Painkiller: Hell & Damnation

 PC
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 195 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 195
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 195
  3. Negative: 42 out of 195

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  1. vault2049
    Oct 31, 2012
    8
    This is Painkiller completely re-imagined and enhanced with the Unreal Engine 3. The story structure it's a bit different and the game includes some extra cut-scenes that were created solely for this game's purpose. There is also co-op and multiplayer game modes. The downside is the lack of levels on the single player and co-op campaign mode. There are only 12 levels out of the 30+This is Painkiller completely re-imagined and enhanced with the Unreal Engine 3. The story structure it's a bit different and the game includes some extra cut-scenes that were created solely for this game's purpose. There is also co-op and multiplayer game modes. The downside is the lack of levels on the single player and co-op campaign mode. There are only 12 levels out of the 30+ included in the original game and the expansion. I can deduce (from the price if this game) that the remaining maps will come as DLCs, which (of course) are going to be for sale.

    Other than this, Painkiller: Hell & Damnation it's an excellent remasterization of the original old-school FPS, Painkiller. It plays well and it looks even better. For the 19.99$ price tag this is definitely worth getting.    … Expand
  2. Vormulac
    Nov 1, 2012
    8
    Although there are a few things that detract from the experience such jumping up ramps not being as smooth as in the original PK and the Painkiller secondary fire not working correctly on some surfaces the game as a whole is exactly what you would expect: fast and fun. Some ini file tweaking may be required (FOV, mouse acceleration, etc) but the game provides more or less what wasAlthough there are a few things that detract from the experience such jumping up ramps not being as smooth as in the original PK and the Painkiller secondary fire not working correctly on some surfaces the game as a whole is exactly what you would expect: fast and fun. Some ini file tweaking may be required (FOV, mouse acceleration, etc) but the game provides more or less what was promised. If you've been missing old school arena shooters then this should be up your alley.… Expand
  3. aleixoteixeira
    Nov 8, 2012
    9
    I really, really do not understand why people are rating it so low. Painkiller was an amazing game, and this is a great remake. It is intended for hardcore FPS gamers, if you liked Serious Sam, then this is the game for you. The story isn't that good, and it's understandable, since I wasn't really expecting it to be focused on a solid storyline. This game has beautiful graphics, physicsI really, really do not understand why people are rating it so low. Painkiller was an amazing game, and this is a great remake. It is intended for hardcore FPS gamers, if you liked Serious Sam, then this is the game for you. The story isn't that good, and it's understandable, since I wasn't really expecting it to be focused on a solid storyline. This game has beautiful graphics, physics and the gameplay is excellent.… Expand
  4. wAKsy
    Oct 31, 2012
    9
    To be honest this game is what I expected to be; fast paced old-school violence. A lot of the reviews I'm seeing complain about the AI being stupid but fail to realise this was done on purpose. It's the AI you'll find in this type of classic shooter. What other kind of AI would you want? Think of this as Quake, Doom and Unreal bottled up. I LOVE how the AI are overly aggressive, runTo be honest this game is what I expected to be; fast paced old-school violence. A lot of the reviews I'm seeing complain about the AI being stupid but fail to realise this was done on purpose. It's the AI you'll find in this type of classic