The Punished Podcast

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 .

If you loved playing a hundred hours of BG3, hopefully you’ll enjoy hundreds of minutes of our spoilercast discussion.  The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 7 – Baldur’s Gate 3 appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In The Punished Podcast episode 6, we celebrate 28 years of Pokémon! We discuss the formula's greatest innovations, stagnations, and more. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 6 – Pokémon appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In The Punished Podcast Episode 5, we share our most anticipated games of 2024, restart our Fantasy Gaming league, and talk some Zelda! The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 5 – 2024 Gaming Preview appeared first on The Punished Backlog .

In The Punished Podcast Episode 4, we discuss our favorite games of 2023 and tally the final results for our Fantasy Gaming league. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 4 – Best of 2023 Recap appeared first on The Punished Backlog .