December 9^th, 2003 (12:00am) - THQ has announced "The Punisher" for the PlayStation 2 and Microsoft XBOX. Developed by THQ’s internal studio, Volition Inc., The Punisher, based on the popular Marvel vigilante, is scheduled to make its interactive debut in fall of 2004.

"`The Punisher’ is one of Marvel’s grittiest heroes delivering a unique brand of vigilante justice that is a perfect fit for the video game universe," said Germaine Gioia, Vice President of Licensing, THQ. "We look forward to working with Marvel in bringing a perfect blend of classic comic book and filmed franchise versions of `The Punisher’ to console gamers across the globe."

Tim Rothwell, President of Marvel’s Worldwide Consumer Products Group, said: "The Marvel Universe and all of its characters continue to provide engaging content in the interactive arena, and THQ is doing a great job translating this popular vigilante to the major consoles. This is a game that will satisfy long-time Punisher fans of the Marvel Comics series as well as any new fans turned on to the character after his feature film adaptation this April."

Driven by a hatred of crime bordering on insanity, Frank Castle became The Punisher, a one-man army whose mission goes far beyond revenge. Taking on the city’s high-powered crime lords, he wreaks havoc on the corrupt with methods reserved for those on the wrong side of the law. "The Punisher" video game represents the best of over 30 years of "Punisher" comic books and depicts some of the grittiest storylines in the Marvel Universe.

"The Punisher" film, starring Thomas Jane, John Travolta and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, is a production of Marvel Studios and Artisan Entertainment, and will hit theatres this April.