The Punisher (2005)

 Xbox
The Punisher (2005) Image
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

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  • Summary: Enter the mind of The Punisher, a vigilante driven by more than just revenge. In a world marked by corruption, you serve as judge, jury, and executioner as you terrorize criminals with their own ruthless methods. Use a combination of physical force and character interaction to coerceEnter the mind of The Punisher, a vigilante driven by more than just revenge. In a world marked by corruption, you serve as judge, jury, and executioner as you terrorize criminals with their own ruthless methods. Use a combination of physical force and character interaction to coerce criminals into coughing up valuable information, and then put them out of their misery with your arsenal of realistic weapons. The Punisher War Journal lets you relive in-game moments, collect items from Marvel's Punisher history, unlock bonus DVD footage, and more.… Expand
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The Punisher Gameplay Movie 3

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 47
  3. Negative: 1 out of 47
  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. Next Level Gaming
    82
    A brutal game that definitely deserves the M rating that it received. It is also a game that is a blast to play. Every time I sat down to play this game, it seemed like the time just flew by because I was having so much fun.
  3. Game Over Online
    80
    While it might not have a lot that players will find in replay value, the story and in-game action, particularly those of the interrogations, makes The Punisher a title that a number of gamers will enjoy.
  4. Gaming Target
    73
    Everything about it screams "average", from the relatively enjoyable but repetitive gameplay, to the nice but not spectacular graphics.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine
    68
    A decent "Max Payne" clone whose gimmicky kills eventually wear off and yield to the mediocre gameplay. They're on the right track, though. [Feb 2005, p.81]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. 1UP
    60
    Aside from bugs like that, annoying as they are, Punisher does a good job of translating the source material, right down to the dingy, everyday visuals and the character design for the lowlifes within.
  7. 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]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 47 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. JHango
    Apr 13, 2011
    10
    This is one of the best games I ever played. Good graphics, good story and very good game play. The tortures and killings are the best!This is one of the best games I ever played. Good graphics, good story and very good game play. The tortures and killings are the best! when I'm angry I play this game and feel better.… Expand
  2. MyHumbleOpinion
    Jun 10, 2019
    10
    (2019 review) This game clearly deserves a 10 even almost a decade and a half later. It has really good mechanics that make it fun to shoot(2019 review) This game clearly deserves a 10 even almost a decade and a half later. It has really good mechanics that make it fun to shoot the guns. It's gory, has awesome regular kill moves as well as special kills. The characters that show up include Nick Fury, Black Widow, Iron Man, The Kingpin, Bullseye, and Jigsaw (might have forgot one or two).
    The game has 16 missions probably running 30-45 min each (one mission was about 3 min). It's not a very long game but it's long enough. Perfect length to keep you interested in going back to revisit the missions on a harder difficulty and trying to unlock more upgrades.

    There were a couple things that could have been better but didn't hinder the fun. Clicking right thumbstick was aim and left trigger was throw grenade, those should have been swapped. I finished the game yesterday and can't remember the other minor things. They really don't matter when you're in the action.

    I give it a 10 for the game itself as it's great for someone to play even today. And if you're a retro gamer who gets that special enjoyment from older games, it's even better.    … Expand
  4. ACanadianGuy
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    To simply state that this game is a 10 out of 10 would do no justice. This game deserves the justice it provides the punisher in representingTo simply state that this game is a 10 out of 10 would do no justice. This game deserves the justice it provides the punisher in representing him how he truly is in this game. Firstly, the enemies you take on and the gruesome ways you kill them embodies what frank castle is about - the character model of the punisher further encompasses him by making him look like a mean SOB. I played this game when I was a kid and I had nightmares because of it - that should tell you how well done Frank's real persona is done in this game.… Expand
  5. JeffA.
    Jan 20, 2005
    9
    Finally a really good videogame based on a comic book character. This game is a perfect mix of Max Payne mixed with Manhunt. It's a run Finally a really good videogame based on a comic book character. This game is a perfect mix of Max Payne mixed with Manhunt. It's a run and gun game but unlockable weapons and modes keep it fresh. Interrogations are great and Special Interrogations are superb. What other game lets you feed your enemy to a shark or cremate them? Don't believe the low scores from the "professional" gaming sites. This game is violent, dark and moody. Best of all it's a lot of fun.… Expand
  6. storygamer
    Oct 16, 2020
    8
    The Punisher on Xbox is one of the most underrated comic adaptations ever released. Forget the crappy movies and series, this one is close toThe Punisher on Xbox is one of the most underrated comic adaptations ever released. Forget the crappy movies and series, this one is close to the cult comics! The gamplay is action packed, the levels and missions are diversified and the atmosphere is badass! One of the coolest and most brutal action games of all time!… Expand
  7. Vapor96
    Jun 19, 2019
    8
    A seriously dark game featuring some extremely brutal environmental kill mechanics. Still, the game does not rely exclusively on the shockA seriously dark game featuring some extremely brutal environmental kill mechanics. Still, the game does not rely exclusively on the shock factor but provides a solid experience all around instead.… Expand
  8. frederik1478
    Sep 23, 2021
    4
    The punisher feels most like a beta version of saints row, the game doesn't have satisfied punch to any of the weapons and the interrogationThe punisher feels most like a beta version of saints row, the game doesn't have satisfied punch to any of the weapons and the interrogation mechanic it get boring fast, and the punisher is boring and doll , I can only recommend it if you're interested in where the first saints row game get it mechanics from… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005
41
#41 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2005