The mid-2000s was a special time for superhero games. After a decade of hit-or-miss titles across both Marvel and DC Comics, developers lucky enough to make licensed games for these iconic heroes finally hit their stride. Games like 2004’s Spider-Man 2 were not only fun but became the template for the subgenre. X-Men Legends and Marvel Ultimate Alliance extended the renaissance to the rest of the Marvel Universe. Meanwhile, Superman would get a pair of solid titles in the Xbox exclusive Man Of Steel and Shadow Of Apokolips on Gamecube and PS2. Coinciding with Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, Eurocom’s game based on the movie is lowkey a precursor to the Arkham series.
At a time when superhero games were firing on all cylinders, it’s easy to forget that The Punisher, Marvel’s violent, vengeful vigilante, also had his time in the virtual sun. His self-titled game was released on Xbox, PlayStation 2, and PC 20 years ago and remains the definitive Punisher experience thanks to its faithful story, fun performances, and a whole lot of creative executions.
