Review: PAIN (PS3)

The majority of downloadable releases regardless of what console you prefer, tend to be simplistic ideas or half-hearted attempts that could not be generated into a fully-fledged retail title. PAIN sees you catapulting your character across a landscape in search of maximum damage and comedy. Think of it as a take on Burnout’s Crash Mode made possible by the Havok physics engine, minus the twisted metal and safety of obscurity. Instead in PAIN you’ll select your character and feel somewhat guilty as he receives more torture than a Gauntanamo Bay inmate.

The developer had been at odds to point out the comedy value in smashing up a level in pursuit of a high score. Gamestyle has endured such actions over the years whether it be as Godzilla, a fighter pilot or even as vengeful god in Sim City. In all cases the ‘comedy value’ soon evaporates and what you’re left with is an empty experience with little else to back it up apart from more damage, and a scoring mechanism that means very little in the scheme of things. PAIN does not manage to break this conveyor belt procession, as beyond the repetitive screams of your character and whirling points tally there is little else to discuss.

A detailed training mode lets you grasp the basics before heading out onto the main level and inflicting damage. The environments are well detail, containing many hidden elements and allow some player creativity from those who wish to go merely beyond smashing up everything.  The Tony Hawk’s emphasis on combos is well implemented and is the key to success. Most of the buttons and shaking function of the PS3 controller are introduced in an attempt to bring some method to PAIN’s madness.

The visuals are crisp and the overhead viewpoint is a welcome feature when trying to judge lobs over higher obstacles to hit your target. The mini-games are short in number and ultimately stature, allowing you to throw French Mimes through glass or take out monkeys, as they appear across a level. On paper it seems like a short single player offering, and that’s certainly the case when you experience it but PAIN does possess a weapon of mass power in its cannon; the multiplayer. Here you can enjoy a spot of bowling or compete in more familiar circumstances in the HORSE setting. Both capture and transmit effectively the fun that PAIN can offer during longer bouts of play, although our suspicision remains that this is not an enduring or sustained experience.

A disappointing aspect that seems prevalient in releases online and through retailers today is the amount of content on offer for an extra fee. A bomb mini-game is welcomely available at no extra cost, but for anyone wanting to expand the threadbare modes and levels within PAIN, its time to open your wallet. The main emphasis currently is on extra characters that each share comic book origins or clevage to heighten that ‘comedy value’ once again. Soon this will undoubtadely expand to new levels and mini-games, which simply by the shortness of the main game will almost become essential acquistions. It is a disappointing scenario seen in many releases that seek to balance value alongside the life of a game.

Idol Minds have attempted to foster a community via the leaderboards, videos and a worthwhile website to catch up on all the latest news and happenings. All of this to try and overcome the feeling that PAIN is too short even for a downloadable release. Time will no doubt address its faults but for a quick blast with friends or for fans of ragdoll physics it may prove to be an interesting diversion. The rest of us will be hoping that the Playstation Store has more worthwhile tricks up its sleeve.

Rating: 5 / 10

Words by Jason Julier