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The Punished Podcast: Episode 22 – Nostalgia (For Games That Aren’t Very Good?!)
What are the games that still hold a special place in our heart, even if we think they’re bad games? Why do they have a hold on us?
Video game adaptations are everywhere — shows, movies, books, board games, music, and more. But what makes them work? Let’s discuss.
Latest Articles
Top Articles
The Punished Podcast: Episode 22 – Nostalgia (For Games That Aren’t Very Good?!)
What are the games that still hold a special place in our heart, even if we think they’re bad games? Why do they have a hold on us?
Video game adaptations are everywhere — shows, movies, books, board games, music, and more. But what makes them work? Let’s discuss.
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.
Get to know our new (and some veteran) writers, as they share their favorite video games, articles they’d like to write, and more!
In a turbulent year, Good Knights Sleep’s Fallout ASMR broadcasts have become a small ritual calm in my life. Here’s why they’re so special.
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The Punished Podcast
View AllThe Punished Podcast: Episode 22 – Nostalgia (For Games That Aren’t Very Good?!)
What are the games that still hold a special place in our heart, even if we think they’re bad games? Why do they have a hold on us?
Video game adaptations are everywhere — shows, movies, books, board games, music, and more. But what makes them work? Let’s discuss.
The Punished Podcast: Episode 20 – Summer Gaming News & Fantasy Waiver Wire
In The Punished Podcast Episode 20, we talk about all the hottest gaming news that broke this summer. Plus, our Fantasy Gaming league!
In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of video game difficulty, what makes a game “fun,” Clair Obscur, Souls-likes, and more.
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!
Punished Notes
View AllIn 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.
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?!
Punished Chat
View AllHollow 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.
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!
Punished Favorites
View AllIn our list of the best GameCube Games, see how classics like Metroid Prime, Melee, and Double Dash stack up.
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.






































































