech Pazdur Kamil Bilczyński |
Designer(s) | Marcin Wielocha Przemysław Pomorski |
Programmer(s) | Wojciech Knopf |
Writer(s) | Maciej Jurewicz Jacek Komuda |
Composer(s) | Adam Skorupa Marcin Czartyński Patryk Gegniewicz Dominik Popinski |
Engine | Unreal Engine 3 |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, Linux, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
Release | Microsoft Windows [1] PlayStation 3
|
Genre(s) | First-person shooter[11] |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Painkiller: Hell & Damnation is a first-person shootervideo game, both a remake of and a sequel to Painkiller, developed by The Farm 51 and published by Nordic Games. Painkiller: Hell & Damnation was released on October 31, 2012 for Windows and was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on June 28, 2013 in Europe after suffering multiple delays.[12] The game was released in North America for Xbox 360 through Xbox Live on October 1, 2013 and for PlayStation 3 through the PlayStation Store on November 26, 2013.
- 3Marketing
Gameplay[edit]
The player has to get through each level, from start to finish, by slaughtering multitudinous demons. The game is divided into several chapters, each with several levels. Each level presents a new location with various themes and includes castles, monasteries, graveyards, and more. Several classic weapons return, including the Painkiller, the stakethrower, the shotgun, and the electrodriver. New guns are also available such as the Soulcatcher, which shoots saw blades in primary firing mode and sucks the souls out of the enemies with its secondary firing.[13]
Painkiller: Hell & Damnation also adds several multiplayer modes to the series. The entire single-player campaign can be played by two people and the level of difficulty adjusts in accordance with the two players, either through the number of enemies or hit points.[13] In survival mode, up to eight players battle for survival in a limited area of one map.[13] Endless waves of enemy hordes will attack the player or players. Other player vs player based game modes include deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag and duels.[13]
Plot[edit]
After crushing the forces of Hell and Purgatory in the original titles, Daniel Garner was denied seeing his wife, Catherine. Now, with no faith left, he sat in the cemetery, where his quest once began. Suddenly, Death itself appeared, proposing Daniel a new bargain: reunion with his wife in exchange for 7,000 souls. Daniel reluctantly agrees, receiving the Soulcatcher gun. He is sent to familiar places, battling hordes of demon spawn, again defeating the formidable Necrogiant, Alastor, and Swamp Thing. An old ally, Eve, reappears during this quest, warning that Death cannot be trusted, but Daniel didn't forget her own betrayal at the end of Painkiller: Battle out of Hell. Daniel avoids her as she tries to persuade him that everything is not as it seems, and the only reason he's so successful at killing demons and not succumbing to their power is that he is not really dead.
Eventually, Daniel returns to Death, with the Soulcatcher filled. Death, however, is not pleased, as there are only 6,999 souls, and not 7,000, but still advises Daniel to get the final soul: that of Eve. Daniel, disgusted by such a turn of events, spares Eve, infuriating Death. Battle ensues, culminating with Death's defeat and an opening of a strange white portal. By taking the portal, Daniel discovers himself alive, lying in bed, in a hospital. All this time he was alive, but in coma, bound by Death to an endless battle in Purgatory. Suddenly, Eve appears, claiming that the souls collected enabled Death to reunite with his brothers, the other Horsemen of Apocalypse: Pestilence, Famine, and War, which are now plotting to invade Earth. Daniel feels he will be unable to battle the hordes of Hell without the power he wielded in Purgatory, but Eve comforts him, saying they're not alone. A door opens, revealing the demonic visage of Belial (from Painkiller: Overdose).
Marketing[edit]
Retail editions[edit]
The 'regular edition' also known as 'totally uncut' was released for PC on October 31, 2012.[14] Windows users could also obtain the Regular version through download services such as Steam.[14]Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game were released on June 28, 2013 after suffering multiple release delays.
The 'Toned Down' version was released on the same day as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version.[14] This 'toned down' version came to pass due to the German censors refusing to give it an age rating because it was 'deemed too evil', according to Nordic Games.[14]
The 'Collectors Edition' was released on 31 October 2012, initially for the PC version and eventually for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on June 28, 2013[15] The collectors edition includes stickers, 'postcards from Hell,' an art book, posters, a ten-track soundtrack CD, a making-of DVD, a special in-game tarot card and an exclusive multiplayer skin.[16]
All versions of the game include the original Painkiller plus the Battle Out of Hell expansion.
