The Punished Backlog
@punishedbacklog.bsky.social
An inclusive group of gamers who love to write. Want us to cover a game? Reach us at press [at] punishedbacklog.com.
@bladesonggame.bsky.social, the debut title from Sun and Serpent Creations, has only just entered early access, but it already offers riveting writing, great visuals, satisfying sword-making gameplay, and more.
Our early access review:
punishedbacklog.com/bladesong-re...
Our early access review:
punishedbacklog.com/bladesong-re...
Bladesong Review (Early Access): Questions in the Dark
In our Bladesong early access review, learn why this narrative-heavy sword-making game is an adventure lover's dream.
punishedbacklog.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:21 PM
@bladesonggame.bsky.social, the debut title from Sun and Serpent Creations, has only just entered early access, but it already offers riveting writing, great visuals, satisfying sword-making gameplay, and more.
Our early access review:
punishedbacklog.com/bladesong-re...
Our early access review:
punishedbacklog.com/bladesong-re...
Big Hops from Luckshot Games offers terrific platforming that, at times, rivals Nintendo's best. Unfortunately, everything else about the game is completely forgettable.
Our review:
punishedbacklog.com/big-hops-rev...
#BigHops #platformer #indiegames #gamereview
Our review:
punishedbacklog.com/big-hops-rev...
#BigHops #platformer #indiegames #gamereview
Big Hops Review: So Close Yet So Far - The Punished Backlog
In our Big Hops review, read why this indie platformer nails 3D platforming gameplay but unfortunately nails basically nothing else.
punishedbacklog.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Big Hops from Luckshot Games offers terrific platforming that, at times, rivals Nintendo's best. Unfortunately, everything else about the game is completely forgettable.
Our review:
punishedbacklog.com/big-hops-rev...
#BigHops #platformer #indiegames #gamereview
Our review:
punishedbacklog.com/big-hops-rev...
#BigHops #platformer #indiegames #gamereview
Point-and-clicks are known for their storytelling, but not always compelling gameplay. In #PerfectTides: Station to Station, developer @meredithgran.com expertly weaves the two together to great success.
Our review:
punishedbacklog.com/perfect-tide...
#indiegames #pointandclicks
Our review:
punishedbacklog.com/perfect-tide...
#indiegames #pointandclicks
Perfect Tides: Station to Station Review - Collision and Grace
In our Perfect Tides: Station to Station review, learn why this point-and-click adventure from Three Bees is well worth your time.
punishedbacklog.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Point-and-clicks are known for their storytelling, but not always compelling gameplay. In #PerfectTides: Station to Station, developer @meredithgran.com expertly weaves the two together to great success.
Our review:
punishedbacklog.com/perfect-tide...
#indiegames #pointandclicks
Our review:
punishedbacklog.com/perfect-tide...
#indiegames #pointandclicks
TR-49, the latest from @inkle.co, takes some time to fully click. Once it does, however, it's something unlike anything you've played before.
Our own Amanda Tien devoured the game in two sittings and came away "absolutely riveted."
Her review:
punishedbacklog.com/tr-49-review
Our own Amanda Tien devoured the game in two sittings and came away "absolutely riveted."
Her review:
punishedbacklog.com/tr-49-review
January 21, 2026 at 5:05 AM
TR-49, the latest from @inkle.co, takes some time to fully click. Once it does, however, it's something unlike anything you've played before.
Our own Amanda Tien devoured the game in two sittings and came away "absolutely riveted."
Her review:
punishedbacklog.com/tr-49-review
Our own Amanda Tien devoured the game in two sittings and came away "absolutely riveted."
Her review:
punishedbacklog.com/tr-49-review
There's a new puzzle adventure coming on January 21 from
@inkle.co: "A World War II computer. An archive of lost books. A world-changing secret." We've gotten to try TR-49 already... Let's just say you'll want to wishlist this one ASAP. #indiegames
punishedbacklog.com/inkle-tr-49-...
@inkle.co: "A World War II computer. An archive of lost books. A world-changing secret." We've gotten to try TR-49 already... Let's just say you'll want to wishlist this one ASAP. #indiegames
punishedbacklog.com/inkle-tr-49-...
