The Punisher [15s] TV Commercial for PlayStation 2 & Xbox - PS2 - 2005

The Punisher (PlayStation 2, Xbox, 2005)Release Dates and Regional Names: North America: January 17, 2005 – The Punisher Europe: March 4, 2005 – The Punisher Australia: March 4, 2005 – The Punisher Japan: Not released Manufacturer: Sony (PS2), Microsoft (Xbox) Publisher: THQ Developer: Volition, Inc. Type: Third-Person Shooter/Action-Adventure Media: DVD-ROM (~4 GB) Controller: DualShock 2 (PS2), Xbox Controller Gameplay and Plot: The Punisher is a third-person shooter based on Marvel Comics’ Frank Castle, voiced by Thomas Jane (2004 film). After his family’s murder, Castle hunts criminals, targeting the Gnucci family, Yakuza, and Russian mob. The story, inspired by Garth Ennis’ comics (Vol. 5–6, “Welcome Back, Frank”) and the 2004 film, unfolds via flashbacks during an interrogation at Ryker’s Island. Gameplay blends shooting, stealth, and brutal interrogations using environmental “hot spots” (e.g., piranha tanks). Players use pistols, rifles, and shotguns, with dual-wielding options. Interrogations yield information, balanced by an intimidation meter. Slaughter Mode, triggered by kills, boosts damage and health. Killing innocents fails the level. Marvel cameos include Nick Fury and Bullseye. The Punisher War Journal unlocks comic pages and art. No multiplayer; challenge and tournament modes add replayability.Key Features: Interrogation system with 50+ environmental kills Slaughter Mode for enhanced combat Over 100 unique kills and quick executions Extensive weapon arsenal Marvel cameos (e.g., Iron Man, Black Widow) War Journal unlocks (costumes, comics) Game Length: Main story: ~8–12 hours Completionist (challenges, unlocks): ~15–25 hours Sales Numbers: Estimated ~1 million copies sold across platforms, driven by budget pricing.Technical Specifications: Media: DVD-ROM (~4 GB) Resolution: 480i/p Frame Rate: ~30 FPS (PS2 less stable) Save System: Memory Card (PS2, 150 KB), Xbox Hard Drive (8 blocks) Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 (Xbox), Stereo (PS2) System Requirements: PlayStation 2 or Xbox Back of the Box Description (North America): “Unleash The Punisher! Hunt criminals with deadly weapons and brutal interrogations. Deliver justice in a gritty, action-packed shooter. No one escapes Frank Castle!” Additional Details: Mechanics: Shooter with stealth, interrogation, and score-based upgrades Multiplayer: None; solo challenge modes Difficulty: Adjustable, tough boss fights Development: ~1.5 years by Volition Localization: English; censored interrogations (black-and-white) in Europe/Australia Regional Differences: North America first; censored outside NA ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+) Technical Notes: Load Times: ~10–15 seconds Playable on: PS2, Xbox, emulators (e.g., PCSX2); Xbox backward compatible on Xbox 360 Bugs: PS2 frame rate drops, minor targeting issues Trophies: None; unlocks include costumes, weapons Changes from Concept: Blended film and comic elements after canceling a pure film-based version Historical Context: Released January 17, 2005, in North America, The Punisher leveraged the 2004 film and Ennis’ comics. Priced at ~$29.99, it competed with titles like Max Payne. Graphic interrogations required censorship outside North America to avoid an AO rating. Selling ~1 million copies, it’s a cult classic, available on retro markets like eBay. A sequel was planned but canceled due to THQ’s issues.Did You Know? Thomas Jane recorded ~2,000 lines, including comic one-liners Over 50 interrogation methods (e.g., shredders, piranhas) Censored in Europe/Australia with black-and-white filter PS2 version had frame rate issues; Xbox ran smoother Features Marvel villains like Jigsaw and Bushwacker