Our review of @sovereigntower.bsky.social is live! "The narrative is as rich as the kingdom you’ll end up leading. I had a blast wearing the crown," - @amandatien.bsky.social writes. Releases 8/6, developed by @wildwits.games, published by @curvegames.com. Read: punishedbacklog.com/sovereign-to...

Sovereign Tower Review: A Medieval Management Delight - The Punished Backlog

In our Sovereign Tower review, discover the joys (and pitfalls) of micro-managing knights on quests and holding court with nobles.

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If it's a day ending in y, then @amandatien.bsky.social and @forthekids.space are talking about Mass Effect. In today's piece, they debate the home hubs of the Citadel vs Afterlife in the original @bioware.bsky.social @masseffectgame.bsky.social trilogy. punishedbacklog.com/the-citadel-...

The Citadel vs Afterlife: Making a Home in Mass Effect - The Punished Backlog

In this Mass Effect showdown, two fans of the series debate whether the Citadel or Afterlife is the better hub.

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I went hard on this feature about how freaking awesome it is to see Moneypenny get a glow-up in @007firstlight.bsky.social. From Spy Fox to Dame Judi Dench to DEI to Bond girls and bikinis, I talk abut it all at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social : punishedbacklog.com/moneypenny-0...

Moneypenny Finally Gets a Promotion in 007 First Light - The Punished Backlog

In their hit game 007 First Light, IO Interactive gives Moneypenny a computer science degree and a lot of responsibility.

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"The Mermaid Mask is the long-awaited sequel to Tangle Tower, and it raises the bar in every single way," writes @amandatien.bsky.social of the new indie game by @sfbdim.bsky.social @sfbtom.bsky.social (w/ art by @catherineunger.bsky.social!). Read our review: punishedbacklog.com/the-mermaid-...

The Best Video Games of 2026 So Far - We rounded up 18 of our favorites, from the big AAA adventures to the indie gems. Games are highlighted in 🧵! punishedbacklog.com/best-video-g...

The Best Video Games of 2026 So Far - The Punished Backlog

Some of the best indie games and AAA games of 2026 are already here! Our list covers 18 (and counting) great video games.

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@denshattack.bsky.social, out today from Undercoders, @fireshinegames.bsky.social, and Boltray Games, boasts "a vibrant world and cast of characters who have something critical to say." Read more in our full review: punishedbacklog.com/denshattack-... #Denshattack #GameReview

"A great remake of an already tremendous video game." Learn how @assassinscreed.ubisoft.com Black Flag Resynced from @ubisoft.com maintains the heart of the original game while shining even brighter at times. Our review: punishedbacklog.com/assassins-cr... #AssassinsCreed #BlackFlag #GameReview

"Fans of environmental puzzles, delightful character design, and straightforward combat will love Moss: The Forgotten Relic (@polyarcgames.com)." Out this Thursday 7/16 for PC and consoles. Read our review, 8.5/10: punishedbacklog.com/moss-the-for...

The latest episode of The Punished Podcast is here! This time, we dive into the Video Game Hype Cycle, E3 (and not-E3) showcases, and even make up our own showcase full of fake mouse games inspired by @polyarcgames.com 's Moss series. Check it out! punishedbacklog.com/podcast-vide...

Podcast: Discussing E3, "Not E3," and the Video Game Hype Cycle

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the rise and fall of E3, game trailers, authenticity, and the big bucks.

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One month with @paralives.com in early access: Alexia reflects, "Paralives does have a long way to go, but I really believe that we’re in good hands with this one. It’s been worth the wait." #indiegames #cozygames punishedbacklog.com/paralives-pr...

Paralives Preview: Impressions After One Month in Early Access

In our Paralives early access preview, learn why this indie life sim game is already a worthy alternative to The Sims 4.

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REVIEW: "If I consider MINI MURDER MYSTERIES (@pointandclickd.bsky.social) as an extended demo of an upcoming game, then it makes sense as a sample platter. As long as you don’t go in expecting a full entree, you’ll have a good time, especially for $4.99." Read: punishedbacklog.com/mini-murder-...

