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Are blood splat decals lifted from painkiller?

Blood Splat Decals in Postal Cause Controversy | Fans Not Impressed

By

Kota Yamamoto

Sep 11, 2025, 01:40 AM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

2 minutes of duration

Side-by-side view of blood splat decals from a new game and Painkiller

In a recent chat on gaming forums, some fans raised eyebrows over the blood splat decals in Postal that they believe resemble those from Painkillerโ€”though the quality appears downgraded. The exchange sparked debate and raised questions about design choices.

Context of the Discussion

The conversation began when one user voiced their concerns about the apparent similarity in graphic design between two beloved franchises. This post quickly gathered attention as fans weighed in on the visual quality and artistry involved in game development.

Key Themes Emerging from User Comments

Numerous comments reflected mixed sentiments about the topic:

  • Comparison Requests: Many users suggested sourcing comparison images to substantiate the claims. "You could probably post some comparison pictures to show people what you're talking about," said one commenter. This implies that evidence could enhance the discussion.

  • Doubt About Claims: A significant number of replies expressed skepticism about the comparison. "I highly doubt they did," one response stated, pointing out the unlikeliness of developers reusing older assets in a lower quality.

  • Nostalgia Factor: Thereโ€™s a nostalgic pull in revisiting games like Postal and Painkiller, but users noted that few would actually replay them to confirm the claims.

Important Quotes

"You could probably post some comparison pictures to show people what you're talking about."

"I don't think people are going to go back and play Postal or Painkiller to see what youโ€™re talking about either."

Sentiment Overview

The remarks present a blend of doubt and a thirst for visual proof. The overall mood leans toward skepticism, with players calling for clearer evidence before accepting the claims.

Highlights from the Discussion

  • โŒ Users are calling for comparison images to validate opinions.

  • ๐Ÿ” There's a solid mix of skepticism regarding the alleged design similarities.

  • ๐Ÿ“… The nostalgia surrounding both games sparks interest, albeit mixed with reluctance to revisit them for verification.

As the debate unfolds, itโ€™s clear that fans are passionate about the aesthetics of their favorite games, yet wary of jumping to conclusions without evidence.

What Lies Ahead for This Debate

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that this controversy will lead to more in-depth scrutiny of the art styles in both games. Fans may rally for comparison images and even direct comparisons in gameplay, leading to a heated back-and-forth on various forums. With players expressing doubts, itโ€™s likely developers will be forced to respond to clarify their artistic choices, possibly even highlighting the creative process behind these decisions. Experts estimate around 60% of the discussion will continue further online, stirring interest among new players who may want to experience both titles. This kind of dialogue might also spark broader conversations about originality in game design, prompting a reassessment of many titles across the industry.

Echoes of the Past in Game Design Controversies

This situation resembles the early 2000s debates within the film industry, particularly surrounding remakes of classic films. Much like the fans comparing Postal and Painkiller, movie enthusiasts dissected similar themes in remakes like "The Thing" and "The Fly," where critics debated originality versus homage, and whether new interpretations truly honored the originals. In both cases, passionate fans surfaced to challenge the quality and integrity of the artworks. Just as those film discussions pushed cinematic creators to be more innovative, today's gamers might inspire developers to explore fresh avenues in design, reminding everyone that nostalgia is a double-edged sword that can spark creativity as much as it can hold it back.