The sixth level of Painkiller: Battle Out of Hell, Leningrad, is a challenging one set in the eponymous city during World War II. There’s close-quartered house to house combat, snipers to contend with, tanks to destroy, air strikes to avoid and it ends with a huge chaotic set-piece in an open square. While it’s by no means a realistic depiction of urban warfare during that era, the level has enough of its flavour to prove satisfying.
My biggest disappointment occurred a split second before the end when I fell prey to a nasty surprise. I will concede the designers certainly achieved their objective as I was completely taken by surprise. I was also completely annoyed as it meant I had to replay that huge setpiece. My mood got progressively worse as I had to replay that setpiece several times before I managed to reach the end once again.
Despite that Stupid Designer Trick, I did enjoy the rest of the level so much I’m considering picking up one of those WW2-flavoured shooters once I’m done with the Painkiller expansion.