On October 17, 2013, A beta Linux version of the game was made available to Steam customers who had already acquired the Windows version.
Pre-orders[edit]
For those who planned to buy the game on PC through Steam, they had the option to pre-purchase Painkiller: Hell & Damnation and receive special rewards.[17] Painkiller's pre-purchase reward structure is different from other games. The first reward, immediate access to the beta on Steam, was available to anyone who pre-purchased the game. The second and third rewards were accessed with the help of others who also pre-purchased it.[17] After a so many units had been pre-purchased, the second reward, a multiplayer body skin pack was unlocked. The third reward, a free copy of Painkiller: Black Edition, was unlocked when the number of pre-purchased units exceeded a certain number, following a similar reward structure to the second reward.[17]
Reception[edit]
Reception | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Painkiller: Hell & Damnation has had a mixed reception among gaming publications. The Windows version of the game holds a score of 64/100 on Metacritic while the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions hold a score of 40/100 and 53/100 respectively.[21][22][23] The average review score of the Windows version of the game on GameRankings is 67.48%[18] while the average review score of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions is 42%[19] and 59.86%[20] respectively. Many have praised the graphical quality of the game, with GameSpot's Nathan Meunier saying it has had a 'great visual makeover'.[26] Other positives are the great weapon variety and craziness of the weapons, IGN stated the game has a 'great selection of totally over-the-top weaponry'.[29] GameZone's David Sanchez gave the PS3 version a 7.5/10, stating 'Hell & Damnation is a good FPS that harkens back to an era that was all about shooting sh*t up and not giving a damn. There's little variety, the game sticks closely to a formula that fans of modern shooters won't dig, and at about four hours, it's painfully short.'[28]
According to critics, one of the biggest gripes about Painkiller: Hell & Damnation is the enemy AI. IGN called the AI 'dumb and often glitchy'.[29] GameSpy's Mike Nelson expanded on this saying 'the poor AI makes them [bosses] susceptible to getting stuck in the environment'.[27] Other reviewers[who?] had issues with the short campaign and problems with multiplayer.
Notes[edit]
- ^The original Painkiller developed by People Can Fly
References[edit]
- ^Vasile, Cosmin. 'Painkiller: Hell and Damnation Arrives on PC on October 31 - Softpedia'. Softpedia. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^Hillier, Brenna (November 26, 2013). 'US PS Store Update, November 26 – GT6 pre-orders, Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers, Metal Gear Solid VR'. VG247. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
- ^'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation'.
- ^'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation for Xbox 360 on Amazon UK'. Amazon.com. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
- ^'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation for PlayStation 3 on Amazon UK'. Amazon.com. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
- ^'Painkiller Hell & Damnation at PlayStation Universe'. PlayStation Universe. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
- ^'Painkiller: Hell and Damnation on Amazon for PS3'. Amazon.com. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
- ^Estrada, Marcus (December 13, 2013). 'Review: Painkiller Hell & Damnation'. Game Podunk. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
- ^'Painkiller Hell & Damnation on Xbox Live'. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^'Coming soon to the Xbox Live Game Store'. Major Nelson. September 24, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation - PC'. IGN. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
- ^Allen, Jonas (June 29, 2013). 'Painkiller Hell & Damnation Blasts Onto Xbox 360, PS3'. DailyGame. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
- ^ abcd'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation'. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ abcdMatulef, Jeffrey (October 9, 2012). 'Painkiller Hell & Damnation slated for Halloween release'. Eurogamer. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^Keefer, John (October 9, 2012). 'Painkiller Hell & Damnation coming to PC on Halloween'. Shacknews. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^Chalk, Andy (October 9, 2012). 'Painkiller: Hell and Damnation Hits on Halloween'. The Escapist. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ abc'Painkiller Hell & Damnation on Steam'. Steam Store. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ ab'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation reviews for PC on GameRankings'. GameRankings. CBS Corporation. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
- ^ ab'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation reviews for PS3 on GameRankings'. GameRankings. CBS Corporation. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
- ^ ab'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation reviews for Xbox 360 on GameRankings'. GameRankings. CBS Corporation. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
- ^ ab'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation reviews for PC on Metacritc'. Metacritic. CBS Corporation. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
