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Swaps Aplenty, Swaps Galore Come on in guys! Oh, and drop your buffs again because we’ve got another swap! I’m talking immediately at the beginning of the episode too. This can only mean interesting things for the swap results, and they…
Love and Racial Division Highlight Atlanta’s Best Episode This Season Hot off the heels of Atlanta Season 2’s excellent third episode, we have been graced with greatness once again with “Helen.” While “Money Bag Shawty” was a superb showcase for Atlanta’s humor and…
The phrase “they make it look easy” has never rung more true as it has regarding pros playing Fortnite. However, the more I’ve put myself out there, game after game, the more confident I’ve become in my play. And that confidence has manifested itself back in my everyday life in surprising ways.
Everyone’s Got a Reason for Playing Come on in guys! While you’re at it, get the tissues ready, because this was an emotional rollercoaster of an episode. You see, there are really two ways to view a Survivor season: the…
How Donkey Kong Country Crafts a Foreboding Tale of the Unknown Donkey Kong Country is among the finest 2D platformers ever and one of the best-looking and best-controlling games of its time. On the narrative front, however, many may find…
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…
The Punished Podcast
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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
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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
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Super Mario Sunshine is probably the beloved plumber’s most polarizing adventure. Punished Backlog editors Sam and David discuss why that is.
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.
Punished Favorites
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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?