You Should Be Very Excited for inkle's New Puzzle Game
TR-49, a new game by inkle Studios set to release on January 21, 2026, features a World War II computer and an archive of lost books.
punishedbacklog.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:19 PM
There's a new puzzle adventure coming on January 21 from
@inkle.co: "A World War II computer. An archive of lost books. A world-changing secret." We've gotten to try TR-49 already... Let's just say you'll want to wishlist this one ASAP. #indiegames
punishedbacklog.com/inkle-tr-49-...
@inkle.co: "A World War II computer. An archive of lost books. A world-changing secret." We've gotten to try TR-49 already... Let's just say you'll want to wishlist this one ASAP. #indiegames
punishedbacklog.com/inkle-tr-49-...
Westside Gunn. @mothersbasement.bsky.social 's anime recs. @fallout.bethesdastudios.com ASMR. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound by @thegamekitchen.com. Predator: Badlands directed by @dantrachtenberg.bsky.social. These were just some of Donovan's favorite things in 2025: punishedbacklog.com/donovans-fav...
Donovan’s Favorite Things in 2025 - The Punished Backlog
Music, anime, video games, YouTube channels, and movies --- here's what brought Donovan joy this year.
punishedbacklog.com
December 29, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Westside Gunn. @mothersbasement.bsky.social 's anime recs. @fallout.bethesdastudios.com ASMR. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound by @thegamekitchen.com. Predator: Badlands directed by @dantrachtenberg.bsky.social. These were just some of Donovan's favorite things in 2025: punishedbacklog.com/donovans-fav...
Our own @davidsilbert.bsky.social played a lot of #videogames in 2025 - 31 to be exact - but only one can earn the highest honor.
Here's everything he played from worst to best - capped off by his #GameoftheYear.
#GOTY #GOTY2025
punishedbacklog.com/every-game-d...
Here's everything he played from worst to best - capped off by his #GameoftheYear.
#GOTY #GOTY2025
punishedbacklog.com/every-game-d...
Every Game David Played in 2025, Ranked - The Punished Backlog
2025 was a terrific year for video games, and I played an awful lot of them. Here's every single game I played, ranked from worst to best.
punishedbacklog.com
December 27, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Our own @davidsilbert.bsky.social played a lot of #videogames in 2025 - 31 to be exact - but only one can earn the highest honor.
Here's everything he played from worst to best - capped off by his #GameoftheYear.
#GOTY #GOTY2025
punishedbacklog.com/every-game-d...
Here's everything he played from worst to best - capped off by his #GameoftheYear.
#GOTY #GOTY2025
punishedbacklog.com/every-game-d...
Gaming can be about so many things. For our phenomenal new writer Scarlet Hardy, it’s first and foremost about hunting for achievements. On this Boxing Day, check out her favorite games of 2025 for achievement hunting: punishedbacklog.com/2025-achieve...
Scarlet’s 2025 in Achievement Hunting - The Punished Backlog
Everyone has a list of their favorite games of 2025. Scarlet Hardy, however, talks about her favorite games specifically for achievement hunting!
punishedbacklog.com
December 26, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Gaming can be about so many things. For our phenomenal new writer Scarlet Hardy, it’s first and foremost about hunting for achievements. On this Boxing Day, check out her favorite games of 2025 for achievement hunting: punishedbacklog.com/2025-achieve...
"Sure, the pages turned, but it barely feels all real. But you know what did feel real in 2025? Video games." Another awesome GOTY list from one of our writers, here's are @forthekids.space 's top ten games of the year: punishedbacklog.com/gary-top-10-...
Gary's Top 10 Games of 2025 - The Punished Backlog
From flashy skating games to heartbreaking RPGs, here are Gary Wilson's favorite video games of 2025!
punishedbacklog.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:29 PM
"Sure, the pages turned, but it barely feels all real. But you know what did feel real in 2025? Video games." Another awesome GOTY list from one of our writers, here's are @forthekids.space 's top ten games of the year: punishedbacklog.com/gary-top-10-...
In a year filled with layoffs and furloughs, at least one person found solace in getting away from it all.
For his #Bestof2025 recap, our own Matt Plaus shares the top 5 #videogames he enjoyed while unemployed and cruising the U.S. highway.
punishedbacklog.com/5-games-to-p...
For his #Bestof2025 recap, our own Matt Plaus shares the top 5 #videogames he enjoyed while unemployed and cruising the U.S. highway.
punishedbacklog.com/5-games-to-p...
