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How’s it going undertoads? I’m here at the under water base on a comic book super
hero rampage. Unlike most people I’ve never committed to either the DC comic or MARVEL
comic characters. I like’em all! Although, there’s something about the ones that do
all the wrong things for the right reasons that get my up most attention. And in this
case, I’m going to get really, really personal when I say that Frank Castle is my favorite
comic book hero of all time. This is The Punisher for the PlayStation 2.
Released in 2005, The Punisher is a single player action game that was published by THQ.
Your story begins in Ryker’s Island where you flash back between levels as two detectives
interrogate you, the one of which being character, Martin Soap. Your main goal in the game is
to track down Jigsaw who is, in the game, John Saint, son of Howard Saint from the 2004
Punisher movie. At first I was a little skeptic of them taking the original comic character
and changing his origins, but Irishman comic book writer Garth Ennis, whom of which wrote
for the Punisher MAX series as well, spun the story in a way that made everything work
out perfectly. And in my opinion, I think Ennis improved the Jigsaw character. Either
way, the entire story is addicting as you strive from bloody level to bloody level.
And speaking of bloody, this game holds some true controversy as well. Just like the comics
themselves, the punisher is a gruesome and heartless man who will do anything to get
an answer out of you. Even if that means dismemberment. The game was being threatened before its release
that it was going to be given an ‘AO’ Adult rating, as opposed to an ‘M’ for
Mature rating. And for some of you that may not know, Rated A, is a harsher and more strict
rating, than rated ‘M’. So to tone it back a little, the developers replaced the
colorful and graphic interrogation scenes in the game, with a more sensitive black and
white touch. Making it appear that there was less gore than what was actually there.
But with all that liberal crap aside. During the game you need to take full advantage of
any areas that feature special interrogations or special kill zones. Especially the kill
zones! Because after finding an environmental kill zone hot spot, and witnessing what the
special kill is for the level, Spoiler alert!!! You’re going to want to see that Python
eat that poor *** again, and again.
One of the best attributes of the game is that it is full of other heroes whom have
special appearances throughout the game. With such cameos by; Black Widow, Nick Fury, Matt
Murdock and Iron Man. Some of which you’ll actually fight alongside in certain levels.
You’ll also find many other notable villains in this game, like The Kingpin, Bushwacker,
The Russian, and one of my personal favorites, Bullseye!
To help you on your quest against these vile men is the feature of ‘Slaughter mode’.
Hit the triangle button and go on an invincible rampage that allows you to clear areas with
minimal effort. As long as your meter in the lower left side of your screen has some blue
bars, the feature also allows you to recharge your health and have increased speed, as well
as unlimited throwing knives. The high quality weaponry is also exceptional,
but more specifically, the variety weapons to choose from. Head to your war room and
listen to Franks comments as he’ll give you a full rundown on each weapon in his arsenal.
The guy makes any caliber at hand sound Godly. Plus! Thomas Jane has such a kick *** swagger
that’s perfect for the Punisher’s voiceover. . . check it out.
Now, being the third person gamer that I am, The Punisher had everything that I hoped for
in a game! It has a great story, good animation, and it also has colorful layouts appropriate
to a given level. For me, I have absolutely nothing to *** about with this game. Nothing!
The only thing that REALLLY bothered me was that I didn’t see any Punisher video game
sequels that may have picked up where this one left off. That’s my stance. If you missed
out on The Punisher game six years ago, trust me, it’s still more than worth picking up.
It has guts, it has attitude, but above all…it has violence! YEAH BABY!!!