The Punished Backlog
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punishedbacklog.bsky.social
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.
🧵And of course, a few notable HMs for our Best #indiegames List of 2025. We'll have more Best of 2025 coming soon which will give plenty of love to
@kennysun.com, @supergiantgames.bsky.social, @teamcherry.bsky.social, and @hazelightgames.bsky.social.

Read here: punishedbacklog.com/best-indie-g...
December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵 "@tinybookshopgame.com is a love letter to not just books and reading, but to friendships, personal growth, and community... It is the cozy genre, perfected," writes Amanda about Neoludic Games' management sim in her Best of 2025 list. #TinyBookshop

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵"@spookydoorway.bsky.social deftly manages the hallmarks of mysticism and detective work in #TheSéanceofBlakeManor, making it one of the best additions to the world of mystery gaming that I’ve seen in years," Amanda writes in her Best of 2025 list.

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵 "@11bitstudios.bsky.social's The Alters is a good mix of action, existential crisis, resource management, and storytelling," Amanda writes. "It's not a perfect game (even without the AI scandal), but I still obsessively played it." #TheAlters

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵 "Promise Mascot Agency is a glorious example of something that only an indie studio could make, free of the restrictions and oversight of a big boss," writes Amanda of @kaizengameworks.com's indie game in our Best of 2025 list. #PromiseMascotAgency

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵 "PEAK is slapstick, colorful, bright, challenging, joyful, interesting, playful, different, innovative, difficult, funky, and, most of all, FUN," writes Amanda about @aggrocrabgames.bsky.social and @landfall.se's indie game collaboration. #PEAK

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵 "Dispatch reminds players that their decisions matter. It’s funny, charming, sharp, and engaging," Amanda writes of @adhocstudio.com's debut game in our Best #indiegames List. "I eagerly replayed the game right after completing it." #Dispatch

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵 "The beautiful world is expertly communicated, driven by a rich story, all fueled by deeply challenging combat. Clair Obscur: #Expedition33 really is that good," Amanda writes of @sandfallgames.bsky.social's award-winning game. #clairobscur

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵 "Citizen Sleeper 2 is a stunning experience... I think Martin is one of the indie auteurs of the decade, and I can’t wait to see what they do next," Amanda writes of the game by @jumpovertheage.com in our Best #indiegames List. #CitizenSleeper2

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵 "I was entranced by Blue Prince," Amanda writes of the debut title by @dogubomb.bsky.social in our Best #indiegames List. "It was unrighteously snubbed at #TheGameAwards ... I can't wait for it to release on Switch so my mom can play it." #BluePrince

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December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵"It’s a surprisingly cozy experience considering you’re having cocktails with a potential murderer," Amanda writes about loving the characters in Best Served Cold by
@rogueside.bsky.social in our Best #indiegames List of 2025. #BestServedCold

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punishedbacklog.com/best-indie-g...
December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🧵"and Roger one of the most powerful gaming experiences I’ve had in years. Similar to Sam, I won’t say anything else — except to encourage you to try it," Amanda writes about and Roger by TearyHand Studio in our Best #indiegames List of 2025. #andRoger

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punishedbacklog.com/best-indie-g...
December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM