sammartinelli
@sam-martinelli.bsky.social
Figured this site can’t be worse for than the other one. Writer/Editor of video games and such at punishedbacklog.com, cares too much about sports, New Yorker, will vigorously defend the honor of the Donkey Kong Country games
I’m sure you know already, but get the Kirby gummy candy, it comes with a nice keychain
November 30, 2025 at 11:10 AM
I’m sure you know already, but get the Kirby gummy candy, it comes with a nice keychain
very proud of these
September 2, 2025 at 5:41 PM
very proud of these
#365Games
286. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
A brilliant story told through (intentionally) clunky gameplay. Every heartbreaking moment is earned, and every mechanical challenge comes with the added weight of thinking as two people at once
286. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
A brilliant story told through (intentionally) clunky gameplay. Every heartbreaking moment is earned, and every mechanical challenge comes with the added weight of thinking as two people at once
March 21, 2025 at 7:35 PM
#365Games
286. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
A brilliant story told through (intentionally) clunky gameplay. Every heartbreaking moment is earned, and every mechanical challenge comes with the added weight of thinking as two people at once
286. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
A brilliant story told through (intentionally) clunky gameplay. Every heartbreaking moment is earned, and every mechanical challenge comes with the added weight of thinking as two people at once
#365Games
291. Crackdown
Another "you had to be there" kinda game. It's sandbox world probably doesn't hold up all too well, but it was a really cool concept for its era, one that paired GTA-style exploration with futuristic combat/traversal mechanics. More than just a husk for Halo 3 MP beta
291. Crackdown
Another "you had to be there" kinda game. It's sandbox world probably doesn't hold up all too well, but it was a really cool concept for its era, one that paired GTA-style exploration with futuristic combat/traversal mechanics. More than just a husk for Halo 3 MP beta
March 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
#365Games
291. Crackdown
Another "you had to be there" kinda game. It's sandbox world probably doesn't hold up all too well, but it was a really cool concept for its era, one that paired GTA-style exploration with futuristic combat/traversal mechanics. More than just a husk for Halo 3 MP beta
291. Crackdown
Another "you had to be there" kinda game. It's sandbox world probably doesn't hold up all too well, but it was a really cool concept for its era, one that paired GTA-style exploration with futuristic combat/traversal mechanics. More than just a husk for Halo 3 MP beta
#365Games
296. Dynasty Warriors 2
Probably doesn't hold up all that well, but I really felt like I was seeing the future of games when I played DW2 on a friend's PS2 back in 2001. Unlike earlier action games, DW2 felt like actually being in the thick of battle. Also Lu Bu rules
296. Dynasty Warriors 2
Probably doesn't hold up all that well, but I really felt like I was seeing the future of games when I played DW2 on a friend's PS2 back in 2001. Unlike earlier action games, DW2 felt like actually being in the thick of battle. Also Lu Bu rules
March 12, 2025 at 6:31 PM
#365Games
296. Dynasty Warriors 2
Probably doesn't hold up all that well, but I really felt like I was seeing the future of games when I played DW2 on a friend's PS2 back in 2001. Unlike earlier action games, DW2 felt like actually being in the thick of battle. Also Lu Bu rules
296. Dynasty Warriors 2
Probably doesn't hold up all that well, but I really felt like I was seeing the future of games when I played DW2 on a friend's PS2 back in 2001. Unlike earlier action games, DW2 felt like actually being in the thick of battle. Also Lu Bu rules
(catching up)
#365Games
300. Contra 4
Expert use of dual-screen for big boss fights and verticality, and the inclusion of the first two Contras make this the complete package. Not talked about enough!
#365Games
300. Contra 4
Expert use of dual-screen for big boss fights and verticality, and the inclusion of the first two Contras make this the complete package. Not talked about enough!
March 10, 2025 at 9:11 PM
(catching up)
#365Games
300. Contra 4
Expert use of dual-screen for big boss fights and verticality, and the inclusion of the first two Contras make this the complete package. Not talked about enough!
#365Games
300. Contra 4
Expert use of dual-screen for big boss fights and verticality, and the inclusion of the first two Contras make this the complete package. Not talked about enough!
#365Games
303. Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
This is mostly a mediocre WW2 FPS, but for some reason my friends and I played the hell out of it, mostly because it was one of the only halfway decent MP shooters on GameCube. Somehow, remarkably unremarkable.
303. Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
This is mostly a mediocre WW2 FPS, but for some reason my friends and I played the hell out of it, mostly because it was one of the only halfway decent MP shooters on GameCube. Somehow, remarkably unremarkable.