- ^ ab'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation reviews for PS3 on Metacritc'. Metacritic. CBS Corporation. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
- ^ ab'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation reviews for Xbox 360 on Metacritic'. Metacritic. CBS Corporation. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
- ^Pinsof, Allistair (29 October 2012). 'Review: Painkiller Hell & Damnation - Destructoid'. Destructoid. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^Porter, Will (October 30, 2012). 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation review'. Eurogamer. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ abMeunier, Nathan (October 29, 2012). 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation Review'. GameSpot. CBS Corporation. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ abNelson, Mike (October 31, 2012). 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation Review'. GameSpy. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ abSanchez, David (7 December 2013). 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation Review: An old school battle against Hell's minions'. GZ. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
- ^ abcGrayson, Nathan (November 7, 2012). 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation Review'. IGN. j2 Global. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^Angelo M. D'Argenio (November 5, 2012). 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation Review on Cheat Code Central'. Cheat Code Central. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
- ^Sonntag, Lawrence (October 30, 2012). 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation Review on Machinima'. Machinima.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
- ^Grilipoulos, Dan (December 9, 2012). 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation Review on PC Gamer'. PC Gamer. Future plc. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
External links[edit]
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Painkiller:_Hell_%26_Damnation&oldid=918124028'
Painkiller | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | People Can Fly |
Publisher(s) | DreamCatcher Interactive |
Director(s) | Adrian Chmielarz |
Designer(s) | Adrian Chmielarz |
Programmer(s) | Bartek Sokolowski |
Writer(s) |
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Composer(s) | |
Platform(s) | Windows, Xbox, Android, iOS |
Release |
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Genre(s) | First-person shooter |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Painkiller is a first-person shooter video game released developed by Polish game studio People Can Fly and published by DreamCatcher Interactive in 2004. It is notable for using the Havok 2.0 physics engine extensively. The single player campaign gameplay involves killing large numbers of monsters. The game was particularly well received for its multiplayer experience and was featured for two seasons on the Cyberathlete Professional League's World Tour.
- 3Release
- 4Expansions
- 5Reception
Gameplay[edit]
A gameplay screenshot of the Windows demo
The game is inspired by such classic titles as Quake, DOOM and Serious Sam, with the emphasis on killing large numbers of monsters. The game is divided into five chapters, each about five levels long. The player's objective is to get through each level, from start to finish, by slaughtering hundreds of monsters. One of the game's most important aspects is its diversity. Each level presents a new location with various themes and graphic styles. The levels include castles, monasteries, an opera house, graveyards, and more. Monsters are also very different, with new ones almost every level. There are five 'boss' levels where the player fights a boss.
The game presents an option to complete a special task each level, which results in the player getting a 'tarot card', a rare, hard-to-obtain bonus. Each equipped card provides different bonuses for a small amount of time, like powered-up weapons or slow motion.
The game also features a multiplayer component. It includes classic modes like Deathmatch and Capture-the-Flag.
Plot[edit]
The game revolves around a young man named Daniel Garner (Cam Clarke), who is happily married to his wife Catherine (Vanessa Marshall). At the start of the game, Daniel is about to take Catherine out for a birthday meal. As they drive towards their destination at high speed, in the pouring rain, Daniel takes his eyes off the road to look at his wife and while his attention is diverted, he ploughs their car into a truck. Both of them are killed instantly in the crash.
While Catherine manages to make it to Heaven and lives in harmony, Daniel is trapped in Purgatory. One day, an angel called Samael (John Cygan) tells him that in order to receive purification, he has to kill four of Lucifer's generals in order to prevent a war between Heaven and Hell. Lucifer has been secretly organizing a massive army that could overwhelm Heaven, taking over Purgatory in the process. Small portions of the army are already beginning the march. With little choice available to him, Daniel accepts the task. With the forces of Hell seizing and corrupting various parts of Purgatory, Daniel goes through different and random phases of history within Purgatory, which range greatly from ancient times to the modern era, including Medieval Europe, Babylon, the Crusades, the 1800s, and a time slice of modern industry.