shooter. What other kind of AI would you want? Think of this as Quake, Doom and Unreal bottled up. I LOVE how the AI are overly aggressive, run directly straight for you with weapons swinging. It's just the style of game play they went for. Not to mention there are HORDES of them, some with shields which makes attention to aiming a must. The graphics are polished which adds to the gloomy ambience to the levels and monsters (AI). I couldn't have asked anything more for this classic shooter. If you don't "get" this game, then you'll probably think the same thing as the crappy reviews. Complaining about stuff which was intentional. This is a game ONLY for die hard fans of old-school shooter. It even says so during the teaser video from Nordic Games. So if you are a fan of this genre you can not miss this one.… Expand
  5. Seical
    Nov 12, 2012
    8
    I bought the collector's edition in retail. I must say, really cool and quite much content for not that much money! Definitely worth! Game itself is a good old FPS and sureley not for everyone (especially obviously too hard for the germans hehehe ;-) - no USK rating)
  6. nafalem
    Nov 3, 2012
    9
    Old good Painkiller with Battle out of hell expansion on Unreal Engine. Id and Doom 3BFG Edition can learn from the Painkiller how to properly do a remake. Graphic is nice and smoothly. I have no idea where it took more than 200 negative votes. Hell and Damnation it's a good game !
  7. mnemis
    Nov 7, 2012
    10
    great game, really good fun, playing a few people even better
    Good graphics and music like the best metal band Orgy
    First scene look really cool, the game pulls like a typhoon yesterday with my friends we did have a little game. It was more fun for many games. The game has met my expectations. I recommend 100%
  8. essien93
    Nov 12, 2012
    10
    Painkiller is in my opinion the best shooter in the history of Polish. It is very playable, and in the newest part of this game, we can see the best of Painkiller at all. The Farm 51 lived up to the task now falls just wait for Painkiller 2
  9. Limbo9
    Nov 6, 2012
    10
    what the hell is wrong with the ratings? that cant be right? what the hell is wrong with the ratings? that cant be right?what the hell is wrong with the ratings? that cant be right?
  10. marco9819
    Dec 29, 2012
    10
    This is THE BEST GAME, because, yes there aren't some levels of the first Painkiller, but the multiplayer, when I find a match, is COMPETITIVE, not such as CALL OF DUTY or BATTLEFIELD 3. The graphics is PERFECT, at the level of BATTLEFIELD 3. I think one of the best game of the world.
  11. almiralower
    Jan 1, 2013
    10
    This is a masterpiece and must have for Painkiller fans. Good old school painkiller with some good new features. I do not understand the criticism of new grafics. On my Nvidia GTX590 it looks realy god. It is more fun, more nic, simply a wery good remake.
  12. yoyolll
    Dec 14, 2013
    9
    If you have Black Edition, think about skipping this. Even if you buy the game discounted, you'll need a lot of DLC to get as much content as the original. But if you don't have Black Edition or you just really really loved it like me, this is a fantastic game. Fast paced, bloody, graphics are pretty (not amazing), and the game is just a lot of fun. Killing monster after monster afterIf you have Black Edition, think about skipping this. Even if you buy the game discounted, you'll need a lot of DLC to get as much content as the original. But if you don't have Black Edition or you just really really loved it like me, this is a fantastic game. Fast paced, bloody, graphics are pretty (not amazing), and the game is just a lot of fun. Killing monster after monster after monster with body parts flying all over the place. I'm writing this review right now because they also released a huge (6.7GB!) patch today that really improved performance for me and fixed a lot of bugs.

