REVIEW: The Punisher

Developer: Volition | Publisher: THQ | Format: PS2 (Xbox, PC)

PS2 screenshot: taking a hostage can avoid (or delay) violence.

Reviewer: Craig Gallagher  The Punisher was never the most original character; he borrowed heavily from the Dirty Harry and Death Wish films. The game borrows heavily from Max Payne, which in turned borrowed heavily from Dirty Harry, Death Wish and the Punisher.

Anyone who buys the game knows exactly what they’re getting; the action film clichés - a variety of one-liners, slow motion, and gratuitous violence.

A quick recap for those of you unfamiliar with the comic. Frank Castle became the Punisher after his family was murdered, during which period he rained a campaign of terror on all involved in the murders and any scum he came across. That’s it really.

[Warning: the following contains explicit descriptions of violence...] What the game offers is the chance to go on a one man killing spree, taking out dealers, murderers, crime lords and other assorted scum in as bloody a manner as you want. Which is a hell of a lot of fun. Many of you have no doubt read about the controversial interrogation devices that the game employs. This are all very original and violent, use a buzz saw to gain information before splitting the guys skull or feeding him head first to Piranha. But what’s most surprising about these is that most of them are merely suggested rather than shown, but the Daily Mail may see it in a different manner.

Overall the Punisher is highly enjoyable third-person action game that is well worth your time. This is not a children’s game, so be warned.

Comments

[Piaras]

Pfft, I'd hardly say it's that enjoyable. While it's much better than the movie, it's just another run and gun in my opinion. Some of the ound on it is woeful, the garbage spurted by some of the bystanders runs any type of atmosphere the game tries to build.

[jsr]

Of course its a run and gun game its about a run and gun comic book phyco. it does what it says on the tin.