Mini Murder Mysteries Review: A Whodunit Appetizer - The Punished Backlog

In our Mini Murder Mysteries review, learn if this bite-sized mystery game is worth its $4.99 price point.

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Check out our lists of best N64 games of all time @punishedbacklog.bsky.social !!! punishedbacklog.com/best-nintend...

The 16 Best Nintendo 64 Games of All Time - The Punished Backlog

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!

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🧵: Curio Shop, Goat’s Odyssey, The Great Sassanelli @digitalesgames.bsky.social, Last Night, Last Call @rogueside.bsky.social, The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian, Lost in Art, Milki Delivery @wholesomegames.com, Moss, Rivage @rawfury.bsky.social, Sovereign Tower @wildwits.games

Want some indie games to play this weekend? Try one of my top 10 fave demos from Steam Next Fest! Wrote about them at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social. Games in thread! punishedbacklog.com/best-demos-s...

Steam Next Fest June 2026: The Best New Indie Game Demos

From cozy to scary, swashbuckling to puzzles, check out our favorite demos from the June 2026 Steam Next Fest.

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Happy that my Resident Evil piece with @punishedbacklog.bsky.social was included in this week’s @critdistance.bsky.social ! Thank you @sam-martinelli.bsky.social for editing the piece for the site!

Critical Distance | Where’s all the good writing about games?@critdistance.bsky.social · 3mo ago

This week: Mixtape, Marathon, Mass Effect, Metroid, Moominvalley, and a couple other games that don't start with M, I promise. critical-distance.com/2026/05/11/m...

"I can truly see this game becoming a huge part of discussions around cute, stylized, relaxing video games, as well as a big name in the cozy gaming community." 9.3/10 from @punishedbacklog.bsky.social 🎉🥳 punishedbacklog.com/wax-heads-re...

Wax Heads Review: Another Beautiful Day at Repeater Records - The Punished Backlog

In our Wax Heads review, learn why this cozy game about selling vinyl records is a labor of love from top to bottom.

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The Game Boy Advance turned 25 this year! To celebrate this beloved handheld, @sam-martinelli.bsky.social rallied our writers to discuss the best games. (Also does this mean the GBA is retro? 👴👵) From Pokémon to Zelda to Kirby, check out our favorites here: punishedbacklog.com/best-game-bo...

The Game Boy Advanced turned 25 this year! To celebrate this beloved handheld, @sam-martinelli.bsky.social rallied our writers to discuss the best GBA games. (Also does this mean the GBA is retro? 👴👵) From Pokémon to Zelda to Kirby, check out our favorites here: punishedbacklog.com/best-game-bo...

I bought CREATURE KITCHEN (indie dev: @therat.zone) on a whim a few weeks ago. Even though I beat it in just a few hours, I'm still thinking about it. A v. unique #cozygame that brings new life to the genre! My review punishedbacklog.com/creature-kit... at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social

"Fumi Games and @playsidestudios.com have crafted something genuinely special with @mousethegame.bsky.social -- a game so fully committed to its aestheric, its world, and its characters that it's almost impossible not to fall in love with it." Our review: punishedbacklog.com/mouse-pi-for...

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire Review - Case Closed - The Punished Backlog

In our MOUSE: P.I. For Hire review, learn how this infamous first-person cartoon shooter game lives up to the hype.

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For 20+ years, the @backyardsports.bsky.social games have uplifted fans and ushered them from childhood to adulthood. At #PAXEast, we spoke with the series' latest steward, Lindsay, about everything Backyard ahead of @megacatstudios.bsky.social's July launch. punishedbacklog.com/interview-li...

An Interview With Lindsay Barnett, CEO of Playground Productions

After years away, Backyard Baseball is back. Ahead of its July 2026 release, I interviewed the new steward of the franchise, Lindsay Barnett.