After killing the first general, Daniel meets a woman named Eve (Vanessa Marshall), another soul who has been in Purgatory for a long time. She gives him information about the whereabouts of the remaining generals and small elements of Lucifer's army already mobilizing. She also tells him about life in Purgatory, and the possibility that he could be dragged to Hell should he fall in battle and become lost forever. While this is all understood, what Daniel does not understand is why he came here, but Eve insists it is because of something in his past, and it is up to him to find out.
After the second general's defeat and reuniting with Eve, Daniel travels to meet a demonic friend named Asmodeus (Jim Ward), for information about new rallying positions for Lucifer's armies. Asmodeus once saved Daniel's life after he single-handedly defeated four demons at once one day, almost losing himself in the process. Eve is wary of Asmodeus and questions as to why he did not finish off Daniel when he was weak, but he insists that he did not come to Purgatory to fill the graves with lost souls like the others. He also questions Eve if she is really 'The Eve' referenced in the Bible, to which Daniel jokes 'Where is Adam?' before continuing on.
After the third general's defeat, he confronts Samael, having had enough of the fighting and wanting out of Purgatory, but Samael remains firm with Daniel that it is not that simple to leave and he must finish the task given to him. After being directed to the whereabouts of Alastor (Jim Cummings), Lucifer's right-hand and final general, Daniel is warned that Alastor is already aware that he is being pursued and his own elite soldiers are prepared and waiting. Daniel reluctantly continues his quest for purification.
After Daniel kills Alastor, Eve arrives at the scene in shock, realizing Lucifer will no doubt be on his way and they should make themselves ready. Surprisingly, Asmodeus arrives, complimenting Daniel for his victory and examining the scene. Suddenly, both Eve and Daniel find Asmodeus highly suspicious and try questioning him as to why he is really in Purgatory, to which he eventually replies, 'I dig graves'. Suddenly, he dissolves into a ball of fire and Lucifer himself (Lex Lang) appears. He mocks Daniel while recognizing him as a worthy opponent and thanking him for removing Alastor, who had been constantly arguing with Lucifer that the armies should have attacked sooner rather than wait. He snatches Eve, whom he claims had escaped from Hell, and takes her with him before disappearing back into Hell.
Samael appears, congratulating Daniel for his success and informs him his task is done. Now he may proceed to Heaven and reunite with Catherine. But Daniel refuses, knowing that it is not over yet, 'not even close' to use his words. He also knows that it would be only a matter of time before Lucifer can fledge a new and massive enough army, but the next time would be far worse. He decides to go after them, but Samael tries to make him reconsider, for if Daniel goes to Hell, there will be no escaping from there. Daniel turns down the offer once more and asks that Catherine be told not to wait for him, for he will not be coming. Samael gives in and shows him the direction to the gates of Hell, warning that they are protected from the inside by the most elite of the demonic forces for the purpose of keeping the souls of those who are damned within Hell.
Daniel eventually emerges in Hell, a twisted landscape made of torn fragments from various wars throughout history (a play on the phrase 'War Is Hell'). After vanquishing enough souls of the damned, most of which are recognizable as foes he has defeated, he confronts Lucifer in Demon Mode and kills him, rescuing Eve in the process, who has been rendered unconscious. After killing Lucifer, Alastor reappears before him, with hordes of demons around him. Daniel learns that he did not really kill Alastor as he could only be defeated in Hell. With Lucifer gone, the position of Hell's ruler is open. Alastor has already taken it and announced his ultimatum. He leaves Daniel to the mercy of the demons around him, who eagerly accepts the challenge. The game ends with Daniel defending himself against the never-ending hordes.
If the game is finished in Trauma (the hardest difficulty in the game), an extra ending is presented. Daniel is now finally able to go to Heaven and reunite with Catherine at last.
Release[edit]
The Special Edition release is a budget version of the game. It includes only 12 of the 24 levels in the full game, no full-motion videos, and no multiplayer mode. It does, however, show its award-winning features on the front case like PC Gaming World Game of the Year, Game Informer game of the month and GameSpy's editor's choice.
