The Punisher (Capcom)

Frank Castle knows no mercy and this game makes that clear from the very first seconds. The Punisher from Capcom, released in 1993, takes the beloved avenger from Marvel comics and hurls him into a raw, violent arcade brawler that ranks among the hidden gems of the genre. Alongside the Punisher, Nick Fury also fights, so you play as a pair of uncompromising warriors against crime.

In gameplay it is a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up in the early-1990s Capcom style, from the era when the studio set the tone in this field. To the usual punching and weapon-collecting was added a pronounced shooting element: in some passages you can switch to a mode with firearms and mow down enemies at range. This combination of close combat and shooting gives the game a brisk and brutal dynamic.

The game benefits from Capcom's typical strengths of the era, namely excellent animation, a tangible feel of blows and a varied gallery of enemies and bosses. The pace is fast and uncompromising, which fits the dark tone of the source. Co-op for two players again raises the fun, because carving a path through legions of villains as a duo is the best choice.

Visually the game faithfully captures the gritty atmosphere of the Punisher comics. Gloomy urban environments, bloody action and the characteristic figure of the avenger in his black skull shirt create a distinctive, more mature tone that was not a given in arcade brawlers.

Thanks to the Marvel license and its quality execution, The Punisher built a reputation among genre fans as a respected, if somewhat overlooked, title. For connoisseurs of Capcom beat 'em ups it is one of the unforgettable ones.

Why play: For lovers of gritty arcade brawlers and comic-book antiheroes who will appreciate the brisk combination of fists, guns and an uncompromising atmosphere.