Painkiller: Battle out of Hell

 PC
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
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  1. CPUGamer
    90
    A must buy to those that enjoyed the original. Hardcore fans should already own it, and everyone else will miss out on another great game yet again.
  2. eToychest
    90
    It is short, yes, but it is priced low to match. It is even more stylish than the original campaign and engages your attention much better than the original game. Compared to other games in the genre, this is a real treat.
  3. Four Fat Chicks
    80
    Generally speaking, though, the gameplay of Battle out of Hell has the same adrenaline-soaked excitement of the original. Wild firefights, huge minibosses and the occasional challenging puzzle are rolled up into the same tight, clean, delicious package.
  5. Game Chronicles
    88
    An excellent expansion pack that does exactly what it sets out to do; it delivers more monsters, more weapons, more tarot cards, and exciting new levels to explore and interact with.
  6. Game Informer
    80
    Still a hell of a good time. The new multiplayer modes are fun, the weapons are interesting, and it's not like shooting zombies has lost its charm since "Wolfenstein 3D." [Jan 2005, p.138]
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  7. Game Over Online
    86
    It's got the same flaws as Painkiller, as well as all its considerable merits.
  8. Gamer's Hell
    85
    It’s delightfully twisted, I love it.
  9. Gamers' Temple
    84
    Delivers some of the most imaginative levels ever found in a first person shooter, and is a great reason for Painkiller fans to go back to purgatory.
  10. GameShark
    80
    It's not powerful enough to convince Painkiller detractors to join the fold, but it's certainly everything a fan the original game will love.
  11. GameSpot
    76
    So enough with the puzzle bosses! And fix the loading times! And get rid of the idiotic jumping puzzles! Make more levels like the orphanage! Please.
  12. GameSpy
    80
    Everything is just as wonderfully crafted, over-the-top crazy, and mouse-crushingly intense as it was in the full game. It's more Painkiller, and that's what you'd expect from an expansion, right?
  13. GameZone
    90
    Battle out of Hell not only adds new content to Painkiller, but it also steps up the visuals. There are new visual distortions and lighting capabilities, which really make the game look great. They are all very noticeable differences.
  14. Gaming Nexus
    86
    A near perfect expansion pack. It gives gamers more levels, more bad guys, and more multiplayer content. What else can you ask for in an expansion pack? Not much.
  15. IC-Games
    85
    We found the frantic gameplay, gorgeous graphics and downright scary soundtrack was right up our street and Painkiller, and its newly released expansion pack are more than worthy contenders to that elusive list of brilliant FPS.
  16. IGN
    75
    Battle out of Hell is at its best, ironically, when there aren't a lot of monsters around--when you actually get a moment to soak up the mood and look around a little. The game is coated in supernatural Gothic madness, but you hardly noticed most of the time because something's flying at you.
  17. IncGamers
    80
    All in all, Painkiller: Black Edition is a mixed bag of goodies. [Black Edition]
  18. PC Gameworld
    85
    For fans of the first game, I have only this to say: semi-automatic sniper-rifle stake gun. With more of everything, this is a must own!
  19. Pelit (Finland)
    81
    More of the same old good Painkiller. I absolutely love the new sniper-auto-polegun. The underground tunnel levels are lame, but otherwise the level design ranges from mediocre to fine. [Jan. 05]
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  20. Play Magazine
    75
    A solid 10-level package rife with impressive demonic hordes. [Jan 2005, p.77]
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  21. RealGamer
    76
    The good levels are very good though and if you can stomach the others this one is well worth a flutter.
  22. Stuff
    95
    If you own the original, not buying the extra levels would make you a sinner. Now, stop treating your body like a carnival ride.
  23. VGPub
    80
    In the end, the game is just more of the first: mindlessly slashing waves of AI-less monsters coming out at you to Satan’s music, with the extra touch of intensified seriousness and atmosphere.
  24. Worth Playing
    93
    It may not showcase a cutting-edge game engine or add brand new features to the FPS genre, but Painkiller: Battle out of Hell is, without a doubt, one of the most intense and straightforward FPS rides the genre has seen yet.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best PC Game of 2004
54
#54 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 104 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 104
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 104
  3. Negative: 8 out of 104
  1. Brosman
    Oct 29, 2013
    9
    Just an excellent arcade shooter. Its so much fun. I'll lose a few hours to this game just rampaging through the hordes of Satan's army. OneJust an excellent arcade shooter. Its so much fun. I'll lose a few hours to this game just rampaging through the hordes of Satan's army. One of the last true classic arcade shooters that is well deserving of your money.… Full Review »
  2. DanielG.
    Jan 6, 2005
    10
    Great.
  3. Warmonger
    Dec 20, 2004
    10
    wonderful!!! great levels, (leningrad is my favorite), great gameplay and a lot of fun. I just love the atmosphere in this game!! It sucks wonderful!!! great levels, (leningrad is my favorite), great gameplay and a lot of fun. I just love the atmosphere in this game!! It sucks you in and keeps you there, bring on painkiller 2.… Full Review »
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