Painkiller Reboot Fails too Deliver on Franchise Legacy, Review Finds
A new take on the cult-classic shooter Painkiller is struggling to find its footing, according to a recent review by GameQuarter. the game attempts to blend elements of the boomer shooter genre, roguelike progression, and cooperative PvE raids, but ultimately falls short of fully realizing any of these concepts, resulting in a disjointed experience.
The reboot, priced at $39.99, offers solid weapon mechanics and satisfying gunplay, alongside a “Rogue Angel” mode providing gameplay variety.However, GameQuarter’s assessment points to significant shortcomings including limited content, unchallenging AI, matchmaking issues, and a disconnect from the spirit of the original Painkiller titles. This leaves the game difficult to recommend at full price, particularly for long-time fans of the series. The review suggests potential value for casual co-op players awaiting a subscription service release.
The review highlights the game’s identity crisis, noting its attempt to together cater to multiple genres without fully developing any. While the weapons and upgrade systems are praised, the lack of polish in other areas detracts from the overall experience.
GameQuarter specifically cautions fans of the original Painkiller games to approach the reboot with tempered expectations, suggesting a significant departure from the franchise’s established identity. The reviewer concludes that the game may find its audience as a casual co-op experience, but only at a reduced price point through a subscription service.
