The Punisher takes it to retail

THQ has announced that it has shipped The Punisher to retail stores for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. The title, developed by Volition, is based on the popular Marvel comic book series of the same name featuring the ultraviolent antihero who revels in vigilante justice.

The story was written by The Punisher cocreators Jimmy Palmiotti and Garth Ennis and retains the edgy, dark feel of the comic book. Gamers will become Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, and embark on a revenge-fueled tour of "justice."

Users will get all the information they need from perpetrators by doling out some good old-fashioned punishment. Criminals in The Punisher's grip will give up important information depending on the amount of "convincing" The Punisher dishes out during interrogation.

The game also makes use of the environments, allowing more than 120 unique kills when dispensing vigilante justice. Gamers will be able to dispose of bad guys in several gratuitously gory ways, not only with the multitude of weapons, but also with environment-specific kills.

The Punisher is rated M and carries an SRP of $49.99 for the PS2 and Xbox, and $39.99 for the PC. For more information on The Punisher, head over to our previous coverage.