5 Games To Play While Unemployed on a Road Trip in 2025 - The Punished Backlog
Hop in the car, bring your gaming laptop, buckle up, and get ready to blast down I-85.
punishedbacklog.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
In a year filled with layoffs and furloughs, at least one person found solace in getting away from it all.
For his #Bestof2025 recap, our own Matt Plaus shares the top 5 #videogames he enjoyed while unemployed and cruising the U.S. highway.
punishedbacklog.com/5-games-to-p...
For his #Bestof2025 recap, our own Matt Plaus shares the top 5 #videogames he enjoyed while unemployed and cruising the U.S. highway.
punishedbacklog.com/5-games-to-p...
It's that time of year again...the END OF IT. As always, editor @sam-martinelli.bsky.social ranks every single game he played in 2025 into a very scientific and easy-to-understand tier list. What's at the top? What's at the bottom? FIND OUT HERE: punishedbacklog.com/sams-2025-ga...
Sam’s 2025 Game of the Year Tier List - The Punished Backlog
All of the games Punished Backlog editor Sam Martinelli played in 2025, ranked in tiers. But what's at the very top?
punishedbacklog.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:37 PM
It's that time of year again...the END OF IT. As always, editor @sam-martinelli.bsky.social ranks every single game he played in 2025 into a very scientific and easy-to-understand tier list. What's at the top? What's at the bottom? FIND OUT HERE: punishedbacklog.com/sams-2025-ga...
"It's been a phenomenal year for #indiegames," writes Amanda Tien. "I am energized by seeing people commit to their vision and make it a playable reality!"
Check out our list of the Best Indie Games of 2025 (see thread 🧵): punishedbacklog.com/best-indie-g...
Check out our list of the Best Indie Games of 2025 (see thread 🧵): punishedbacklog.com/best-indie-g...
The 11 Best Indie Games of 2025 - The Punished Backlog
Amongst the best indie games in 2025 — from adventure to cozy, outer space to rural islands, puzzles to action — there's something for everyone.
punishedbacklog.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
"It's been a phenomenal year for #indiegames," writes Amanda Tien. "I am energized by seeing people commit to their vision and make it a playable reality!"
Check out our list of the Best Indie Games of 2025 (see thread 🧵): punishedbacklog.com/best-indie-g...
Check out our list of the Best Indie Games of 2025 (see thread 🧵): punishedbacklog.com/best-indie-g...
2025 has not been an uplifting year for many people, but its superhero stories were here to remind us about hope, love, faith, and doing the work to make the world a better place. Kei Isobe starts off our End of Year coverage with this retrospective: punishedbacklog.com/hope-superhe...
Superhero Year in Review: Love, Hope, and Faith in Capeslop 2025* - The Punished Backlog
Even in tumultuous times, we can find solace in all sorts of things --- Kei argues that 2025's "capeslop" of superhero content gives hope.
punishedbacklog.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:55 PM
2025 has not been an uplifting year for many people, but its superhero stories were here to remind us about hope, love, faith, and doing the work to make the world a better place. Kei Isobe starts off our End of Year coverage with this retrospective: punishedbacklog.com/hope-superhe...
What video games are good for the girlies trying to get into gaming? All the femmes on our site answered. The range covers everything from mobile to Steam Deck, beginner to advanced, cozy to shooters, #indiegames to AAAs. Check out our #girlgamers list!
punishedbacklog.com/best-games-f...
punishedbacklog.com/best-games-f...
The 23 Best Games for Girls Who Want To Get Into Gaming - The Punished Backlog
Girl gamers, unite --- we picked the best video games for the girlies, from beginner-friendly puzzles to next-level action shooters.
punishedbacklog.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:08 PM
What video games are good for the girlies trying to get into gaming? All the femmes on our site answered. The range covers everything from mobile to Steam Deck, beginner to advanced, cozy to shooters, #indiegames to AAAs. Check out our #girlgamers list!
punishedbacklog.com/best-games-f...
punishedbacklog.com/best-games-f...
"PEAK is the only game nominated in @thegameawards.com Multiplayer category that is truly innovating," Amanda Tien writes about the indie hit by @aggrocrabgames.bsky.social and @landfall.se.
Read why this "ridiculous, joyful" game deserves its flowers: punishedbacklog.com/peak-should-...