The Gold/Black Edition combines the Battle Out of Hell expansion with the original game onto a single disc. It also features mapping and editing tools, a limited edition Penny Arcade poster, a making-of movie, and behind the scenes interviews, and the latest patch which adds new features to the game and bring its quality up to competition standard (see below). The technical difference is that the Gold Edition has the game over six CDs, while the Black Edition has the game on DVD.
- The Universe/Triple Dose edition was released July 8, 2008. The original game, as well as the Battle Out of Hell and Overdose packages, are all contained in one case.
- The Pandemonium Edition contains the original game as well as its three expansions Battle Out of Hell, Overdose and Resurrection.
- The Collection contains all Painkiller Games with their expansions Black Edition, Overdose, Resurrection, Redemption, Recurring Evil, Hell & Damnation (with all DLC content). It also features mapping and editing tools. All games require Steam if they are purchased in the Collection.
Ports[edit]
In 2006 the game was ported by People Can Fly to the Xbox as Painkiller: Hell Wars. While not a straight port, it is actually a mix of the game and its expansion, Painkiller: Battle Out of Hell. Painkiller: Hell Wars was also announced for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2.[1] However, both versions were cancelled worldwide. The official publisher of Painkiller: Hell Wars was DreamCatcher Interactive. Painkiller: Purgatory (HD) was developed by Machineworks Northwest (level design by Med-Art) for Android and iOS and available on Google Play and App Store.
Soundtrack[edit]
The soundtrack to the first game was written by Stephen Rippy, David Rippy, and Kevin McMullan and released in 2004. IGN called it 'generic speed metal with a techno flourish'.[2]
Painkiller Games List In Order
Expansions[edit]
Title | Release | Windows | Consoles | Developer | Publisher | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Painkiller: Battle out of Hell | 2004 | Yes | No | People Can Fly | DreamCatcher Interactive | Requires base game |
Painkiller: Overdose | 2007 | Yes | No | Mindware Studios | DreamCatcher Interactive | Stand-alone expansion |
Painkiller: Resurrection | 2009 | Yes | No | Homegrown Games | DreamCatcher Interactive | Stand-alone expansion |
Painkiller: Redemption | 2011 | Yes | No | Eggtooth Team | DreamCatcher Interactive | Stand-alone expansion |
Painkiller: Recurring Evil | 2012 | Yes | No | Med-Art | THQ Nordic | Stand-alone expansion |
Battle Out of Hell[edit]
Painkiller Games In Order Of War
Painkiller: Battle Out of Hell is an expansion pack for Painkiller, released on December 1, 2004.[3] It was developed and published by the same companies as Painkiller. Painkiller: Battle Out of Hell features an all-new 10-level single player campaign, two new weapons (with two fire modes each), new multiplayer game modes, and improved visual effects.
The story continues where the original left off: Lucifer is killed and his position as ruler of Hell is now free. Alastor, one of four hell generals Daniel Garner was assigned to kill in the original game, appears with a horde of demons and confronts Daniel, who now has to retreat with the help of Eve. Daniel's new goal is to battle out of hell and eliminate Alastor, who is now rightful ruler of the demonic forces. Before confronting his powerful enemy, Daniel visits such places as an orphanage full of possessed children, a hellish circus named Loony Park, a pirate bay, coliseums, Necropolis, and even a twisted version of World War II Leningrad. After taking out Alastor, Eve thanks Daniel for allowing her to take control. Eve offers Daniel the chance to rule by her side, but Daniel refuses. Eve then invites Daniel to leave and join Catherine in Heaven, but Daniel again refuses, and begins firing his gun at Eve as the screen fades to black.
