Adrian Chmielarz, the original creator of Painkiller, has expressed strong criticism towards Anshar Studio's 2025 reboot of the game. Chmielarz argues that while the reboot shares the Painkiller name, it lacks the core elements that defined the original. According to Chmielarz, the game emphasizes mechanics and spectacle at the expense of its horror atmosphere and immersion.
Game Elements and Criticism
Chmielarz stated that he played the beta version of the 2025 reboot and disagreed with every design choice made by Anshar Studio. He contends that the use of the Painkiller IP is counterproductive, suggesting it harms both the studio and the legacy of the original game. He likened the situation to other failed attempts to capture the essence of iconic game worlds, such as Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2.
Performance and Reception
Currently, the 2025 Painkiller reboot holds a 'Mixed' rating of 55% on Steam. Several reviews echo Chmielarz's sentiments, claiming the game resembles Doom more than the original Painkiller. These critiques point to a lack of continuity with the original's themes, further supporting Chmielarz's remarks on the game's misguided focus on visuals and mechanics.
While Chmielarz is critical of the reboot, he is now channeling his focus into a new project: an early-access first-person RPG set in a dark-fantasy world.
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