Read why this "ridiculous, joyful" game deserves its flowers: punishedbacklog.com/peak-should-...
December 8, 2025 at 2:59 PM
"PEAK is the only game nominated in @thegameawards.com Multiplayer category that is truly innovating," Amanda Tien writes about the indie hit by @aggrocrabgames.bsky.social and @landfall.se.
Read why this "ridiculous, joyful" game deserves its flowers: punishedbacklog.com/peak-should-...
Read why this "ridiculous, joyful" game deserves its flowers: punishedbacklog.com/peak-should-...
"In a turbulent year, these #Fallout #ASMR broadcasts from #GoodKnightsSleep have become a small ritual calm in my life," writes Donovan Harrell.
Learn why this YouTube series is so special:
punishedbacklog.com/how-good-kni...
Learn why this YouTube series is so special:
punishedbacklog.com/how-good-kni...
How ‘Good Knights Sleep’ Became My Favorite Fallout Companion - The Punished Backlog
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.
punishedbacklog.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:17 PM
"In a turbulent year, these #Fallout #ASMR broadcasts from #GoodKnightsSleep have become a small ritual calm in my life," writes Donovan Harrell.
Learn why this YouTube series is so special:
punishedbacklog.com/how-good-kni...
Learn why this YouTube series is so special:
punishedbacklog.com/how-good-kni...
"I (a grind-loving idiot) am enjoying #Borderlands4. However, when convincing my friends to try it, I've never had so many 'buts' in my elevator pitch," Jason writes in his list: 4 Big Things Holding Borderlands 4 Back. "Please, @gearboxofficial.bsky.social."
punishedbacklog.com/4-big-things...
punishedbacklog.com/4-big-things...
The 4 Big Things Holding Borderlands 4 Back - The Punished Backlog
Borderlands 4 is more of the same loot-shooting fun, but Gearbox is getting in its own way. Here are four ways Borderlands 4 can improve.
punishedbacklog.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
"I (a grind-loving idiot) am enjoying #Borderlands4. However, when convincing my friends to try it, I've never had so many 'buts' in my elevator pitch," Jason writes in his list: 4 Big Things Holding Borderlands 4 Back. "Please, @gearboxofficial.bsky.social."
punishedbacklog.com/4-big-things...
punishedbacklog.com/4-big-things...
"Faith in Despair is an interesting experience that’s as satisfying to play as it is challenging; great for hardcore deck-builder fans, leaving little room for error." Read our review of Muddasheep's materia-like deck-building roguelike! #indiegames t.co/wByV3qyXRg
December 2, 2025 at 4:47 PM
"Faith in Despair is an interesting experience that’s as satisfying to play as it is challenging; great for hardcore deck-builder fans, leaving little room for error." Read our review of Muddasheep's materia-like deck-building roguelike! #indiegames t.co/wByV3qyXRg
"The love that has been poured into Blake Manor — literally and in-game — is apparent," @amandajotien writes in her glowing review of The Séance of Blake Manor, developed by @spookydoorway.bsky.social and published by @rawfury.bsky.social #indiegames Read here: t.co/d9dpAtZiLV
December 2, 2025 at 4:17 PM
"The love that has been poured into Blake Manor — literally and in-game — is apparent," @amandajotien writes in her glowing review of The Séance of Blake Manor, developed by @spookydoorway.bsky.social and published by @rawfury.bsky.social #indiegames Read here: t.co/d9dpAtZiLV
2025's been packed with terrific games. So, if you're not careful, you might miss the occasional gem.
GigaSword, developed by Hybrid Games and published by @akuparagames.bsky.social, is one such game. Learn why this heartfelt metroidvania shouldn't be missed.
punishedbacklog.com/gigasword-re...
GigaSword, developed by Hybrid Games and published by @akuparagames.bsky.social, is one such game. Learn why this heartfelt metroidvania shouldn't be missed.
punishedbacklog.com/gigasword-re...
GigaSword Review: Size Does Matter! - The Punished Backlog
In our GigaSword review, learn why this puzzle-platformer metroidvania is a work of love, despite some technical hiccups.
punishedbacklog.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:09 PM
2025's been packed with terrific games. So, if you're not careful, you might miss the occasional gem.
