The Punisher

 PC
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
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  1. Maxim Online
    100
    It's not all brutality. The Punisher is also one of the most immersive strategy games ever created. Aim for the head and enjoy.
  2. ActionTrip
    86
    Mediocre in many ways, with very little in the way of originality or true substance and with far too linear game play.
  3. Game Chronicles
    83
    While the game was awesome, the PC port was less then stellar. The censorship is another area while I was less then pleased.
  5. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    83
    If you’re a fan of The Punisher, Max Payne or good old violence in general (and let’s face it – that list covers pretty much the majority of games players), there’s a good chance you’ll get a kick out of what’s on offer here.
  6. IGN
    80
    A blast to play. Yes, there are many moments where it starts to get monotonous, but then you suddenly hit a new interrogation zone and suddenly it's a bloody fiesta.
  7. Game Over Online
    80
    Technical merits aside, there are a couple of hiccups that complicate the game. The first, and perhaps greatest issue, is why the hell are the deaths censored as much as they are in this game?
  8. IC-Games
    74
    The special interrogation is one of the nicest touches in the game.
  9. Inside Gamer Online
    70
    If you are squeamish at all steer clear of this game completely, otherwise you may find yourself smiling with glee as you lower a drill bit into some unlucky sap’s temple.
  10. My Gamer
    70
    Overall, while The Punisher is not a nice game—it’s bloody, violent and certainly not for the kids—and it’s not exceptionally designed, as licenses go, it’s one of the best.
  11. PC Gamer
    66
    The biggest problem with The Punisher, however, is its uninspired gameplay... You'll spend most of your time running and gunning, and after a while it all becomes rather tedious. [Apr 2005, p.72]
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  12. GameSpot
    65
    While it attempts to put its own spin on the third-person shooter genre by adding sometimes-gruesome interrogation sequences, this game is, more or less, "Max Payne" without the bullet time.
  13. GameZone
    65
    Feels empty at its core, with no puzzle solving, crime detection, or strategy of any kind. The Punisher is one of those games you want to play when you just want to go buck wild.
  14. CPUGamer
    64
    It isn’t a complete waste of money, although it may be a complete waste of time. The Punisher feels very old in gameplay and in graphics, and it definitely won’t find a permanent place on anyone’s hard drive.
  15. BonusStage
    60
    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.
  16. The Sydney Morning Herald
    60
    Dark, violent and derivative, but nowhere near as flawed as the movie.
  17. AceGamez
    50
    Unless you love poorly done, "edgy" scenes of death, or you really, really like shooting things, The Punisher is a let down in almost every aspect and is easily buried by the quality of similar titles like "Red Dead Revolver."
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  18. Edge Magazine
    50
    Once you’ve wiped away the layer of gore, you’re left with an experience that, expectedly, offers limited entertainment. [March 2005, p.85]
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  19. PC Format
    40
    Quickly repetitive actin, with ultra-violence that soon becomes mundane. [March 2005, p.100]
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  20. Play Magazine
    38
    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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Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
41
#41 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 169 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 125 out of 169
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 169
  3. Negative: 6 out of 169
  1. BillGR17
    Jan 29, 2012
    10
    This game is awesome i love it ! it was very very different and it still is ! no other game is like this ! u must play it if u like 3rdThis game is awesome i love it ! it was very very different and it still is ! no other game is like this ! u must play it if u like 3rd person shooter and violence XD it has a good story with nice gameplay and a lot of stuff to do after u finish it… Full Review »
  2. JesusFan82
    Jan 20, 2011
    9
    I remember this as my favourite game of the year 2005. I do not read Marvel comics, but since I liked most of Volition's previous work II remember this as my favourite game of the year 2005. I do not read Marvel comics, but since I liked most of Volition's previous work I checked this out. I have played through the game three, maybe four times. It's just so... fun. As games should be. What other games let you dual wield M-60s?
    The excellent levels are probably behind this game's staying power. Straightforward, but also not completely linear. I have noticed new things on every playthrough, and especially the enemy reactions are delightfully varied. The only complaint have is technical: low resolution and muddy colours. This game is also extremely brutal, probably up there with the Manhunt series (which I admit to not having played), and it could have raised quite a fuss had anyone cared.    … Full Review »
  3. LexLuthor
    Jan 31, 2005
    9
    It may not be the best shooter but it really makes you feel like the punisher.
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