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To help usher in the new year, The Punished Backlog editorial team hosts a 2023 gaming preview extravaganza, complete with a fantasy draft!
From Halo Infinite and Fable to The Elder Scrolls VI and Starfield, here’s what you can expect from Xbox & Bethesda at E3 2021.
Latest Articles
To help usher in the new year, The Punished Backlog editorial team hosts a 2023 gaming preview extravaganza, complete with a fantasy draft!
From Halo Infinite and Fable to The Elder Scrolls VI and Starfield, here’s what you can expect from Xbox & Bethesda at E3 2021.
In our Constance review, learn whether this blend of metroidvania and visual novel manages to deliver on its intriguing setup.
Amongst the best indie games in 2025 — from adventure to cozy, outer space to rural islands, puzzles to action — there’s something for everyone.
In our Pragmata Sketchbook demo preview, learn why Capcom’s long-awaited sci-fi epic shows promise after six years of development.
The Game Awards 2025 was a four-hour snooze fest, but for four minutes, it was absolute cinema thanks to Flute Guy. Let’s recap the fun.
Join us at 7:30pm EST for our 2025 Game Awards live blog, and find out how many instruments Keighley’s got “Flute Guy” playing this year.
Even in tumultuous times, we can find solace in all sorts of things — Kei argues that 2025’s “capeslop” of superhero content gives hope.
Girl gamers, unite — we picked the best video games for the girlies, from beginner-friendly puzzles to next-level action shooters.
This indie co-op mountain climbing game is one of the best multiplayers I’ve ever played. It’s absurdly fun.
The Punished Podcast
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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.
In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss and listen to the best video game soundtracks, composers, and sound design.
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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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.
On the fence about Nintendo’s latest console? Six of our writers sat down to share our initial Nintendo Switch 2 impressions.
Punished Favorites
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Some of the best indie games and AAA games of 2026 are already here! Our list covers 18 (and counting) great video games.
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?
In our list of the best Pokémon Games, find out how the generations stack up in honor of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
In our list of the best GameCube Games, see how classics like Metroid Prime, Melee, and Double Dash stack up.