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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…
Super Mario Sunshine: The Pianta Project While I forgot when my fascination with speedrunning began, I can safely say it exploded after rooming with the illustrious Jbop1626 in college—a phenomenal Ocarina of Time and GoldenEye speedrunner, running both these games…
Smash, Octopath Traveler, and Ports… Glorious Ports Well…wow. That was a Nintendo Direct that started off with all of us here being generally pretty whelmed before dropping a major bombshell on us. Let’s get started with our thoughts on the…
Trump Discusses Violent Games in Wake of Stoneman Douglas President Donald Trump met with video game industry leaders, members of congress and senate, and critics of video game violence in a private meeting yesterday to discuss video game violence in response…
Put Your Detective Pikachu Hats On Nintendo has once again stealth announced a new Direct. Dropping tomorrow—Wednesday, March 7—at 2pm PT, the Nintendo Direct will provide a half hour’s worth of information on Switch and 3DS games releasing in 2018.…
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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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
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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?