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All We Hear Is Radio Ga Ga I’ve been on a music binge lately. For anyone that knows me, this comes as no surprise. Another unsurprising fact about myself: I have an undying love for Saints Row 3. I introduce…
Was a Curse Reversed? Come on in guys! After last week’s juicy 4-3-1 vote on Survivor: Ghost Island that sent Morgan packing, surely things can’t possibly get better this week. Well, ye of little faith are in for a treat. We pick…
The Prediction Train Never Stops Another week, another Nintendo Direct it feels like. Hot off the heels of Nintendo’s 3.8.2018 Direct (check out our predictions and post-impressions), the Big N has announced a new Direct for Tuesday highlighting upcoming Nintendo…
“Here’s Where it Gets Crazy, Y’all.” Oh boy, was I not prepared for this. While the past two episodes of Atlanta Season 2 have been fun, if sluggish, affairs, this week’s episode, “Money Bag Shawty,” is Atlanta firing on all cylinders. It’s…
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…
February Sheds Some Blood as Fantasy Teams Begin to Falter When we last checked in with fantasy, things were going great for our contestants. The launches of Monster Hunter: World, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Shadow of the Colossus gave Teams Sam,…
The Cost of Fame Robbin’ Season continues in full force with Atlanta Season 2’s second episode, “Sportin’ Waves.” From drug deals gone bad, to shopping trips turned to shopping sprees, to acoustic covers, there’s a lot to unpack here. Let’s dive…
Time to Switch Things Up Come on in guys! And please, drop your buffs by the door. Because we’re rip-rearin’ and ready to… swap? Hope you’ve been taking notes on who’s who in Survivor: Ghost Island because now the tribes…
The Punished Podcast
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Presenting the most anticipated video games of 2026, but in a stylish package: our annual Fantasy Gaming league. New year, new season.
What are the games that still hold a special place in our heart, even if we think they’re bad games? Why do they have a hold on us?
Video game adaptations are everywhere — shows, movies, books, board games, music, and more. But what makes them work? Let’s discuss.
In The Punished Podcast Episode 20, we talk about all the hottest gaming news that broke this summer. Plus, our Fantasy Gaming league!
In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of video game difficulty, what makes a game “fun,” Clair Obscur, Souls-likes, and more.
In this podcast episode, we discuss why we replay video games, what changes between playthroughs, old games versus new ones, and much more.
Punished Notes
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In his latest Punished Notes, Sam gets into some New Year’s Gaming Resolutions, as well as a few predictions (and hopes) for some big gaming anniversaries coming up. Also: Wuthering Heights?
In the latest Punished Notes, Sam covers Doritos and Mountain Dew games, Kirby Air Riders, and… the blues?
In this edition of Punished Notes, Sam discusses how the incredible fall game release lineup is kind of killing him, among other thoughts
In the latest edition of Punished Notes, Sam talks about Lumines, visual novel and Roger, and other random thoughts from random games.
In this Punished Notes, Sam dives into how the latest Bethesda shooter harkens back to a simpler time in AAA gaming, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and more!
In 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!
Punished Chat
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As part of our Game of the Year coverage, here are some DIFFERENT awards for the year’s best games!
Hollow Knight: Silksong is one of this year’s biggest new releases. What do the writers at The Punished Backlog think of it so far?
From the classics to new releases, we discuss the “Big Three,” the best anime ever, and what makes these series stand the test of time.
Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the biggest game releases of 2025. Does it work? Does it deserve its score of 91? We share our thoughts.
On the fence about Nintendo’s latest console? Six of our writers sat down to share our initial Nintendo Switch 2 impressions.
After a drama-packed premiere, our writers got together to share our The Last of Us Season 2 impressions so far.
Punished Favorites
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In our list of the best GameCube Games, see how classics like Metroid Prime, Melee, and Double Dash stack up.
While we here at The Punished Backlog could not be more excited about a new Nintendo console, we also figured it now is the right time to pay tribute to the first Switch and all its best games!
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!
The best metroidvania games feature tight level design, great battles, and fluid movement. Here are 15 terrific picks you can play today.