THE PUNSIHER - NES 1990

There's no other way to describe this game other than a rail shooter, and with Puny, that's pretty much what you'd expect, right? Well, that's what you get, though honestly what you get is shot. A lot. The set up is this: you control Frank as he unloads barrel after barrel of lead into hapless baddies pumping bullets your way. You move Puny's crosshairs across the screen, as well as his limited movement at the bottom of the screen as the game scrolls the action to the side slowly, as if the PUNISHER was walking the streets, gunning down all who oppress him. You see yourself as the PUNSIHER mowing down the villains, with your crosshairs flying all over the place trying to lay waste to every target presented. Unfortunately, with the way you move the crosshairs, you also have to concentrate on moving Frank out of the way of enemy fire if you don't shoot them fast enough. And while moving the targeting reticule is ok, moving Frank along with it proves difficult, and you end up taking more hits than necessary.

Despite being an LJN game (who were notorious for making crap comic games) this title doesn't look all that bad, even considering that it's an NES title. Still the control issues with getting Frank out of the line of fire proved that this wasn't a game you could fiddle with for long. If only they made the game light-gun compatible (with the NES Zapper gun, used for games like DUCK HUNT and HOGANS ALLEY) and didn't include Puny on-screen, the control wouldn't be so bad, but you'd still probably end up getting shot a lot.

I honestly have never been able to beat this game. I just end up dying each time I try. If you have the patience and the means, however, and you're a fan of the character, you might want to seek it out. It's a nice little footnote in LJN's otherwise scarred game library. It's not spectacular by any means, and as I said, it takes some patience to put up with this punishment.

One Gamer's Opinion:

THE PUNISHER: THE ULTIMATE PAYBACK - GAMEBOY 1991

One advantage (if you can call it that) this title had over the NES version is that you no longer stare at the PUNISHER'S back while you shoot everything in sight. No, you're just treated to the crosshairs flying around the stage as it scrolls automatically through stage after stage of villains trying to mow you down. At least here you have some help (as the game advertises "Special Guest Appearance by the Amazing Spider-man"). Spidey shows up to introduce the missions, and even swoops down on a webline to rescue saved hostages (assuming you don't accidentally shoot them). Other than that, however, the gameplay remains exactly the same.

Sadly, with it so goes the constant death of the PUNSIHER. I think I actually die more playing this game than the NES version. For some reason, there aren't nearly enough powerups to refill your life gauge as your bringing down the baddies level after level. There's absolutely NO WAY to avoid being shot, unless you shoot the bad guy first. And with the movement of the crosshairs still on the clunky-side, that's just plain impossible.

Again, not a bad effort overall, but one that requires a good amount of patience and timing if you ever expect to get past the second level.

One Gamer's Opinion:

THE PUNISHER - GENESIS 1994 Ah, finally, Capcom takes the reigns of comic game makers, and make some quality fun. Porting over their immensely popular arcade game, THE PUNISHER on Sega's 16 bit system is the best one so far, though with his measly two previous offerings, it's not that difficult a feat. Thankfully, this game is a welcome addition to any gamer's library.

Finally straying away from the rail shooter style of the two previous offering, THE PUNISHER on Genesis is your straightforward side scrolling beat 'em up game. Players can chose to play as either Puny himself, or Agent of S.HE.I.L.D Nick Fury (!), or two players can go in co-operatively as the pair in their quest to bring down the Kingpin of crime.

For solid action, you can't really go wrong with this game. It's a standard STREETS OF RAGE style fighter, but there's a bit of PUNSIHER style thrown in. For example, you run and punch the baddies, but there are weapon pick-ups, such as knives and swords. Then, in certain sections of the levels, Puny whips out a pistol and a targeting reticule automatically appears on the closest enemy. You can mow them down in traditional Puny style, or get close for some two-fisted justice. These sections are few and far between, but it's a nice change of pace for the standard beat 'em up. Plus, you can pick up more guns along the way too, such as submachine and Tommy guns.

The graphics here do the comic its closest justice so far. Character sprites aren't huge by any means (well, except the boss characters) but they are immediately recognizable, and each enemy, though basically differentiated by different weapons, are easily discernable from the last. Puny has a decent variety of moves, from punches and kicks, to grabs and a special that wipes out all the foes on screen. He even has a small supply of grenades if things get too hairy.

Honestly, despite it being like...well, every other comic game in the 90s, it still is a lot of fun. The side scrolling action never seems to get tired, and the game retains its comic roots to the best of its abilities. What more could you have asked for in a 16 bit game?

One Gamer's Opinion:

Of course, there's no game for the new movie...well, not really. There is a new PUNISHER game due out this year, but it won't make it out in time for the flick. Instead, it'll hit store shelves in the fall for PS2 and Xbox. Here are a few pics to whet your appetite. Until next time, friends, Game On!

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