Deck the Halls of Purgatory with Painkiller's "Metal as Hell" Update and DLC!

Deck the Halls of Purgatory!

Experience new combat items, Rogue Angel Mode content and QoL improvements in the free update!

Purgatory just got louder, bloodier, and a whole lot more metal. 3D Realms and Anshar Studios have officially unleashed the “Metal as Hell” Content Update & DLC for Painkiller on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XS, and Steam. This marks the game’s first major post‑launch content drop—one packed with new combat tools, expanded roguelike challenges, and a sleigh-load of quality‑of‑life improvements designed to keep demon‑slaying smoother than ever.

And speaking of smooth—before we dive deeper into the carnage, why not take a front‑row seat to the chaos?

Consider this your backstage pass to the latest gameplay showcase. Grab your headphones, crank the volume to a safe db, and let the halls of purgatory ring!

Keep the headphones in for the Audio Dev Diary below + a new Blu39 track... Dungeons with Dragons!

It's crazy how time flies... but I remember playing the original Painkiller game on PC over 20 years ago. Talk about memories, it was a smooth experience then and I appreciate the fact that wasn't lost. I wish there would've been a remake that showcased Daniel Garner in a whole new way, but anyone who snags this game will ultimately shrug that off if this is their first go round.

 Daniel Garner: The Fallen Everyman Who Defined Painkiller 

For anyone new to the Painkiller universe, Daniel Garner wasn’t a space marine, a chosen one, or a genetically engineered super‑soldier. He was painfully ordinary—and that’s exactly what made him unforgettable.

Daniel’s story begins with tragedy. On a rainy night, he and his wife Catherine are killed in a car accident. Catherine ascends to Heaven. Daniel… doesn’t. Instead, he awakens in purgatory, a surreal battleground where angels and demons wage a cold war through proxies. Daniel is offered a deal:

Slay the armies of Hell, eliminate Lucifer’s generals, and he might earn the right to see Catherine again.

That’s the emotional core of the original Painkiller: a man who never asked to be a hero, fighting through grotesque arenas of the damned with nothing but grit, grief, and a growing arsenal of absurdly metal weapons. His journey wasn’t about saving the world—it was about clawing his way back to the woman he loved. Tell me that wouldn't have made for a sick remake(?), but... I digress.

 What’s New in the “Metal as Hell” Update 

The free update brings a pair of new throwable items that add fresh tactical layers to Painkiller’s frantic combat.

• Demon Blood – A leeching projectile that drains enemies and restores your vitality.

• Holy Orb Turret – A deployable powerhouse that blasts foes with righteous fury.

Players diving into Rogue Angel Mode—Painkiller’s roguelike gauntlet—will find even more to chew on. The update introduces 10 new arenas and an additional boss fight, expanding the mode’s replayability and raising the stakes for every run.

 A New Developer Diary for Audio Fans 

If you’re the type who loves to peek behind the curtain, the Painkiller team also released a brand‑new developer diary. This deep dive explores the game’s sound design—from mixing effects and crafting audio UX cues to building a dynamic music system that shifts between biomes and environments. It’s a fascinating look at how Painkiller’s sonic identity was... forged.

 “Metal as Hell” DLC: New Skins, New Style 

Alongside the free update, players can grab the Metal as Hell DLC, which includes:

• 4 new character skins

• 6 new weapon skins

Season Pass owners get the DLC at no additional cost, while everyone else can pick it up for $4.99  £3.99  €4.99.

Whether you’re diving into the roguelike chaos of Rogue Angel Mode or tearing through arenas with friends, this update ensures you’ll look good doing it. Game on!

 + Sophi 

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4. DE Germany

5. JP Japan

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Why Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Was So Well Received — And Why It Signals a Bold Step Out of Nintendo’s Shadow

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds... Consoles | EPIC | Steam

For years, the kart‑racing landscape has been dominated by one name... Mario Kart. But... Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds arrived to carve out its own lane, and the reception proves it succeeded as it makes more headway than other entries in the franchise. 