Overdose[edit]
Painkiller: Overdose is the second stand-alone Painkiller game and uses the same engine as the first. It was released for Windows on October 30, 2007 worldwide. Originally being developed by Mindware from the Czech Republic as a fan-made game mod, DreamCatcher Interactive granted the project full financial and technical support. In Overdose, the player takes the role of Belial, a half-angel, half-demon gatekeeper. The game contains 6 new weapons, 40 monster types and 16 new levels. The story is a spin-off and is said to tie wandering ends and provide a bridge between the original game and a potential sequel. On October 17, 2007, the demo was released. On October 23, 2007, DreamCatcher announced that the game had started shipping to retail stores.[4]
The story is set just after Daniel kills Lucifer. The death of Hell's leader allows Belial, the prisoner and outcast, to escape and start his vendetta against those who imprisoned him: demonic beast Cerberus and Samael, an angel who betrayed his own kind. Belial starts his journey with killing his prison warden (and later using his head as a weapon). After traveling through various hellish places and defeating countless demons he kills Cerberus and reaches Samael's lair. There, Belial defeats the fallen angel and rips his wings off as an act of vengeance.
Resurrection[edit]
On April 9, 2009, Homegrown Games (developer) and DreamCatcher Interactive (publisher) revealed Painkiller: Resurrection, a stand-alone expansion to the original game running on an updated PainEngine. It was released on October 27, 2009 for Microsoft Windows.[5]
It features six new levels, and a new hero: William 'Bill' Sherman, who is blown to pieces by his own C-4 payload, with which he wanted to eliminate a group of mobsters. The fact that he accidentally blew a bus full of innocent civilians means he is about to be claimed by Hell. However, he wakes up in purgatory and is tasked with redeeming his soul by battling a new demonic threat, which is revealed to be led by Astaroth, once a general of Lucifer, and Ramiel, a corrupted angel.
Redemption[edit]
Painkiller: Redemption is an add-on released in February 25, 2011, as a downloadable game. Similar to Overdose, the new expansion pack was originally a mod, created by a small group of fans under the label 'Eggtooth'. Additional development by 'Homegrown'. The official publisher of Painkiller: Redemption is DreamCatcher Interactive. It features a new heavy metal soundtrack, minor graphic changes, and six levels with nearly ,6000 enemies to kill. Painkiller Redemption features the return of Daniel Garner and Belial, both as playable characters. The development team has released free post-release support for the game, which includes extra content for multiplayer, or a new single-player chapter. Eggtooth Team didn't create any new content, so the maps used are the ones originally found in Painkiller multiplayer, and all monsters are taken from previous Painkiller installments, including the final boss, who uses the model of King Alastor from Battle Out of Hell.
The game is narrated through animated text messages, and starts when Belial, the hero of Painkiller: Overdose, saves Daniel Garner from Eve, the current queen of Hell. Together, Daniel and Belial fight a big battle through her minions in Purgatory, until they've found Bill Sherman, the protagonist of Painkiller: Resurrection. With Bill's help, they are able to strike at Eve. The game ends with the surprising arrival of Samael, an angel of God who once tasked Daniel with destroying Hell's leaders. With Eve defeated, Samael plans to use the dark essence left by her to become a new ruler of Hell. The game concludes with Belial and Daniel understanding that the battle is not yet over.
Recurring Evil[edit]
Painkiller Game Series
Painkiller: Recurring Evil is an add-on featuring 5 new levels with about 4000 enemies. It was released digitally on February 29, 2012 by Nordic Games via Steam, and developed by Med-Art and Eggtooth.
It continues the story of Resurrection and serves as a side story for Redemption. Bill Sherman becomes the ruler of Purgatory, blessed with power of the Sword of Seraphim. However, the fallen angel Samael (now wingless after his defeat at the hands of Belial in Painkiller: Overdose), who took the power of Hell from Eve, steals Bill's sword and sends him to Purgatory's unexplored locations, forcing the fight to start again. Bill reaches Samael in the end of his journey, but the game ends without a fight, as the fallen angel defeats Bill. Depending on the player chooses the good or evil side, Bill is either killed by Samael, or rescued by Belial.
