The Punisher Image
The Punisher
PlayStation 2
THQ
Release Date:
Also On: PC
Metascore
68
Based on
44 Critics
User Score
8.0
Based on
43 Ratings
Summary Back to top
Driven by a hatred of crime bordering on insanity, Frank Castle became The Punisher, a one-man army whose mission goes far beyond revenge. Taking on the city's high-powered crime lords, he wreaks havoc on the corrupt with methods reserved for those on the wrong side of the law. "The Punisher" video game represents the best of over 30 years of "Punisher" comic books and depicts some of the grittiest storylines in the Marvel Universe. [THQ]
Starring: Steve Blum, Robin Atkin Downes, David Sobolov
Developer: Volition Inc.
Genre(s): Other Shooters
# of players: 1 Player
Cheats: On GameFAQs
Rating: M
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Critic Reviews Back to top
Positive:
19
Mixed:
22
Negative:
3
100
Maxim Online
It's not all brutality. The Punisher is also one of the most immersive strategy games ever created. Aim for the head and enjoy.
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85
WHAM! Gaming
As generic a third-person shooter as you're likely to find, with its novel gimmicks countered by some truly irritating shortcomings.
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80
TotalPlayStation
In terms of doing the comics justice, this game is a shining example of how to stay true to the source material, but as a game, it can feel a little repetitive. Dig it for the story and the characters, not the depth of gameplay.
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70
PSX Nation
When the smoke clears, it's just another third-person action game.
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68
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Derivative or not, Punisher suffers from the same crippling problem: The extreme gunplay gets old after you've capped your first 50 felons. [March 2005, p.118]
60
BonusStage
I did like playing the game for the extra modes outside of the normal story mode, since they actually offered up some killer objectives and nice gameplay.
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38
Play Magazine
The game, like the movie it was also inspired by, has failed to properly tap into the vivid, dark energy of the comic book. [Feb 2005, p.62]
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User Reviews Back to top
Positive:
16
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0
10
FrankS.
Apr 9, 2005
Great.
10
BrentE.
Apr 7, 2005
This game is like crack so addictive.
9
RichardB.
Apr 7, 2009
The Punisher has its flaws but it's still one of the best shooters I've ever played. Many aspects of the game are average at best The Punisher has its flaws but it's still one of the best shooters I've ever played. Many aspects of the game are average at best (for example the controls which do not allow to move diagonally while aiming or crouching - or the bad "shoot dodge") but the atmosphere, the story, the voice acting (featuring Thomas Jane as the Punisher), the graphics and also the gameplay itself are actually on a very high level. If you're playing for a high score you actually have to fight very professionally, planning your steps, looking for cover and using your equipment and capabilities the best way you can. And collecting the upgrades and the unlockable flashbacks and comic covers may tie you to this game for a really long time. Although Max Payne 1 & 2 definitely are better and more memorable games, The Punisher actually may be more entertaining if you try to enjoy it. And for fans of the comics this game is a must since it's as close to the original as it can be. The game is like a very long and interactive Punisher comic and even made me love the comics againg when I already had stopped collecting them. So really: I can recommend this game to anyone who likes brutal shooters requiring some brains to win and any fan of black humor.… Expand
8
JamesF.
Jan 21, 2005
A fun, if somewhat linear, outing for the popular Marvel character after the somewhat disappointing Film. The action is entertaining, and the A fun, if somewhat linear, outing for the popular Marvel character after the somewhat disappointing Film. The action is entertaining, and the interrogations bring some good old ultraviolence and dark humor. What I find interesting is that this game was originally going to be rated "Adults Only", but THQ edited out some of the violence for an "M" rating. Basically, the fascinating interrogation system, dark humor, and Marvel cameos easily balance out the lack of original gameplay for an all-around entertaining experience.… Expand
8
voronin31
Sep 13, 2014
Fine action game. Expecially interrogations are the best!!!!

Graphic is average.Music is very good. If you like mayhem and killingFine action game. Expecially interrogations are the best!!!!

Graphic is average.Music is very good.

If you like mayhem and killing villains-it is game for you.

This game is very cheap ( I write this in 11.09.2014)… Expand
8
John
Jun 5, 2005
Great game, would of got a 10 if not for the ending... lol
7
[Anonymous]
Jan 20, 2005
This game would have gotten a 10 if the interrogation kills didn't get censored with that black & white nonsense. Why did they tone down This game would have gotten a 10 if the interrogation kills didn't get censored with that black & white nonsense. Why did they tone down what could have been the ultimate Punisher game???… Expand
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