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Punished Series
Weekend at Dave’s – Episode 3: David talks Xbox’s new acquistions, Sony skipping E3, Hajime Tabata, Pixar, Detective Pikachu, The Game Awards, and Stan Lee.
Weekend at Dave’s – Episode 2: David talks Deltarune, the second season of Netflix’s Castlevania TV series, and that bonkers Smash Ultimate direct.
Latest Articles
Top Articles
Punished Series
Weekend at Dave’s – Episode 3: David talks Xbox’s new acquistions, Sony skipping E3, Hajime Tabata, Pixar, Detective Pikachu, The Game Awards, and Stan Lee.
Weekend at Dave’s – Episode 2: David talks Deltarune, the second season of Netflix’s Castlevania TV series, and that bonkers Smash Ultimate direct.
In our Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure review, learn whether this genre-bending indie lives up to the promise of its premise.
What place does Call of Duty hold in my life after 15 years away from the franchise? The answer is a bit complicated.
In our Tchia review for Nintendo Switch, learn whether this Zelda-inspired open-world adventure is a blast or a bore.
After a slew of summer game pressers and announcements, here are our most anticipated video games of fall 2024 (and beyond).
In our Noreya: The Gold Project review, learn whether this bite-sized Metroidvania measures up to the heavy hitters of the genre.
As you cruise around Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City and its surroundings in a vintage Porsche 911, flip on the radio. You might hear music that brings you to a particular time and place in your life.
Reviews
View AllThere’s great art in World of Horror, but many small irritations detract from what could’ve been a sensational interactive horror experience.
El Paso, Elsewhere isn’t Max Payne, but the inspirations are here: neo-noir style, slo-mo, troubled protagonist, and other-worldly journey.
The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood mixes together space witches, arts-and-crafts tarot, storytelling, and gameplay for a delightful brew.
Detective Pikachu Returns succeeds in small moments with Pikachu and other Pokémon, but struggles with a tedious story and simple gameplay.
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The Punished Podcast
View AllIn honor of Valentine’s Day, we discussed romance in games. Learn our favorite romance mechanics, characters, subplots, and more.
In The Punished Podcast Episode 14, we crown our Fantasy Gaming 2024 winner and host our 2025 draft—with a new dynasty format!
For The Punished Podcast Episode 13, we recorded a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth spoilercast. Come for the ending analysis; stay for the music.
In this episode of our video game podcast, Amanda asks the writers to pitch her on one of their favorite games of 2024.
In The Punished Podcast episode 11, we talk visual art style in games. Learn how art impacts the way we play, and if visuals are plateauing.
In The Punished Podcast Episode 10, we discuss our most anticipated games of fall 2024! We also do our Fantasy Gaming waiver wire pick-ups.
Punished Notes
View AllFor this edition of Punished Notes, Sam lists some brief and simple New Year’s resolutions, shares some games from 2024 that just missed the deadline for his tier list, and discusses his latest TV binge being on… CBS?!
So far, there hasn’t been a game that has pulled me out of post-election despair, and maybe that’s not a bad thing.
In this edition of Punished Notes, Sam gets into his thoughts on the reveal of Gears of War: E-Day, his favorite part of Hellblade II, and other thoughts.
In this Punished Notes, Sam dives into Balatro, a replay of Fallout: New Vegas, and more.
In this edition of Punished Notes, Sam gets into his experience with Golden Sun’s storytelling, the best narrative mechanic of Baldur’s Gate 3, and other thoughts.
Bethesda’s Starfield may be janky, but I’m having a great time. Its mundane moments make the unordinary ones all the more compelling.
Punished Chat
View AllAvowed has taken the gaming world by storm in recent weeks. What do the writers at The Punished Backlog think of Obsidian’s latest so far?
We’re launching a new brand and logo for The Punished Backlog! Let’s take a look back through the years and reflect on our past logos.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has been out for about a month. How do the writers at The Punished Backlog feel about it so far?
Five avid Stardew Valley players discuss why Stardew Valley is so good, the future of the game, its Harvest Moon roots, and more.
Long lost robot girlfriends, zombies, and fascism, oh my! We get together to discuss this indie horror survival game.
How does Tears of the Kingdom compare to rest of the series? Where should Zelda go next? Get our early Tears of the Kingdom impressions here.
Punished Favorites
View AllIndie 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!
Waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong? Make the wait easier by reading and playing our picks for the best Metroidvania games ever made.
As the 25th anniversary of the PS2 approaches, help us celebrate by checking out our list of the 19 best PlayStation 2 games ever.
Whether a game succeeds or disappoints, there’s no denying the power of a great teaser. These are our most hyped video games ever.