An explosive trip through purgatory
By Paul Hunter
Painkiller on PS5 takes the classic 2004 game and completely rebuilds it around modern co-op raids and quick, arena-first firefights. Developed by Anshar Studios and published by 3D Realms publishes, the game is available now on PS5 (version reviewed), Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Three-player online co-op is the headline feature, but you can also play solo with bots filling the extra slots. The main game mode is the Raids, however, there is also Rogue Angel, a roguelike batte arena experience, as well as Solo offline mode, so you can tackle structured missions or jump into shorter run-based challenges that remix the objectives.
Progression and replayability are at the forefront of this game, as you’re always bringing loot back, whether that’s upgrades for your guns or tarot-style modifiers that change what you can do before the next run starts.
So, is Painkiller a demon-blasting co-op shooter worth loading up on PS5? Let’s find out!
The story keeps its focus on the action, so you’re not sitting through long cutscenes and instead, you get quick bits of context through character voice lines, while Azazel takes shots at you from the sidelines. That constant chatter gives the game a slightly cheeky edge, even when the 'stop hell’s advance' stakes are meant to be serious.
A lot of the narrative flavour lives in the codex back at your home base, the Bastion of Redemption, where dossiers and reports fill in extra detail about the characters and the threats you’re facing. It's neat because it feels like reading mission paperwork from both sides of the war, and it helps sell the idea that you’re fighting through an immense high-stakes battle. Even when the fighting gets intense the goal always remains clear: track Azazel’s advances, cut through his monsters, and earn your way out of Purgatory.
My runs usually turned into a frenetic mix of dashing, sliding, and quick wall bounces to keep my distance while waves pushed in. The Painkiller shredder is your most important tool, because it drops ammo for your guns and the charged attack converts enemies into Energy used to fuel your weapon alt-fire.
Completing missions nets you Gold and Ancient Souls, which you can spend between runs to unlock weapons, buy upgrades, grab skins, and roll for tarot cards. Tarot cards give you buffs in the next run, and you can focus your build on offence, defence, or utility before you start.
The game's two-weapon cap is a noticeable shift for longtime fans (the original game lets you carry more). But the good news is weapon upgrades give you variety, like turning the stake gun into a multi-stake shot or tweaking the shuriken gun so shots bounce or split. The Painkiller tool also works as a hookshot, and levels have specific skull grapple targets, but I did notice they're a bit picky about your angle. The game also uses dynamic scaling, so extra enemies can spawn if you spend too long hunting secrets.
Performance overall is excellent, even in the busiest arenas, there was no slowdown or texture pop-ins. You have to watch out for hazards and traps that are placed around the arenas, but most are telegraphed, although even the tells can be a tad hard to spot when a wave fight gets hectic.
Audio supports the carnage with excellent gunfire and impact effects that give battles more intensity. The metal soundtrack fits the theme, but I do wish the track variety across biomes was more substantial. The character voice work adds personality with silly banter during missions, although I ran into a few lines that cut off mid-delivery so some audio kinks still need ironed out.
Final Score: 6.5/10 - Okay
Developer: Anshar Studios
Publisher: 3D Realms, Saber Interactive
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Painkiller on PS5 takes the classic 2004 game and completely rebuilds it around modern co-op raids and quick, arena-first firefights. Developed by Anshar Studios and published by 3D Realms publishes, the game is available now on PS5 (version reviewed), Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Three-player online co-op is the headline feature, but you can also play solo with bots filling the extra slots. The main game mode is the Raids, however, there is also Rogue Angel, a roguelike batte arena experience, as well as Solo offline mode, so you can tackle structured missions or jump into shorter run-based challenges that remix the objectives.
Progression and replayability are at the forefront of this game, as you’re always bringing loot back, whether that’s upgrades for your guns or tarot-style modifiers that change what you can do before the next run starts.
So, is Painkiller a demon-blasting co-op shooter worth loading up on PS5? Let’s find out!
Story and Narrative
Painkiller drops you into Purgatory as one of four sinners who get a rare deal: fight for a shot at redemption. The mission comes from Metatron, the Voice of the Creator, and the job is direct: Azazel is gathering hell’s forces for an invasion on Earth, and you’re sent to destroy that plan before it gets rolling.The story keeps its focus on the action, so you’re not sitting through long cutscenes and instead, you get quick bits of context through character voice lines, while Azazel takes shots at you from the sidelines. That constant chatter gives the game a slightly cheeky edge, even when the 'stop hell’s advance' stakes are meant to be serious.
A lot of the narrative flavour lives in the codex back at your home base, the Bastion of Redemption, where dossiers and reports fill in extra detail about the characters and the threats you’re facing. It's neat because it feels like reading mission paperwork from both sides of the war, and it helps sell the idea that you’re fighting through an immense high-stakes battle. Even when the fighting gets intense the goal always remains clear: track Azazel’s advances, cut through his monsters, and earn your way out of Purgatory.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Painkiller is at its best when you treat it like a fast-action shooter where movement and alt-fire matter as much as raw aim. Your guns are hitscan, so shots land the moment you pull the trigger, keeping the action intense. Also, your main weapons don’t require reloading, so the pressure stays on, although of your elemental alt-fire has a cooldown or requires resources to replenish.My runs usually turned into a frenetic mix of dashing, sliding, and quick wall bounces to keep my distance while waves pushed in. The Painkiller shredder is your most important tool, because it drops ammo for your guns and the charged attack converts enemies into Energy used to fuel your weapon alt-fire.
Completing missions nets you Gold and Ancient Souls, which you can spend between runs to unlock weapons, buy upgrades, grab skins, and roll for tarot cards. Tarot cards give you buffs in the next run, and you can focus your build on offence, defence, or utility before you start.
The game's two-weapon cap is a noticeable shift for longtime fans (the original game lets you carry more). But the good news is weapon upgrades give you variety, like turning the stake gun into a multi-stake shot or tweaking the shuriken gun so shots bounce or split. The Painkiller tool also works as a hookshot, and levels have specific skull grapple targets, but I did notice they're a bit picky about your angle. The game also uses dynamic scaling, so extra enemies can spawn if you spend too long hunting secrets.
Presentation and Audio
Painkiller’s visuals do a good job of making Purgatory hase variety, with biomes that keep changing the scenery between arenas. For example, one biome has gothic industrial architecture with tall structures, while another goes for a toxic jungle look with murkier colours and a harsh atmosphere.Performance overall is excellent, even in the busiest arenas, there was no slowdown or texture pop-ins. You have to watch out for hazards and traps that are placed around the arenas, but most are telegraphed, although even the tells can be a tad hard to spot when a wave fight gets hectic.
Audio supports the carnage with excellent gunfire and impact effects that give battles more intensity. The metal soundtrack fits the theme, but I do wish the track variety across biomes was more substantial. The character voice work adds personality with silly banter during missions, although I ran into a few lines that cut off mid-delivery so some audio kinks still need ironed out.
The Verdict
Painkiller on PS5 delivers classic arena shooting, built around quick missions and constant action. The hellish settings sets the mood, and the audio keeps the combat feeling loud and satisfying. I do wish Painkiller offered more content though, after one night I felt like I experience much of what the game has to offer. Still, it's fun to play with buddies, so if you're looking for a shooter that stays loud and energetic, Painkiller fits the bill.Final Score: 6.5/10 - Okay
Painkiller details
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PCDeveloper: Anshar Studios
Publisher: 3D Realms, Saber Interactive
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
A key was provided by the publisher.