Reception[edit]
Critical reception[edit]
Publication | Score |
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Painkiller | |
GameSpot | 8.5/10[6] |
PC Gamer | 84/100 |
Game Informer | 8.5/10[7] |
IGN | 7/10[8] |
GameSpy | 4/5[9] |
metacritic | 81/100[10] |
GameRankings | 82%[11] |
Battle out of Hell | |
GameSpot | 7.6/10[12] |
Game Informer | 8/10[13] |
IGN | 7.5/10[14] |
GameRankings | 77%[15] |
Hell Wars | |
GameSpot | 7.9/10[16] |
Game Informer | 7.75/10[17] |
IGN | 5.2/10[18] |
GameRankings | 70%[19] |
Overdose | |
GameSpot | 7/10[20] |
Game Informer | 6.75/10[21] |
GameRankings | 65%[22] |
With the first release of the original Painkiller in 2004, reception was generally positive with an average critic score of 82% at GameRankings.[11]Painkiller was mostly praised for its simple yet entertaining FPS gameplay and its varied level and artistic design. GameSpot noted the variety in levels and foes by stating 'Remarkably, the eclectic variety of settings somehow ends up having a cohesive feel to it, and the variety itself is definitely to the game's credit'[6] while GameSpy praised the graphics engine calling it 'an original, muscular engine, capable of vast spectacular levels'.[9] However while IGN noted the gameplay positively, they also mentioned repetition in certain stages going on to say 'simple aiming exercises seem to lack a little substance when compared to more recent shooters'.[8] Another criticism was focused on its multiplayer aspect being similar to that of the older Quake games, being called by GameSpot as a more of a 'throwback to the days of the original Quake' with the feel of 'deja vu'.[6]
Upon its release, Painkiller received 'PC Game of the Month' awards from Game Informer and GameSpot, 'Editors Choice' from GameSpy, Computer Games Magazine and PC Zone, and 'Kick Ass Product' from Maximum PC.[citation needed]Computer Games Magazine named Painkiller the third-best computer game of 2004. The editors wrote, 'Painkiller is dumb turned up to 11, but it reaches a rarefied level of dumb where it flips around to become genius.' It was a runner-up for the magazine's 'Best Art Direction' award.[23]
In May 2008, Painkiller was featured on Escapist Magazine's weekly review series Zero Punctuation. Reviewer Ben 'Yahtzee' Croshaw, known for his acerbic reviews, stated that Painkiller was an example of an excellent FPS game, praising its removal of aspects such as key hunting and fetch side quests in favor of 'pure genocidal fun.'[24] Seemingly hours after the review, the Painkiller banner found on the Steam Store appeared on the front page, now sporting the tag 'All you really need to know is that there is a gun that shoots shurikens and lightning...', a quote from the review.[25] In 2010, UGO included the game on the list of the 42 Best Games Ever.[26]
Battle out of Hell was also met with a positive response but with less only being an expansion pack. While some were enthusiastic over the new content, like Game Informer even saying 'If I had to pick a game to be the poster child for the concept of expansion packs, Painkiller: Battle Out Of Hell might well be it',[13] others like GameSpot found some of the levels not as interesting as the original saying 'for the most part, much of the rest of the game is kind of bland' but still found 'Great Painkiller gameplay mostly intact'. They also pointed out longer loading times and 'aggravating' puzzles.[12]
Upon the release in 2006 of the Xbox port Hell Wars, many were generally pleased with its translation while others found some issues. IGN were not favourable towards the 'Environmental textures' that 'don't do much to enhance the experience' and even found the port to have additional bugs like when enemies 'get stuck out of sight on a level [that] mean you can't advance until you reload your game'.[18]
Painkiller Games In Order
Three years later in late 2007 when Overdose was released, reception, while also positive was quick to point the game's shortcomings. GameZone praised Overdose for retaining the basic gameplay elements that made the original 2004 title popular, and that it 'extends the world with new weapons, enemies, bosses, and levels that will fulfill any adrenaline junkie's craving'.[27] GameSpot however were still annoyed by the long load times and unhappy with the quiet multiplayer mode but were still positive over the gameplay concluding' this old-fashioned shooter is a welcome respite from the scripted, story-driven epics littering the FPS landscape these days (and a pleasant reminder of the simple joy of shooting fiendish creeps in the face)'.[20] However, Game Informer found the game to be aged and while 'there is a group out there who will find this game charming', it concluded that 'their numbers might be growing thin.'[21]
Competitive play[edit]
At the end of 2004 Painkiller was chosen by the Cyberathlete Professional League to be their official 2005 World Tour game.[28] This was slightly controversial with many esports followers and competitors due to the fact that other games had proven themselves at least as popular online multiplayer games. As the tour had already been announced as a one-on-one deathmatch format competition, Unreal Tournament 2004 and Doom 3 were also fan favourites for this tour. However, since Unreal Tournament 2004 developer Epic Games was in the process of changing publishers from Atari to Midway Games and could not guarantee their full support throughout the year-long tour, it was not chosen.
