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Nintendo Entertainment System · Shoot 'em Up / Shooter
The Punisher
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 (originally 1990) |
| Genre | Shoot 'em Up, Shooter |
| Developer | LJN |
| Publisher | Beam Software |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 1 |
Developed by LJN and published by Beam Software, The Punisher arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990 as a shoot 'em up. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1990. It blends shoot 'em up and shooter elements.
It landed about 5 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1990 include Final Fantasy III, Dr. Mario and Mega Man 3.
LJN also made WWF King of the Ring, The Uncanny X-Men and WWF WrestleMania Challenge for the NES.
The Punisher is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing The Punisher is like
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
The Punisher cheats & codes
57 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| 1 Life | PEOTYTIA |
|---|---|
| 10 Lives | ZEOTYTIE |
| Never Lose A Life Against Normal Enemy | XVOVGXXK |
| Never Lose A Life Against End Of Level Enemy | XVOEXOXK |
| Infinite Grenades | XTSVSNXK |
| Infinite Bullets And Rockets | AESYAPPA |
The Punisher walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for The Punisher.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
The Punisher FAQ
When did The Punisher come out on the NES?
The Punisher was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990; the original game dates back to 1990.
Who made The Punisher?
It was developed by LJN and published by Beam Software.
Is The Punisher multiplayer?
No. The Punisher is a single-player game.
How long does The Punisher take to play?
As a shoot 'em up, The Punisher typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about The Punisher on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.