Closed beta testing is set to begin today for Painkiller: Hell & Damnation, Farm 51's upcoming horror-themed first-person shooter sequel. The forums have word they will be conducting "blitz" beta key giveaways in the forums and on the game's Facebook Page, where word is: "for all those who were not able to obtain a key, we will have more news coming up in this regard, so don't worry..." Here are some new screenshots, and here's word:

"Painkiller Hell & Damnation" is ready to hit the Beta phase, with hell due to be unleashed today.

Beta testers will have the opportunity to be among the first to trial the ultimate horror FPS with a limited-access closed beta. Registration is open at www.painkillergame.com, and the lucky ones might grab a key. The beta will run until the release, and will allow testers the exclusive chance to preview the game and give their much-valued feedback.

“We are very excited to open the Beta for selected users and are looking forward to the feedback sessions in our forum,” says Reinhard Pollice, Business and Product Development, Nordic Games. “The feedback from fans that played the original Painkiller is extremely important to us. It will give us a chance to interact with the community, as well as offering them exclusivity of being the first to play the game.”

The eagerly anticipated Hell & Damnation installment is powered by Unreal Engine 3 and continues the hardcore fast gameplay of the original "Painkiller". Players will be able to battle it out in the beta within 5 modes, including Single Player, Network Co-op, Deatchmatch and Team Deathmatch. It also features a Feedback button that links through to the Beta Forum so players can give direct feedback.

Beta keys will be available via media partners, Facebook and the Painkiller forums in the next couple of weeks. "Painkiller" encompasses everything that you’d want from an FPS. The gameplay is fast-paced and deadly, along with astonishing boss fights that requires the player to be tactical in order to destroy enemies.