This agreement between the CPL and DreamCatcher also meant that no other organization was allowed to use Painkiller in a gaming competition with prizes above US$2,000.- without obtaining a license from the CPL. It also had effects on Painkiller beyond professional competition; a patch was released to add new features to the game and bring its quality up to competition standard. This updated version of the game also resulted in a special edition re-release of the game bearing the CPL World Tour logo, entitled Painkiller: Gold Edition in North America and Painkiller: Black Edition elsewhere. This new version contained both Painkiller and its expansion pack Painkiller: Battle out of Hell unpatched, among other additions including a video about the making of the game. However, Quake III Arena was selected as the one-versus-one deathmatch game of the CPL for 2006, replacing Painkiller.[29]
Remake and sequel[edit]
Painkiller: Hell & Damnation, developed by The Farm 51 on Unreal Engine 3,[30] was released in 2012. It is notable for being both partial remake of and sequel to the original title.
References[edit]
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^'Painkiller Original Soundtrack - IGN'. Music.ign.com. April 12, 2004. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^'Painkiller: Battle out of Hell for PC'. GameFAQs. December 1, 2004. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^'Non-Existent Domain'. News.filefront.com. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^Butts, Steve (April 9, 2009). 'Painkiller: Resurrection Revealed'. IGN. Retrieved April 10, 2009.
- ^ abcGreg Kasavin (April 9, 2004). 'Painkiller Review'. Gamespot. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^Adam Biessener. 'Painkiller Review'. GameInformer. Archived from the original on January 8, 2006. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^ abSteve Butts (April 12, 2004). 'Painkiller Review'. IGN. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^ abTom Chick (April 16, 2004). 'Painkiller Review'. GameSpy. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^'Painkiller Review'. Metacritic. Retrieved June 19, 2009.
- ^ ab'Gamerankings: Painkiller'. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^ abErik Wolpaw (November 22, 2004). 'Painkiller: Battle out of Hell Review'. Gamespot. Archived from the original on September 27, 2006. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^ abAdam Biessener. 'Painkiller: Battle out of Hell Review'. GameInformer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^Tom McNamara (November 11, 2004). 'Painkiller: Battle out of Hell Review'. IGN. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^'Gamerankings: Painkiller: Battle out of Hell'. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^Geg Kasavin (July 29, 2006). 'Painkiller: Hell Wars Review'. Gamespot. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^Adam Biessener. 'Painkiller: Hell Wars Review'. GameInformer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^ abCharles Onyett (August 2, 2006). 'Painkiller: Hell Wars Review'. IGN. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^'Gamerankings: Painkiller: Hell Wars'. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^ abBen Reeves (November 3, 2007). 'Painkiller: Overdose Review'. Gamespot. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^ abAdam Biessener. 'Painkiller: Overdose Review'. GameInformer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^'Gamerankings: Painkiller: Overdose'. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^Staff (March 2005). 'The Best of 2004; The 14th Annual Computer Games Awards'. Computer Games Magazine (172): 48–56.
- ^'The Escapist : Video Galleries : Zero Punctuation : Painkiller'. Escapist Magazine. May 22, 2008. Retrieved May 25, 2008.
- ^Mike Fahey (May 23, 2008). 'Adwatch: How Painkiller should have been advertised'. Kotaku. Retrieved May 25, 2008.
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on July 3, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^Brock Smith (May 11, 2007). 'Painkiller: Overdose Review'. GameZone. Archived from the original on November 7, 2007. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^'Painkiller chosen as the unique official tournament game at 2005 CPL World Tour'(PDF). DreamCatcher Games. Archived from the original(PDF) on September 20, 2009. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
- ^'Quake 3 chosen as CPL's 2006 World Season 1vs1 game'. neowin.net. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
- ^Tony 'OUberLord' Mitera (June 11, 2012). 'PC Preview - 'Painkiller: Hell & Damnation''. Worthplaying.com. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
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