'The Punisher: No Mercy is a first-person shooter starring the Marvel Comics character that has failed to truly take off outside of the comics scene and t-shirt stores despite three movies and several video game adaptations. Zen Studios, perhaps best known for their pinball titles for the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, hope to perhaps change that a little come July 2nd, when the game goes on sale for $9.99.

No Mercy features a strong focus on online multiplayer action, allowing up to eight players to step into the shoes of iconic Pushier villains and allies, shooting their way through both solo and team-based missions. For those of you scared of online play, there is also a single player story mode with art by Marvel's Mike Deodato.

On one hand it is a lower-budget game based on a comic book license, but on the other, it's Zen Studios, who haven't done me any wrong so far, albeit in a completely different genre. From a comic book fan's standpoint, there's also original Deodato art, which for me adds greatly to the value of the title.

Anyway, it's your call. The Punisher: No Mercy will hit the PlayStation Network with next week's update.

The online multiplayer shooter runs on the Unreal Engine 3 and allows players to choose from Punisher allies and villains. The areas will let up to eight players shoot it out at a time. The game will also include a story mode that features exclusive artwork from Marvel artist Mike Deodato.

Joining the Punisher in his quest to shoot people in the face include Marvel B-listers Silver Sable, Barracuda, Jigsaw, and Bushwacker, we learn. While the whole thing sounds like a straightforward arena-style shooter, my fondness for the Punisher may warrant a sale. Read on to see if you agree.

Oh, and speaking of sales, anyone want to buy my copy of Amazing Spider-Man #129? First appearance of the Punisher! Reasonable offers will not be refused!

The Punisher: No Mercy Exclusive Q&A - First Details [Gamespot]