More than 20 years after release, Metal Gear Solid 2 continues to reflect the anxieties and sad political realities of modern America.
Author: Sam Martinelli
Sam Martinelli
Sam has been playing video games since his earliest years and has been writing about them since 2016. He’s a big fan of Nintendo games and complaining about The Last of Us Part II. You either agree wholeheartedly with his opinions or despise them. There is no in between. A lifelong New Yorker, Sam views gaming as far more than a silly little pastime, and hopes though critical analysis and in-depth reviews to better understand the medium's artistic merit. Twitter: @sam_martinelli.
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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.
Sam’s two 2024 New Year’s gaming resolutions revolve less around challenges to overcome and more around reprioritizing his time and money.
2023 was great for games, but also terrific for movies. From prestige dramas to heartwarming comedies, here are my top 10 movies of 2023.
In the fourth iteration of his Game of the Tier series, Sam reflects (with humor and admiration) on every new game he’s played this year and ranks them.
Super Mario RPG has its fair share of bangers, but none are quite as excellent as the Forest Maze theme, “Beware the Forest’s Mushrooms.”
Nintendo recently announced it’s producing a Zelda movie. Sadly, it may have to compromise on the series’ best qualities to make it work.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder ratchets up the more fantastical elements to new heights. Learn more in our Super Mario Bros. Wonder review.
Forza Motorsport lets me feel the thrills of high-speed racing and gives me confidence that I can drive as well as the best of them.
Cocoon is an enthralling video game that captivates with its unique environmental design, brain-busting puzzles, and enchanting ambiance.