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Punished Series
Weekend at Dave’s – Episode 4: David talks the risks of open-world design, a Google Stadia-driven future, and why he’s so darn excited for PAX East 2019.
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.
Latest Articles
Punished Series
Weekend at Dave’s – Episode 4: David talks the risks of open-world design, a Google Stadia-driven future, and why he’s so darn excited for PAX East 2019.
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.
In our Paper Perjury review, learn if this Ace Attorney-inspired detective game lives up to the Phoenix Wright name.
For 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?!
As we usher in the next 12 months of video games, here are five personal new year’s gaming resolutions for 2025 to get those thumbs in shape.
In a depressing year for elections and layoffs, games were a bright spot. From RPGs to poker, here are my top 10 games of 2024.
Discover the best UFO 50 games by checking out our quick mini-reviews of every single game in the UFO 50 collection.
In our UFO 50 review, learn why this ’80s-inspired collection of titles is the best value in gaming since The Orange Box.
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The FIFINE AmpliGame H6 headset is cute, but the price point is even cuter. Read more about the product in our AmpliGame H6 review.
In our Botany Manor review, learn whether this gardening puzzle adventure from Whitethorn Games manages to flourish, or wither.
In our Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review, learn whether Cloud and company’s latest reimagined adventure lives up to its own ambitions.
While Frog Detective is far from perfect, I found that after spending an afternoon with the collection, I could hardly wipe the smile off my face.
The Punished Podcast
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In this podcast episode, we discuss why we replay video games, what changes between playthroughs, old games versus new ones, and much more.
In the latest episode, we go through the best (and worst) video games of 2025 so far, and provide a Fantasy Gaming league update!
In The Punished Podcast Episode 16, we discuss the best old school games, what retro even means, preservation, and much more.
In 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.
Punished Notes
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In this Punished Notes, Sam dives into how the latest Bethesda shooter harkens back to a simpler time in AAA gaming, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and more!
In this new Punished Notes, Sam talks about the mystery behind Avowed’s dialogue options, what it means when you say a game takes time to “get good,” and more!
For 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.
Punished Chat
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On the fence about Nintendo’s latest console? Six of our writers sat down to share our initial Nintendo Switch 2 impressions.
After a drama-packed premiere, our writers got together to share our The Last of Us Season 2 impressions so far.
Let’s see how The Punished Backlog’s excellent writers feel about that explosive Nintendo Switch 2 reveal!
Avowed 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?
Punished Favorites
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While we here at The Punished Backlog could not be more excited about a new Nintendo console, we also figured it now is the right time to pay tribute to the first Switch and all its best games!
Indie 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 23 best PlayStation 2 games ever.