Painkiller returns after 20 years: New remake announced for fall 2025
Two decades after the last entry in the franchise, Painkiller is making a big comeback this year with a new remake developed by Anshar Studios. Best known for its work as a support studio on games like Divinity Original Sin 2, Baldur's Gate 3, and Layers of Fear, Anshar is developing the game with support from publishers 3D Realms and Saber Interactive.
The remake reimagines the game with four unique playable characters - Ink, Void, Sol, and Roch, and each comes with unique perks that let them buff their damage, energy, health, or power. The tarot card system from the original is also back, with unique cards that allow you to upgrade your abilities and arsenal and team up with other players. Speaking of which, The game now supports co-op play with up to three players and offline play with bots.
There seems to be a heavier emphasis on co-op play, which is weird, considering the classic titles have always been single-player experiences. The multiplayer was mostly relegated to exclusive modes like deathmatch, capture the flag, etc.
Character movement has also been updated with jumping, dashing, and a hook for flinging yourself around the environment. It also looks to have more verticality than the original, which was mostly just boxy corridors and arenas.
Nevertheless, the updated visuals look nice, and if the trailer is anything to go by, it still retains that fast-paced mayhem Painkiller is known for. There is no announced release date for the remake other than sometime in Fall 2025.
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