Painkiller on Xbox Series X: A Demon-Slaying Revival for FPS Fans

When you first boot up Painkiller on the Xbox Series X, it’s immediately clear that this is a game designed for players who crave the raw adrenaline rush of classic first-person shooters. In an era where many FPS titles lean heavily on cinematic storytelling, tactical cover systems, or complex progression mechanics, Painkiller proudly goes in the opposite direction. It embraces the chaotic, fast-paced spirit of the genre’s golden age, delivering an experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly straightforward. For fans of DOOM, Quake, or Serious Sam, this game is a love letter to the days when the only objective was to survive wave after wave of grotesque enemies with nothing but your reflexes, your arsenal, and your determination.

In this reimagined version of Painkiller, you play as one of four lost souls—Ink, Void, Sol, or Roch—who have been condemned to purgatory. The celestial being Metatron tasks you with proving your worth as a champion. Your mission is to battle through hordes of demons sent by Azazel, a fallen angel intent on invading Earth. Only by carving a path through his armies can you earn salvation and ascend to Heaven.

Painkiller is all about fast-paced, skill-driven combat. Unlike modern shooters that often emphasize cover mechanics or tactical pacing, this game throws you directly into the chaos. You’re constantly moving, strafing, and dodging while unleashing devastating firepower against swarms of enemies. The design philosophy is simple, keep the player in motion, keep the adrenaline pumping, and never let the action slow down.

The enemy encounters are structured like arena battles. You’ll enter a gothic, hellish environment such as cathedrals, graveyards or fiery pits and suddenly waves of demons pour in from every direction. Each wave feels like a test of reflexes and ammo management. The sheer number of enemies creates a sense of overwhelming danger, but that’s exactly what makes the victories so satisfying.

Weapons are the beating heart of the gameplay. Every gun feels distinct and powerful, from the crunch of a double-barrelled shotgun to more exotic, supernatural weapons that add variety and flair. The game encourages experimentation, letting you swap between weapons mid-combat to adapt to different enemy types. There’s no “safe” weapon as each has its own rhythm, and mastering them all is part of the fun.

The tarot card system adds a unique layer of strategy to the game’s fast-paced demon-slaying action. At the end of each level, players can unlock tarot cards by completing specific challenges, such as finishing without dying, defeating all enemies, or meeting strict time limits. These cards are divided into two types: Silver Cards, which provide passive buffs that last for the entire level, and Gold Cards, which grant powerful abilities that can be manually activated for about thirty seconds. Silver Cards might increase ammo capacity, boost movement speed, or even regenerate health, while Gold Cards deliver dramatic effects like halving incoming damage, slowing down time in a bullet-time style, or restoring health in critical moments. Because Gold Cards can only be used once per level, players must carefully decide when to unleash them, while Silver Cards require thoughtful selection before entering a stage to maximize their benefits.

Multiplayer and co-op elevate the experience even further. Playing solo is exhilarating, but teaming up with friends transforms the game into pure mayhem. The three-player co-op mode is particularly enjoyable, as it forces you to coordinate attacks while still maintaining the frantic pace that defines the game. Every session feels different depending on your team composition and weapon choices, giving the game a strong sense of replayability. It’s not just about mowing down demons, it’s about doing it together, laughing at the chaos, and celebrating those moments when you barely scrape through a wave alive.

Visually, Painkiller benefits greatly from the power of the Xbox Series X. The environments are drenched in gothic atmosphere, with ruined cathedrals, fiery pits, and twisted landscapes that perfectly capture the game’s hellish tone. The lighting effects and enemy animations add to the overall immersion, making every battle feel cinematic without sacrificing performance. Even when the screen is packed with enemies, the framerate holds steady, ensuring that the action never loses its edge.

What makes Painkiller stand out is its unapologetic focus on fun. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel or bog you down with unnecessary mechanics. Instead, it delivers pure, unfiltered FPS gameplay that feels timeless. For players who miss the days when shooters were about speed, reflexes, and spectacle, this game is a reminder of why the genre became so beloved in the first place.

Pros

• Fast-paced, skill-driven combat that rewards aggression

• Powerful and varied weapons with satisfying impact

• Atmospheric visuals and smooth performance on Xbox Series X

• Co-op mode adds chaos, fun, and replayability

Cons

• Minimal narrative depth compared to modern shooters

• Gameplay loop may feel repetitive for players seeking variety

• Lack of progression systems could deter those used to RPG-style FPS mechanics

Painkiller on Xbox Series X succeeds because it knows exactly what it wants to be: a fast, brutal, and endlessly entertaining shooter. It’s not perfect and some players may find the lack of narrative depth or modern progression systems limiting, but for those who appreciate the purity of old-school FPS design, it’s a must-play. Whether you’re diving in solo or teaming up with friends, the game delivers a satisfying blend of nostalgia and modern polish that makes every firefight unforgettable.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Painkiller is Available Now!

XBOX