    Only complaint I have with this game is DLC DLC DLC up the butthole.
    If you catch it on a sale, you can get the game plus all DLC for around the same price as a normal game ($20-$30), and it is totally worth it. With all the DLC this game is like Painkiller Black Edition updated, and has just as much replay value as Doom 1&2.    … Expand
  13. Amigian
    May 28, 2015
    10
    I still haven't played the retail of this yet, however I worked on this game from ground zero and the beta testing phase. I conceived the idea for the soul catcher weapon and contributed some other input on weapon behaviour, monster design and other general stuff. I want to thank everyone here who gave positive ratings & reviews, since it was made by a small passionate team, and when I sayI still haven't played the retail of this yet, however I worked on this game from ground zero and the beta testing phase. I conceived the idea for the soul catcher weapon and contributed some other input on weapon behaviour, monster design and other general stuff. I want to thank everyone here who gave positive ratings & reviews, since it was made by a small passionate team, and when I say small as far as beta feedback for the single-player you could count them on your fingers.

    I am really looking forward to putting this one through its paces in a few days time, so anyone else interested head on over to Steam, get a good deal & support the devs! : > )    … Expand
  14. AWG
    Jun 23, 2013
    8
    Painkiller: Hell & Damnation is a remake of the original title from the series and, at the same time, a sequel. Aside from this curiosity, the story isn't that interesting and it's not an example of originality but who cares: you're too busy trying not to be killed by everlasting hoards of monsters and demons to care about the story. Really. I played the whole game in co-op with a friendPainkiller: Hell & Damnation is a remake of the original title from the series and, at the same time, a sequel. Aside from this curiosity, the story isn't that interesting and it's not an example of originality but who cares: you're too busy trying not to be killed by everlasting hoards of monsters and demons to care about the story. Really. I played the whole game in co-op with a friend of mine and we enjoyed each and every single level of it. Multiplayer is not bad too.… Expand
  15. MrHorusLG
    Mar 19, 2020
    8
    Not perfect remake of the best old school FPS,but better than Resurrection,Redemption and Recurring Evil
  16. YntoCCabile
    Jun 15, 2014
    8
    A enjoyed very much the original game and this remake isn't really adding that much (if it's not shorter), but playing in HD is pretty awesome. If you like game with no story (oh well, pretty stupid story), and just wanna shoot monsters with bunch of sick weapons, I'm recommending it to you. Gameplay is similar to Serious Sam series (so much shorter tho), with rock/metal music in the background.
  17. Al89ex
    Feb 12, 2018
    8
    The game has saved the best sides of the original It is action, gameplay and many monsters which hurries to get a bullet or a rocket in their meat body In gereral Its not bad shooter for those people who remembers the original If take into consideration that last games Painkiller were very bad I dare say It is worth playing.
  18. LT_Gruber
    Jan 6, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing remake of the original game and its expansion, but with some flaws.

    Painkiller: Hell and Damnation is a remaster of the first Painkiller game and its expansion: Battle Out of Hell.

    The game follows the same story line and mechanics, but offers a lot more content like challenge maps, a unique Halloween map and the introduction of co-op. It now runs on the Unreal Engine and looks fantastic.

    You play, once again, as Daniel Garner, a happily married dude who dies, along with his wife Catherine, in a car crash. Catherine goes to heaven and lives happily ever after, but not you. You are sent to Purgatory and are trapped there. Then, an Angel called Samuel makes a deal with you. If you can wipe out the four generals of Lucifers army, to prevent a battle between Heaven and Hell, you will be purified and can join your wife in Heaven. You accept and go off to war. On your journey, you meet a chick named Eve, who is also trapped in Purgatory. She aids you with information on the whereabouts of the next generals and other useful tips.

    All the weapons are there, like the stake gun, the shotgun and the rocket launcher. However, the game also introduces a new weapon called the Soul Catcher. You can charge this weapon with the souls of your enemies and when the meter is full, you unleash a blast of energy. Besides this, it shoots saw blades. It is a nice addition to your arsenal.

    The graphics have, obviously, greatly improved from the first games. Everything looks nice and polished; rag-doll animations are much better, and you can now dismember and gib enemies in a more brutal way. It feels great to blast an enemy into tiny pieces. The environments also received a nice graphical upgrade.

    The sound is just as fine as the first game, but for some reason, they changed some of the music tracks. I do not know how they did it, but the two absolute master tracks that I liked the most, the tracks from the Lab level and Looney Park, have been changed to something generic, such a shame and it almost felt like they did it on purpose.

    On the note of change, they also excluded a lot of enemy types from the original game. The ninjas in the Opera House stage for example, one of the most iconic and fun enemies, have been replaced. Also, many great stages from the first game, like the Orphanage, are not present in Painkiller: Hell and Damnation. Why?

    You can clearly see that this is a game of the new millennium. Some stages are not available until you buy them as DLC, the same goes for the Tarot cards and skins. And speaking of DLC, this game has a ton of it. You never have the feeling that you have a complete game because you miss some random DLC. The only game that I know of that is worse than this, is Borderlands 2 with its million pieces of DLC.

    At least this game now got achievements to unlock, something that makes me explore every inch and possibility of a game to get the most out of it, it kept me playing the game for many hours.

    I have to say that I really liked the few new approaches like the top-down third person view stages, it added something fresh to the game and came as a total surprise to me when I first experienced it.

    In the end, I still think Painkiller: Hell and Damnation is a good game, just not as epic as the original game and its expansion.This is mainly because of the commercial vibe that this game has and the missing levels and enemies, but when playing, it still feels like Painkiller.

    Still recommend it.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
68
#68 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 33
  3. Negative: 3 out of 33
  1. ZTGD
    Mar 15, 2013
    68
    Despite its shortcomings, Painkiller is well worth it.
    Read full review
  2. Games Master UK
    Feb 9, 2013
    53
    Enemies run towards you and you shoot them over and over until they die. Shallow and dull. [March 2013, p.79]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 4, 2013
    40
    Great visuals. Wooden stick launcher. Dull and short campaign. No-brain enemies. Boring multiplayer. Cons and pros accounted for: not worthy. [Jan 2013]
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