A classic 2004 first-person shooter, Painkiller, has returned to Steam, demanding substantial modern PC hardware for its updated release.
The game became available on the platform Thursday, March 21, priced at approximately $32.00 USD. This new iteration is presented as a significant technical overhaul rather than a simple re-release.
While the original was known for its intense action and demon-slaying gameplay, this version promises updated graphics and a robust experience designed for current-generation systems. It is not considered a mere remaster.
To run Painkiller, users will need a PC with at least Windows 10 (64-bit), an Intel i5-9400F or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X processor, and a minimum of 16 GB of RAM. Graphical requirements start with an NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super, AMD RX 6600 XT, or Intel Arc A750.
For optimal performance, the developers recommend Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), an Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, and 32 GB of RAM. A NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti, AMD RX 6750 XT, or Intel Arc A770 graphics card is suggested.
The updated title supports DirectX 12 and offers modes for 60 frames per second or higher. It features more detailed environments, along with enhanced shadows, lighting, and textures.
Developed by the Polish studio People Can Fly and originally published by DreamCatcher Interactive, Painkiller puts players in the role of a character navigating purgatory. The mission involves battling hordes of demons across diverse settings, including castles, cemeteries, and monasteries.
The gameplay style remains fast-paced, featuring heavy weaponry and numerous enemies, often drawing comparisons to other classic shooters like Quake and Doom.