The Punisher (2005)

My favorite part is definitely how the game doesn't really point you in one way or the other, whether to be somewhat good or despicably bad, a feature that something like Manhunt should've included.

Endless fun, through brain dead shoot 'em up action, violent tortures, enjoyable puns and just plain old ridding the earth of "scum" such as drug dealers or Mafia bosses (A skill rarely achieved by many) with a dash of plain and simple brutality. Bravo!

Indeed one of the most hideously violent games released, thus it makes other contenders such as "San Andreas" and "Mortal Kombat Deception" look decidely tame in comparison. But how else can you capture the essence of a character hellbent on stopping crime any way he can without featuring the over the top carnage he's known for in comics and movies? The short answer is that you cannot; go big or go home.

As generic a third-person shooter as you're likely to find, with its novel gimmicks countered by some truly irritating shortcomings.

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.

The Marvel entity known as The Punisher is done right in this game... really right. The Havoc engine makes for pretty fun gameplay but there's not much of the core action that you haven't seen before. Interrogations and special kills are a blast.

The Punisher isn't quite a top-notch must-own title, but is definitely worth more than a cursory glance from anyone who likes their action games to be a fun romp with big guns, large amounts of enemies, and fairly solid gameplay.

The violence in The Punisher game is over the top, like the comic it is based on. It never seems overly disturbing like in the game "Manhunt," and you never feel that you are playing anything other than a comic based game.

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.

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.

It does become repetitive but the level design, mission structure and small variety of missions makes it easier to swallow, creating an overall decent third person action game for the fans.

You gotta love a man who puts two knifes in your hand then pushes them through your eye sockets. Frank Castle is definitely someone you want on your good side.

Am I disappointed? Somewhat, I think the game could have had some variety in missions, but its still a really good game.

The aim of the violence in this game is to produce wows and laughs from gamers.

It's definitely fun for a little mindless fun – and if you're into over the top violent gaming, you won't be disappointed.

The Punisher emerges as a thoroughly decent shooter. It's fun, but after you kill a few hundred thugs it may start to grow a little boring.

Sure, it may appear to be a "Max Payne" clone, and the violence is sure to make waves with your local senator but damn, killing in a game was never so much fun!

This isn't a game that requires a lot of skill. But if you can get past the gore, it's a rarity in the comic book world: a game that stays true to the original work and doesn't stink.

Despite the intense, all-too-realistic blood, guts and gore, I had a blast playing it. I just hope that doesn't make me a sociopath.

Being a fan makes this even more sweet, but it will engage anyone that's up for this kind of challenge.

Laughable enemy AI, a poor targeting system, and sluggish movement really hold it back from being anything more than average. [Feb 2005, p.112]