Not saying other entries didn't provide enjoyment for fans, but Critics and players alike... have praised CrossWorlds unpredictability, its customization depth, and its willingness to experiment with mechanics that push the genre forward rather than just recycle what’s already been done. CrossWorlds represents the best of Sonic Racing, and the trend should continue in the future. It doesn't have to be a better... Mario Kart, and the further they move away from that and do their own innovative things, the more badass these entries will be. Anyway, let's play!

The more SEGA... breaks away, the more they'll blast off!

This isn’t a “Sonic vs. Mario” conversation. Kart‑racing fans can enjoy both for their differences. But CrossWorlds stands as a reminder that Sega doesn’t need to operate in anyone’s shadow, being different is the name of the game. When Sonic’s team leans into creativity, chaos, and speed that dives into the depths of what they have to offer... they deliver something only they can make.

Speaking of which… Hey Sega, can we get B.D. Joe and a set of Crazy Taxi tracks?

 The Portal System: Predictable in Timing, Unpredictable in Outcome 

One of the biggest reasons CrossWorlds resonated is its signature mechanic: portals. You know they’re coming, but you don't know where they’ll send you in the next race. That single design choice injects a level of suspense and improvisation that keeps every race fresh.

It’s racing with a dash of controlled chaos. That's enough to keep you alert, but not enough to feel unfair or overwhelming. If it does... reduce the speed and enable steer assist as needed.

 Gadgets: A Layer of Strategy That Rewards Experimentation 

Instead of relying solely on in‑race items, CrossWorlds adds a pre‑race layer of strategy through its Gadget system. This is where the game truly steps out of the genre’s comfort zone.

Players can equip Gadgets that increase their competitive edge before the countdown even begins:

• 130 Ring Limitgives you the ability to hold up to... 130 rings and takes one slot.

• Air Trick Expert allows you to perform tricks much faster and take up two slots

• Acceleration Machine Kit might be three slots, but it reduces the damage you take on impact.

Some Gadgets take up three slots, others between two and one, and once you unlock all six slots, the combinations really make you a serious threat. You’re not just reacting in the race—you’re planning for it. 

That level of customization gives players a sense of ownership over their performance, and it’s a big part of why the game has such strong replay value. 

Since there are plenty of Gadgets to choose from, you're able to test which ones work best for you... while the competition does the same.

 Vibrant Tracks, Shifting Boost Rings, and Rival Pressure 

The tracks in CrossWorlds feel alive. They’re colorful, energetic, and full of moving parts that keep you engaged. Drifting can be frustrating at times—especially for players still mastering the timing... but the overall flow of each course encourages experimentation.

Shifting boost rings add another layer of unpredictability. They can appear in different spots, rewarding players who stay alert and adapt on the fly. Combine that with the rival system, which gives you a personal target to chase or defend against, and every race does a good job of keeping you locked in.

You’re the hunter and the hunted... at the same time.

 Replay Value That Justifies the Hype 

A well‑received racing game needs legs, and CrossWorlds has them:

• A wide variety of tracks

• Online racing

• Trophies and challenges

• Track customization

• Unlockable characters

• Car customization

It’s the kind of game you pick up for a quick race and end up playing for hours.

 A More Affordable Entry Point Without Sacrificing Quality 

Another reason fans embraced CrossWorlds is simple... value and preference.

• Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds — $44.95

• Mario Kart World — $79.99

You’re not losing out by choosing the more affordable option. In fact, with an $80 budget, you could grab CrossWorlds while on sale... plus another game. For families, casual players, and anyone watching their spending, that's a win.

And the best part? The lower price doesn’t reflect lower ambition. CrossWorlds feels complete, confident, and content‑rich.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds had me on the edge of my seat, pedal to the metal, fighting for that number‑one spot and trying to outpace my rival. I took the number one spot in the next go round and enjoyed every moment of it. I hope Sega continues to move forward in their own direction, they wanted to be more of a threat... and this is certainly a great move. Game on!

 + Sophi 

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