Latest Articles
Greatest Hits
Punished Series
Latest Articles
Greatest Hits
Punished Series
In honor of the release of Gearbox Software’s Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, here’s every Borderlands games ranked from worst to very best.
For this week’s Friday Fortissimo, we’re celebrating a track from a game well-heralded for its soundtrack: Shadow of the Colossus.
This wonderful Friday, we celebrate the somber, melancholic, and utterly engrossing music of Hollow Knight. Composer: Christopher Larkin.
We delve into the ending of Horizon Forbidden West, and explain how it prioritizes a hurried sequel setup over saving the world.
I share my thoughts on the cancellation of E3 2022, the upcoming PAX East 2022, and the overall state of video game tradeshows.
Hiromitsu Maeba’s composition includes 25 seconds of a sweeping, wistful violin: a dream yet unfulfilled. It’s not just a song, but a story.
Reviews
View AllOur review of Glitchhikers, a quiet little game about traveling at night and the intimate conversations we have along the way.
Welcome to Elk creates an interactive and playful space to explore what it means to experience trauma, and how to keep on living.
In our review of The Big Con, learn whether this ’90s era cross-country adventure from Mighty Yell and Skybound Games is worth a look.
In our Road 96 review, learn why this road trip narrative adventure from French studio DigixArt is worth the drive, potholes and all.
Greatest Hits
Weekend at Dave's
View AllFrom Halo Infinite and Fable to The Elder Scrolls VI and Starfield, here’s what you can expect from Xbox & Bethesda at E3 2021.
From Final Fantasy XVI to Guardians of the Galaxy rumors, we share our hopes, expectations, and dreams for Square Enix at E3 2021.
From the Breath of the Wild sequel to 2D Metroid rumors, we dive into Nintendo at E3 2021 and share our personal hopes and predictions.
Going through a stressful time? Take care of yourself by playing these video games that promote mental health and well-being.
The announcement that Gearbox is being acquired by a larger fish begs the question: Should video game industry consolidation worry us?
Having trouble snagging a PS5 or Xbox Series X | S? You’re in luck! Here are three sleeper 2021 indie games you can play on a modest PC.
Punished Notes
View AllElden Ring may be similar to its Soulsborne brethren, but its open-world structure makes for a far more liberating and accessible experience.
In this Punished Notes, I share my thoughts on Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, Nintendo Switch Online, Star Fox 64, Sable, Dune, and more!
Read why Metroid Dread isn’t just a worthy sequel to the 2D Metroid saga, but an inventive and refreshing title that’s one of 2021’s best.
In the latest Punished Notes, I’ll discuss Death’s Door and Psychonauts 2 (two of the year’s best games so far), share a brief thought on the new No Man’s Sky content, dish the dirt on the latest trashy reality TV show, and more.
Skyward Sword is the worst great game ever made. Not even the Nintendo apologist in me can defend this game’s failings. And still, I love it.
In this edition of Punished Notes, I talk the genius of Bowser’s Fury, delve into The Medium’s stunning tech, and celebrate my washer/dryer.
Punished Chat
View AllWe review the first 12 months of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, including best games, console features, and most anticipated 2022 games.
We celebrate the life and legacy of Microsoft’s second console by chatting about our top Xbox 360 games, moments, and memories.
Wondering what to expect from Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 2? Want random speculation on when it’ll release? You’re in the right place.
For this edition of Punished Chat, we discuss the differences between PC and next-gen consoles, and what this means moving forward.
In this edition of Punished Chat, we discuss our 15 favorite games of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One console generation.
Welcome back to Punished Chat, where two friends shoot the breeze about something video game related. For this edition, we talk about the game industry’s unique cycle of hype, why we get so excited, and how we can all manage expectations better.
Punished Favorites
View AllLooking for a few more indie video games to play while enjoying the final weeks of summer? Look no further than these five gems.
Still hankering for some great indie video games to play over the summer? Here are five more excellent options available to you.
Think you’ve played all the best video games? Think again. Here are five great indie games that are criminally underrated.
An Eye for Detail Love ‘em or hate ‘em, seemingly every video game comes with a man, woman, or semi-autonomous vending machine more than willing to take your hard-earned gold (or credits/rupees/now-defunct German Marks). They may be shrewd, charming, devious,…
Coming Out Swinging Recently, the Punished Backlog team looked at the best video game end sequences in gaming. But an impressive opening level is just as important as a triumphant close. Whether it be an opening cinematic that instilled a…
Ending on a High Note You’ve spent the entire game learning new mechanics, upgrading your skills, fighting boss after boss after boss. It’s finally time to face the head honcho, the final boss, your game’s Bowser. Before you walk through…