The Punisher Review

The Punisher uses the Havok physics engine, which is evident in the way the game handles the aforementioned locational damage and bullet penetration. However, it seems as if Volition hasn't really fully exploited Havok's potential (don't even think about comparing this game to Half-Life 2 in that sense). Sure there is the now customary use of rag doll physics, but the environment is not at all interactive, and the fact that you can't budge most of the objects and can't jump at all lessens the impact that good physics have had on this game.

Considering that Volition is the company behind Freespace and the original Red Faction, I can't really say that I'm all too impressed with how they handled the sequel to Red Faction or The Punisher. This latest arcade shooter is not a bad game - it has that no-holds-barred, bad ass attitude and some neat game play features going for it, but it just gives off this impression of being mediocre in many ways, with very little in the way of originality or true substance and with far too linear game play. I didn't fully enjoy my time with it, but maybe I'm just being too jaded. Still, reviews are a very subjective experience and as far as my experience with The Punisher goes, I'd call it a mixed bag of blessings at best.