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Punished Series
In the latest episode, we go through the best (and worst) video games of 2025 so far, and provide a Fantasy Gaming league update!
In The Punished Podcast Episode 16, we discuss the best old school games, what retro even means, preservation, and much more.
Latest Articles
Punished Series
In the latest episode, we go through the best (and worst) video games of 2025 so far, and provide a Fantasy Gaming league update!
In The Punished Podcast Episode 16, we discuss the best old school games, what retro even means, preservation, and much more.
In the first entry of a monthly series, read our thoughts (both good and bad) on notable PlayStation Store demos from April 2025.
Zack played a bunch of great video game demos at PAX East 2025 in Boston, but these were his five absolute favorites.
In our The Last Caretaker preview, learn why this game inspired by Subnautica, Zelda, and other greats is worth keeping on your radar.
After going back to Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, I’ve realized that permadeath, which I used to hate, is essential to what makes the series great.
Where The Last of Us Part II challenged players by making them think, Season 2 of the HBO show is catering to the lowest common denominator.
PAX East is back in Boston, and we’re scouring the show floor for hidden gems. Here are the best games of PAX East 2025.
Reviews
View AllIn our The Horror at Highrook review, learn why this TTRPG-inspired occult game is much more than the sum of its parts.
In our Cookie Cutter review, learn whether this punk-rock-inspired Metroidvania does enough to stand out in a competitive genre.
In our Bionic Bay review, learn whether this Limbo- and Portal-inspired puzzle-platformer offers an inventive experience of its own.
A tale of empathy told through the lens of Southern folklore, South of Midnight is one of this year’s best video game stories, with incredible art direction and music to boot.
The Punished Podcast
View AllIn the latest episode, we go through the best (and worst) video games of 2025 so far, and provide a Fantasy Gaming league update!
In The Punished Podcast Episode 16, we discuss the best old school games, what retro even means, preservation, and much more.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we discussed romance in games. Learn our favorite romance mechanics, characters, subplots, and more.
In The Punished Podcast Episode 14, we crown our Fantasy Gaming 2024 winner and host our 2025 draft—with a new dynasty format!
For The Punished Podcast Episode 13, we recorded a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth spoilercast. Come for the ending analysis; stay for the music.
In this episode of our video game podcast, Amanda asks the writers to pitch her on one of their favorite games of 2024.
Punished Notes
View AllIn this new Punished Notes, Sam talks about the mystery behind Avowed’s dialogue options, what it means when you say a game takes time to “get good,” and more!
For this edition of Punished Notes, Sam lists some brief and simple New Year’s resolutions, shares some games from 2024 that just missed the deadline for his tier list, and discusses his latest TV binge being on… CBS?!
So far, there hasn’t been a game that has pulled me out of post-election despair, and maybe that’s not a bad thing.
In this edition of Punished Notes, Sam gets into his thoughts on the reveal of Gears of War: E-Day, his favorite part of Hellblade II, and other thoughts.
In this Punished Notes, Sam dives into Balatro, a replay of Fallout: New Vegas, and more.
In this edition of Punished Notes, Sam gets into his experience with Golden Sun’s storytelling, the best narrative mechanic of Baldur’s Gate 3, and other thoughts.
Punished Chat
View AllAfter a drama-packed premiere, our writers got together to share our The Last of Us Season 2 impressions so far.
Let’s see how The Punished Backlog’s excellent writers feel about that explosive Nintendo Switch 2 reveal!
Avowed has taken the gaming world by storm in recent weeks. What do the writers at The Punished Backlog think of Obsidian’s latest so far?
We’re launching a new brand and logo for The Punished Backlog! Let’s take a look back through the years and reflect on our past logos.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has been out for about a month. How do the writers at The Punished Backlog feel about it so far?
Five avid Stardew Valley players discuss why Stardew Valley is so good, the future of the game, its Harvest Moon roots, and more.
Punished Favorites
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Indie games are labors of love, and this year, it looks like there will be a lot to love! These are our most anticipated indie games of 2025.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Nintendo DS, check out the very best Nintendo DS games ever created.
From straight-up horror games to RPGs and cute indies, here are some of the best horror game moments of 2024 so far!
Waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong? Make the wait easier by reading and playing our picks for the best Metroidvania games ever made.
As the 25th anniversary of the PS2 approaches, help us celebrate by checking out our list of the 23 best PlayStation 2 games ever.
Whether a game succeeds or disappoints, there’s no denying the power of a great teaser. These are our most hyped video games ever.