The Punished Backlog isn’t your average media outlet.
Sure, we write reviews, spearhead quirky features, and pen the occasional hot take. (OK, many hot takes.) But those scorchers come, first and foremost, from a chill group of friends united by a love of writing and passion for entertainment.
For most of us, that passion lies most strongly with video games. I mean, it’s right there in the title: The Punished Backlog. If you don’t get the reference—and don’t worry, you’re in the majority!—it refers to the character Snake and his portrayal in 2015’s Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. (Get some quick context by watching this trailer snippet.)
Plenty of MGSV lines have gone on to become fun internet memes. The existential quote from Kaz, “Why are we still here? Just to suffer?” The corny character titles (“A Visionary robbed of his Future,” “A Wise Man denied his Homeland”) used to help market the game. Depressing subject matter aside, there’s something inspiring—if a little tongue and cheek—about being down for the count.
That’s what The Punished Backlog is all about. For too long, our entertainment backlogs have been neglected and cast aside. But no longer! Our mission is to celebrate the games, movies, and other Blu-ray disks that have otherwise gone unappreciated. From listicles on hidden gems to deep dives into lesser-known parts of popular releases, we want to do right by our backlogs… And we hope you do, too!
So, whether you’re new to the site or a frequent visitor—welcome! We’re certainly glad to have you.
For more on The Punished Backlog, read up on our history and check out our team.
Have a game you’d like to see covered? Email us at press[at]punishedbacklog.com.