GigaSword, developed by Hybrid Games and published by @akuparagames.bsky.social, is one such game. Learn why this heartfelt metroidvania shouldn't be missed.
punishedbacklog.com/gigasword-re...
GigaSword, developed by Hybrid Games and published by @akuparagames.bsky.social, is one such game. Learn why this heartfelt metroidvania shouldn't be missed.
punishedbacklog.com/gigasword-re...
Video games have changed immensely across decades. What hasn't changed? Apparently, @sam-martinelli.bsky.social 's appreciation for "Doritos and Mountain Dew" games: punishedbacklog.com/punished-not...
I'll Always Enjoy Doritos and Mountain Dew Games, and Other Thoughts
In the latest Punished Notes, Sam covers Doritos and Mountain Dew games, Kirby Air Riders, and... the blues?
punishedbacklog.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Video games have changed immensely across decades. What hasn't changed? Apparently, @sam-martinelli.bsky.social 's appreciation for "Doritos and Mountain Dew" games: punishedbacklog.com/punished-not...
"While you could watch #Dispatch alongside your favorite streamer or experience it in a six-hour YouTube video, I would wholeheartedly recommend experiencing it for yourself."
Read our #review of the finale episodes of @adhocstudio.com's superhero delight:
punishedbacklog.com/dispatch-rev...
Read our #review of the finale episodes of @adhocstudio.com's superhero delight:
punishedbacklog.com/dispatch-rev...
November 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM
"While you could watch #Dispatch alongside your favorite streamer or experience it in a six-hour YouTube video, I would wholeheartedly recommend experiencing it for yourself."
Read our #review of the finale episodes of @adhocstudio.com's superhero delight:
punishedbacklog.com/dispatch-rev...
Read our #review of the finale episodes of @adhocstudio.com's superhero delight:
punishedbacklog.com/dispatch-rev...
Two class-based, massively popular, Japanese RPGs enter the ring: Which one reigns supreme?
Find out in this head-to-head crossover showdown: #FinalFantasyXIV vs. #MonsterHunterWilds!
punishedbacklog.com/ffxiv-monste...
Find out in this head-to-head crossover showdown: #FinalFantasyXIV vs. #MonsterHunterWilds!
punishedbacklog.com/ffxiv-monste...
FFXIV's Arkveld vs. Monster Hunter Wilds' Omega: The Crossover Showdown - The Punished Backlog
Both Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy XIV had crossover events featuring boss fights from each others' universes. Which did it better?
punishedbacklog.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Two class-based, massively popular, Japanese RPGs enter the ring: Which one reigns supreme?
Find out in this head-to-head crossover showdown: #FinalFantasyXIV vs. #MonsterHunterWilds!
punishedbacklog.com/ffxiv-monste...
Find out in this head-to-head crossover showdown: #FinalFantasyXIV vs. #MonsterHunterWilds!
punishedbacklog.com/ffxiv-monste...
"Subway Builder understands an important thing: It is fun to build trains."
Check out our #review of the public beta of Colin Miller's #SubwayBuilder! If you like train games, simulation games, and/or public transit, this is an #indiegame for you:
punishedbacklog.com/subway-build...
Check out our #review of the public beta of Colin Miller's #SubwayBuilder! If you like train games, simulation games, and/or public transit, this is an #indiegame for you:
punishedbacklog.com/subway-build...
Subway Builder Review: All Aboard! - The Punished Backlog
In our Subway Builder review, find out if the train-building sensation is worth a ride during its public beta.
punishedbacklog.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:39 PM
"Subway Builder understands an important thing: It is fun to build trains."
Check out our #review of the public beta of Colin Miller's #SubwayBuilder! If you like train games, simulation games, and/or public transit, this is an #indiegame for you:
punishedbacklog.com/subway-build...
Check out our #review of the public beta of Colin Miller's #SubwayBuilder! If you like train games, simulation games, and/or public transit, this is an #indiegame for you:
punishedbacklog.com/subway-build...
Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi both got awesome 2D entries this year. But which is better? The latest from Donovan Harrell: punishedbacklog.com/ninja-gaiden...
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound vs. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance: Which Is Better? - The Punished Backlog
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance are two new excellent 2D ninja action games. But which is the better game?
punishedbacklog.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi both got awesome 2D entries this year. But which is better? The latest from Donovan Harrell: punishedbacklog.com/ninja-gaiden...