Latest Articles
Latest Articles
Top Articles
Weekend at Dave’s – Episode 1: David talks Spider-Man, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Octopath Traveler, and a little open-world game called Red Dead Redemption 2.
It’s Real Okay, yes. This is a real tattoo that’s on my fleshy, human Earth body until I die. And I did, in fact, give it to myself. Even though it’s small, this piece requires a lot of explanation on…
Meet the Newest Generation of Platform Fighters The “platform fighter” genre has existed for decades, even if the specific phrase to describe them didn’t reach mass relevance until years later. For the longest time, it was a moniker applied solely…
Hat Kid Sets Sail Downloadable content is a strange beast. Gaming publishers just seem to love milking every penny they can out of their games. This often results in pointless micro-transactions and dull, uninteresting DLC packages. That being said, sometimes…
Ending a 15-Plus-Year Trilogy in Style After what has felt like an eternity, Kingdom Hearts III is finally around the corner. Announced alongside the rebooted Final Fantasy XV at E3 2013, Kingdom Hearts III—now slated for a January 29, 2019…
Listen up, internet lurkers! Here are some crappy game reviews that you have probably always wanted, compared with my apparently “too political” takes.
When the Dust Settles, There Can Only Be One We’re hurtling towards the finish line, folks. After the July update foreshadowed bigger things to come, August’s fantasy update has brought the fire. Fall 2018 is here, and it’s already living…
You wouldn’t expect to see many AAA blockbusters in a backlog. However, when I took a look at my own growing piles (plural) of backlog titles, I came to a startling realization: I have a ridiculous number of AAA games I haven’t finished.
The Punished Podcast
View All
In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of open-world video games: the good, the bad, and everything in between. (Also, GTA VI!)
In this Fantasy Gaming-centric episode, we recap the first half of 2026 before delving into our first waiver wire of the year.
In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the rise and fall of E3, game trailers, authenticity, and the big bucks.
In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the past, present, and future of games media and journalism.
In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we reflect (and debate) the games that should be prioritized in our backlog in 2026.
In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the role of review scores in the gaming industry, especially for us as critics.
Punished Notes
View All
In the latest Punished Notes, Sam talks about Splatoon Raiders, Kingdom Hearts, Denshattack!, and…baking?
In a Punished Notes dedicated entirely to Resident Evil Requiem, Sam wonders if the post-zombification of the game’s world bears a resemblance to our own post-pandemic one.
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.
Punished Chat
View All
After all playing Disco Elysium, several writers weigh in on the good, the bad, and the very ugly of the cult classic.
Mina the Hollower released last month to rave reviews. How do the writers at The Punished Backlog feel about it?
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.
Punished Favorites
View All
In our list of the Best Video Game Dogs, we highlight the old and the new, the lithe and the chonky, the magical and the normal. They are all good dogs!
Anime is often known for its flashy visuals, but just as important is the music. Here are 11 of our top anime character theme songs ever.
From big AAAs to indie gems, this year’s shaping up to be a delight. Here are the 19 best video games of 2026 we’ve played to date.
From the bird and the bear to the earliest console shooters, here are The Punished Backlog’s top 16 Nintendo 64 games of all time!
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Game Boy Advance, here are The Punished Backlog’s favorite GBA games of all time!
The Punished Backlog writers have already covered their favorite Pokémon games. But what about our actual favorite pocket monsters?