Painkiller: Hell Wars

 Xbox
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 33
  3. Negative: 2 out of 33
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  1. Play Magazine
    85
    As a first-person shooter, Painkiller flat out excels, crucifying nearly all comers on Xbox. [Jun 2006, p.47]
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  2. Game Chronicles
    81
    An excellent mix of intense first person shooting combined with a sophisticated risk-reward system that actually integrates into the gameplay. The Tarot cards are pure genius and add a whole new level to the genre.
  3. AceGamez
    80
    If you're a Quake fan or crave a seriouser Serious Sam, this is one trip to hell you'll certainly want to take again and again.
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  5. Armchair Empire
    80
    With forebodingly scary levels, huge end bosses and plenty of enjoyably hellacious, gory FPS gameplay, Painkiller: Hell Wars has enough quality features to blaze a fiery path into the Xbox library of shooter aficionados as it is one of the most devilishly pleasurable FPS titles on the Xbox.
  6. GamerFeed
    80
    It's the equivalent of gaming junk food, a fast-moving blast-a-thon that doesn't let up throughout its 20-plus levels. While the frame rate stutters from time to time and some levels appear to be missing, what remains is still quite the ride.
  7. GameSpot
    79
    Some technical performance issues and the passing of time make this version of the game less remarkable now than the original was when it was released, but Painkiller: Hell Wars is still a fun and viscerally satisfying shooter that has a lot to offer.
  8. TeamXbox
    79
    The combination of a single player game that is deep in levels and even deeper with enemies, solid multiplayer offerings, slim Xbox pickings, all rolled up into a $40, makes this a game that deserves a look on down the line.
  9. Game Informer
    78
    It's a little unfair--there are certainly plenty of gamers who lack the gaming PC to play the original--but at the same time it's hard to get excited about a port of a game that is exactly the same as the one I played a year ago. [Oct. 2006, p.106]
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  10. WHAM! Gaming
    78
    The other big reason for shooter fans to check this game out is because of the online multiplayer, which is surprisingly well done.
  11. MS Xbox World
    75
    A good, no brainer shooter which should appeal to anyone that likes no nonsense gaming. There's no tactics or strategy which means gamers of all skills can get stuck right into running around gunning down hell spawn.
  12. Console Gameworld
    75
    Blood, gore and lots of body parts make up ninety percent of this game and for this kind of an FPS, it should. This game is a nice little shooter that shouldn't be passed over without being given a second glance.
  13. Talk Xbox
    75
    It is fast-paced, in your face action non-stop. You'll never have a breather when you battle the onslaught of enemies before you. The translation from PC to Xbox is smooth enough to warrant playing the Xbox version over the PC rendition to avoid using a keyboard.
  14. GameShark
    75
    For those looking for a mindless, fun romp through some of the creepiest environments you'll come across, killing everything in sight with some great tunes and distinctive weapons, Painkiller could be just what you're looking for.
  15. GamePro
    75
    We were also dismayed at how quickly the game lost its appeal; a few levels of the same old, same old and we were ready to call it quits. Beyond a few interesting boss fights, it rarely strays from its simplistic "kill everything and move on" formula.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best Xbox Game of 2006
22
#22 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2006
4
#4 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. AlBacore
    Sep 29, 2006
    1
    Unbelievably bad....words can't describe how disappointed I was at this mindless, multiple enemy overkill FPS. The game itself ran fast, Unbelievably bad....words can't describe how disappointed I was at this mindless, multiple enemy overkill FPS. The game itself ran fast, but the poor graphics and detail likely helped this along. The level design was sub-par and it felt like the game took place in that "maze" screensaver for PC's. Possibly the worst FPS I have played.… Full Review »
  2. Andyman
    Aug 19, 2006
    7
    Painkiller: Hell Wars is clearly a game designed for a multiplayer experience. Every single level in the game has a "no escape" feel to it... Painkiller: Hell Wars is clearly a game designed for a multiplayer experience. Every single level in the game has a "no escape" feel to it... great for deathmatch, but gets old extremely fast in single-player. The gameplay is very tight, but I'd like to see a lot more variety here. It's basically Doom For Dummies.… Full Review »
  3. Pitchshifter
    Aug 11, 2006
    5
    If you want a really boring and bland shooter pick this up, very repetitive and mindless. i thought Darkwatch was a lot better at least more If you want a really boring and bland shooter pick this up, very repetitive and mindless. i thought Darkwatch was a lot better at least more interesting.… Full Review »
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