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I'm obsessed with @nthcircle.bsky.social's OF THE DEVIL. I already forced someone to listen to my passionate conspiracy theory about the story's eventual ending lol. Need more episodes asap. Great find at #PAXEast2026 @davidsilbert.bsky.social! More on my love: punishedbacklog.com/of-the-devil...

I Desperately Need You To Try This Stylish, Ace Attorney-Like Indie

of the Devil, releasing episodically over the course of five episodes, is an excellent murder mystery game I can't stop thinking about.

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#PAXEast2026 is underway, and we've been scouring the show for gems of all kinds. Big publishers may be sparse, but the energy and creativity are as strong as ever. Here's a running list of the best games and hardware from #PAXEast. (1/??) Read here: punishedbacklog.com/pax-east-202...

PAX East 2026: The Best Games From Boston's Expo So Far

PAX East is back in Boston, and we're covering the event all through the weekend. Here are the best games from PAX East 2026 so far.

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I asked all the #girlgamers at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social to name their favorite femme video game characters a few years ago for Women's History Month. We've just updated the list with four new baddies. Who's your favorite? punishedbacklog.com/best-female-...

The 14 Best Female Video Game Characters, as Picked By Female Gamers - The Punished Backlog

Female video game writers reflect on the best female video game characters that inspire, challenge, and kick ass.

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The @sxsw.com film festival is an annual highlight in Austin, TX, and 2026 was no exception. Our own Clint Morrison, Jr. enjoyed an array of innovative films, but these were his 5 favorites: punishedbacklog.com/sxsw-2026-be... #SXSW #SXSW2026 #movies #films #cinema #screenings

SXSW 2026: The 5 Best Film Premieres - The Punished Backlog

The screenings at this year's South by Southwest brought me joy, tears, and hope. Here are the five best film premieres I saw at SXSW 2026.

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I wrote about Resident Evil Requiem, and how its Zombies With Jobs and approach to worldbuilding make it a kind of pandemic game, one that reminds me of the world we live in now in some ways: punishedbacklog.com/resident-evi...

Resident Evil Requiem’s Post-Pandemic World Is All Too Familiar

In the latest Punished Notes, Sam wonders if the post-zombification world of Resident Evil Requiem bears a resemblance to our own.

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Forgot to promote cuz it came out while I was on vacation, but I wrote about Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and how I think it's a great game...but I'm unsure if it's a great remake: punishedbacklog.com/is-dragon-qu...

Is Dragon Quest VII Reimagined a Good Remake? - The Punished Backlog

2026's Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a great RPG and a great game overall, but is it actually a good remake?

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My fave #AWP26 sesh was Prose, Poetry & Play: Game Design as a Literary Practice w/ @natmesnard.bsky.social, @brigittewinter.bsky.social, Erin Roberts, @sharangbiswas.bsky.social, @davering.bsky.social. I wrote a recap at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social: punishedbacklog.com/prose-poetry...

"Game Design as a Literary Practice": AWP Recap and Reflections

At AWP 2026, TTRPG writers gathered to discuss game design, creative writing, and the process of creating unique stories and experiences.

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Had a blast chasing a milk pyramid scheme, talking to a wall, trying to flirt with an angel, eating trash, and trying to be a good person in ESOTERIC EBB by @chrisbodegard.bsky.social @rawfury.bsky.social. Check out my review at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social : punishedbacklog.com/esoteric-ebb...

Esoteric Ebb Review: A Natural 20 - The Punished Backlog

In our Esoteric Ebb review, find out why this funny CRPG is a fantastic spiritual successor to Disco Elysium.

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Demon Tides, out now from @fabraz.bsky.social, melds the terrific platforming of its predecessor with an admirable open world -- even if some technical issues get in the way. Our review: punishedbacklog.com/demon-tides-... #DemonTides #DemonTurf #indiegames #platformers #gamereview

Demon Tides Review: Great Waves, Choppy Waters - The Punished Backlog

In our Demon Tides review, learn why Fabraz's open-world platformer is worth the journey, bugs and performance issues be damned.

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