An expansion pack that doesn't require the original game to play, Dreamcatcher Interactive did well to not label Overdose a "sequel" as it looks and plays almost identically to the original Painkiller game released in 2004 (which is a nice way of saying it's dated).
There's a new protagonist for Overdose, Belial, an unlikable and mostly-forgettable half-angel/half-demon sporting that weaponry which, ultimately, acts suspiciously similar to the old Painkiller weaponry, save for some aftermarket retooling and different special explosive effects. The hordes and swarms of holy/hellish enemies are likewise new but lacking in originality.
Fortunately, hell's cookie cutter still makes for some tasty mayhem with a generous dash of dark humor sprinkled on top... or over the top.
Ultimately, Overdose is the same old Painkiller, which would be bad if it weren't for the fact the same old was pretty darn fast and furiously fun in the first place, brimstone and whimsy, hysterical treacle, though probably a better buy if you find it marked down as a pre-played or bargain-bin game.
- TIP: On the Daydream and Insomnia difficulties of Painkiller: Overdose, hit the tilde (~) key to bring down the developers console, then type pkweapons for all weapons, pkammo for 999 ammo in each weapon, and pkweakenemies to give all enemies just 1 hp, for one shot, one kill.
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