The Punisher (2005)

 Xbox
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 47
  3. Negative: 1 out of 47
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  1. Gaming Target
    73
    Everything about it screams "average", from the relatively enjoyable but repetitive gameplay, to the nice but not spectacular graphics.
  2. GameShark
    70
    There are many things in The Punisher that make it stand out from other games, such as the interrogations, the superb voice acting, the appearance of other comic book heroes and villains (not going to say who to spoil it), but the repetitiveness of each level can start to wear you down.
  3. GameSpy
    70
    If you want pure, unadulterated violence, you came to the right place. Still, I can't help but be a little disappointed in this title -- especially coming from Volition, of "Red Faction" fame. It's a little too by-the-book.
  5. 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.
  6. Xbox Nation Magazine
    70
    Shock value only takes the game so far, though. What really keeps you playing to the end is Punisher's scribe Garth Ennis' excellent script. [Feb 2005, p.88]
  7. 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]
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  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    68
    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]
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  9. TotalGames.net
    67
    Shallow, repetitious and overly simplistic.
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  10. GameSpot
    66
    The game tries to break out of the third-person shooter blueprint by offering sometimes-gory interrogation sequences, but these portions don't do enough to change what is otherwise a very by-the-numbers action game.
  11. Gamer's Hell
    65
    A mediocre game. It is suffering from many annoying problems like repetitiveness, bland graphics, and horrible sound effects.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. GamePro
    60
    Fun at first, but soon becomes repetitiveboth in terms of the Punisher's actions and the criminals' voice responses. Add to that weak graphics and animation, as well as not enough opportunities to "enjoy" Punisher's originality, and you end up with an adventure that turns a bit stale too quickly.
  15. Yahoo!
    60
    The perfect game for obsessive fans of the comic franchise, those who never tire of senseless violence, and activists looking for scapegoats, but it simply doesn't have enough to offer anyone else.
  16. G4 TV
    60
    Any of the game's flaws are somewhat balanced by the ability to stab someone in the face, or burn them alive in an incinerator. Well, if you're into that sort of thing, anyway.
  17. GamerFeed
    60
    Would've been a great game had it come out three years ago, but this is 2005, and its gameplay mechanics just aren't acceptable. There's just so much wasted potential it's ridiculous, and the graphics are so average that I'm very surprised at Volition.
  18. The Sydney Morning Herald
    60
    Dark, violent and derivative, but nowhere near as flawed as the movie.
  19. games(TM)
    60
    The Punisher does exactly what it sets out to do. Picking up the controller gives immediate access to a theatre of death and destruction, and while originality is gunned down at some point during the first few levels, there's plenty of fun to be had, especially for fans of the comic. [March 2005, p.106]
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  20. AltGaming
    60
    At the heart of the title, there's a generic third-person shooter. The game doesn't try and doesn't succeed in progressing or adding anything to the genre, and you'll probably get bored halfway through.
  21. Into Liquid Sky
    58
    The heavy violence and strong ties to the Marvel universe really work for fans of The Punisher and the story and presentation does do a nice job at putting the player into the deranged mind of this vigilante.
  22. Game Revolution
    50
    The steady mechanics and sheer brutality of The Punisher save it from the slaughterhouse and lead to a decent rental, but repetitive gameplay and some stupid design errors make it hard to commit to Frank Castle's crusade.
  23. 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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  24. 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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Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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… Full Review »
  3. 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!… Full Review »
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