The Punisher (Xbox)

The game its self is Max Payne style in game play, but a lot more smooth and refined, the shooting is complimented by a vast array of close combat moves, where if you get close enough to the enemy you can tap a button and have the Punisher end their life, with plenty of gore. You can also grab hold of anyone, anytime (apart from bosses) and use them as a human shield or throw them in any direction, if you feel like it you can interrogate people as well, which often reveals information to make the level you're on easier, or triggers flashbacks into the Punisher's past as the person screams out something that digs up some memories, such as "I'm just a soldier!". These flashbacks don't break the action (nothing really ever does), they simply flash up on screen as the interrogation's victim's voice echoes out, then you can view them later from the menus. The Punisher also has a "limit break" style system, where when you build up enough of a meter the punisher goes berserk, pulls out two large knives, moves at incredible speed and becomes impervious to damage.

The game also has a small RPG element, you can enter a level with any of the guns you posses (you can carry one rifle and two pistols at a time) which introduces some variation. The main RPG element however is that you can upgrade the Punisher's skills and equipment with points you earn on levels, making him a sharper shooter, piling on more body armour or attaching silencers and scopes to weapons. The fully upgraded punisher is a beautiful thing.

Finally the game is a must buy for fans of Marvel comic books, many Marvel characters make appearances (either in super-form, or in their secret identities) and even more are mentioned by the NPCs, from the Fantastic Four to Ironman.

A combat game true and pure, and one with plenty of depth, life and comic book class, well done THQ.

Basically, Marvel Comic's character, The Punisher, is a renegade cop (Frank Castle), out to seek justice against crime after the murder of his family. Okay so that storyline has been done to death.

In his search for inner-peace and harmony (yeah right) you take the punisher through various levels of a solidly-structured game, interrogating bad guys on your way. For each succesful interrogation, as well as kils, you are awarded points. To make the interrogation process harder, you have to use the controls to ballance the level of stress you are putting on your suspect, otherwise you'll kill them before they spill.

And with the points that you collect at the end of each level, you are not only awarded medals, but you also use them to unlock "upgrades", be it a silencer, a scope, a hi-capacity magazine.....whatever takes your fancy.

Despite my initial negative comments, don't be put off. The medals and awards system makes up for the naff narrative and predictable story, and after you complete the game, you will find yourself going back to your favourite levels to try and get more points, and turn your bronze medal into a gold.

The soundtrack isn't too bad, the weapon sounds are good and the use of 3-D audio is much better than some games. Visually, in-game it is well below the high standard of it's market-leading competitors (Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Ghost Recon 2) but the use of 3D detail is respectable. The interface is excellent - instantly understandable - and nicely designed, and overall, the game is actually well put-together.

Controls are logical, consistent and accurate - you very quickly get used to accurately aiming your weapon-sight for a headshot!

Overall, The Punisher does a good job of filing in the space for a relatively easy, mindless-fun type arcade shooter, but also has a point to it, and the awards system will draw you back to re-play levels a number of times.

I usually can't get on with comic-book stuff, like Spiderman etc. but I rate The Punisher, and give him a decent 4 stars.

Just a tip: The more people you can interrogate/kill in a row without getting at all injured, the more points you will score!