The Punished Podcast

In this podcast episode, we discuss the joy in familiarity, difficulty, hype, and gameplay loops as we consider video games as comfort food. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 32 – Games as Comfort Food appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this podcast episode, we discuss video game protagonists. We debate create-a-character versus heroes and share our favorites. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 31 – Video Game Main Characters appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of open-world video games: the good, the bad, and everything in between. (Also, GTA VI!) The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 30 – Open-World Games appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this Fantasy Gaming-centric episode, we recap the first half of 2026 before delving into our first waiver wire of the year. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 29 – 2026 Fantasy Waiver Wire #1 appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the rise and fall of E3, game trailers, authenticity, and the big bucks. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 28 – The Hype Cycle appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the past, present, and future of games media and journalism. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 27 – Video Games Media appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we reflect (and debate) the games that should be prioritized in our backlog in 2026. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 26 – Backlog Challenge 2026 appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the role of review scores in the gaming industry, especially for us as critics. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 25 – Video Game Review Scores appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss and listen to the best video game soundtracks, composers, and sound design. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 24 – Video Game Music appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

Presenting the most anticipated video games of 2026, but in a stylish package: our annual Fantasy Gaming league. New year, new season. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 23 – 2026 Fantasy Gaming Draft! appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

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? The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 22 – Nostalgia (For Games That Aren’t Very Good?!) appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

Video game adaptations are everywhere — shows, movies, books, board games, music, and more. But what makes them work? Let's discuss. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 21 – Video Game Adaptations appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In The Punished Podcast Episode 20, we talk about all the hottest gaming news that broke this summer. Plus, our Fantasy Gaming league! The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 20 – Summer Gaming News & Fantasy Waiver Wire appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of video game difficulty, what makes a game "fun," Clair Obscur, Souls-likes, and more. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 19 – Video Game Difficulty appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this podcast episode, we discuss why we replay video games, what changes between playthroughs, old games versus new ones, and much more. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 18 – Video Game Replays appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In the latest episode, we go through the best (and worst) video games of 2025 so far, and provide a Fantasy Gaming league update! The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 17 – Fantasy Gaming Q1 Check-In appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In The Punished Podcast Episode 16, we discuss the best old school games, what retro even means, preservation, and much more. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 16 – Retro Games appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In honor of Valentine's Day, we discussed romance in games. Learn our favorite romance mechanics, characters, subplots, and more. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 15 – Romance in Games appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In The Punished Podcast Episode 14, we crown our Fantasy Gaming 2024 winner and host our 2025 draft—with a new dynasty format! The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 14 – 2025 Fantasy Gaming Draft! appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

For The Punished Podcast Episode 13, we recorded a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth spoilercast. Come for the ending analysis; stay for the music. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 13 – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In this episode of our video game podcast, Amanda asks the writers to pitch her on one of their favorite games of 2024. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 12 – The Best Games of 2024 (Speed Dating Style) appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

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. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 11 – Visual Art Styles appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

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. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 10 – Fall 2024 Preview appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

What makes DLC worth it? How does the expectation of DLC change our experience? We discuss all things DLC, including the best DLC out there. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 9 – DLC appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

For The Punished Podcast Episode 8, we share our favorite games and biggest disappointments of 2024 thus far. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 8 – 2024 Vibe Check appeared first on The Punished Backlog .