Latest Articles
Latest Articles
Top Articles
Nidhogg 2 is out, and it boasts an intricate combat system and some killer visuals. But does Nidhogg 2 make for a compelling competitive fighting game?
Nintendo and Ubisoft have teamed up to provide an unlikely collaboration with Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle. Does this crazy, new Switch title deliver?
The Music That Moves Us In a new segment, the Punished Backlog writers are out to determine some of video games’ all-time bests. With our tens of thousands of combined hours logged, spanning games from every genre imaginable, we’ve compiled…
Keisuke’s Take on the Upcoming Nintendo Direct David posted his own set of five predictions for tonight’s Nintendo Direct (watch it at 6PM EST on Twitch or Youtube). Contrasting with David’s more down-to-earth predictions, I’m going big. I wouldn’t be…
The Dark Tower, based on the acclaimed fantasy books by Stephen King, recently hit theaters to poor reception. In honor of the original series, I’ve provided my thoughts on the very first book of the Dark Tower saga, The Gunslinger.
Spotlight Shines on Nintendo’s Biggest Games Two weeks after its Summer Nindie Showcase, Nintendo has announced a new Nintendo Direct. Airing Wednesday, September 13th at 3pm PT | 6pm ET, the Direct will last just under 45 minutes and highlight…
As soon as it came, it went. Hunter x Hunter is going back on hiatus, everybody. I blame myself for jinxing it, but I blame Dragon Quest XI most of all.
The Very Best of JRPG Town Themes Japanese role-playing games are heralded for their colorful characters, captivating stories, and majestic worlds. They’re also known for having amazing music. JRPG soundtracks help set the stage for the story. There are entire…
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?