March 5, 2025 at 12:15 AM
#365Games
303. Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
This is mostly a mediocre WW2 FPS, but for some reason my friends and I played the hell out of it, mostly because it was one of the only halfway decent MP shooters on GameCube. Somehow, remarkably unremarkable.
303. Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
This is mostly a mediocre WW2 FPS, but for some reason my friends and I played the hell out of it, mostly because it was one of the only halfway decent MP shooters on GameCube. Somehow, remarkably unremarkable.
#365Games
309. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
This was actually the first metal gear I ever played, and it's a weird one. Lots of smaller levels/challenges, comic book-style cutscenes, an (unsurprisingly) incoherent story. Still, it was wildly impressive for a PSP game visually/mechanically
309. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
This was actually the first metal gear I ever played, and it's a weird one. Lots of smaller levels/challenges, comic book-style cutscenes, an (unsurprisingly) incoherent story. Still, it was wildly impressive for a PSP game visually/mechanically
February 26, 2025 at 7:25 PM
#365Games
309. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
This was actually the first metal gear I ever played, and it's a weird one. Lots of smaller levels/challenges, comic book-style cutscenes, an (unsurprisingly) incoherent story. Still, it was wildly impressive for a PSP game visually/mechanically
309. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
This was actually the first metal gear I ever played, and it's a weird one. Lots of smaller levels/challenges, comic book-style cutscenes, an (unsurprisingly) incoherent story. Still, it was wildly impressive for a PSP game visually/mechanically
#365Games
312. Bomberman Tournament
The actual adventure mode was nothing to write home about, but this game is what introduced me to classic bomberman gameplay, and I played that mode for hours and hours.
312. Bomberman Tournament
The actual adventure mode was nothing to write home about, but this game is what introduced me to classic bomberman gameplay, and I played that mode for hours and hours.
February 24, 2025 at 10:39 PM
#365Games
312. Bomberman Tournament
The actual adventure mode was nothing to write home about, but this game is what introduced me to classic bomberman gameplay, and I played that mode for hours and hours.
312. Bomberman Tournament
The actual adventure mode was nothing to write home about, but this game is what introduced me to classic bomberman gameplay, and I played that mode for hours and hours.
#365Games
316. Gears of War 2
One of my favorite Xbox 360 games and the best in its series. The perfect balance of meaningful storytelling with high-octane action setpieces. Still my favorite version of horde mode (and the first one). Played it again two years ago, holds up beautifully
316. Gears of War 2
One of my favorite Xbox 360 games and the best in its series. The perfect balance of meaningful storytelling with high-octane action setpieces. Still my favorite version of horde mode (and the first one). Played it again two years ago, holds up beautifully
February 20, 2025 at 12:06 AM
#365Games
316. Gears of War 2
One of my favorite Xbox 360 games and the best in its series. The perfect balance of meaningful storytelling with high-octane action setpieces. Still my favorite version of horde mode (and the first one). Played it again two years ago, holds up beautifully
316. Gears of War 2
One of my favorite Xbox 360 games and the best in its series. The perfect balance of meaningful storytelling with high-octane action setpieces. Still my favorite version of horde mode (and the first one). Played it again two years ago, holds up beautifully
#365Games
325. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
My first GameCube game, I was completely blown away by its visuals and sound design, and that first death star level showed me the future of gaming. Not every mission after is as good, but the impact of that first level still sticks with me
325. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
My first GameCube game, I was completely blown away by its visuals and sound design, and that first death star level showed me the future of gaming. Not every mission after is as good, but the impact of that first level still sticks with me
February 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
#365Games
325. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
My first GameCube game, I was completely blown away by its visuals and sound design, and that first death star level showed me the future of gaming. Not every mission after is as good, but the impact of that first level still sticks with me
325. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
My first GameCube game, I was completely blown away by its visuals and sound design, and that first death star level showed me the future of gaming. Not every mission after is as good, but the impact of that first level still sticks with me
Just makes me think of this
February 8, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Just makes me think of this
#365Games
328. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Possibly the dumbest idea that ever worked, this was a sidescroller for the gamecube controlled entirely by slapping the bongo drum controller and clapping into its microphone. But it's good! Really solid level design and visuals, great boss fights as well
328. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Possibly the dumbest idea that ever worked, this was a sidescroller for the gamecube controlled entirely by slapping the bongo drum controller and clapping into its microphone. But it's good! Really solid level design and visuals, great boss fights as well
February 7, 2025 at 4:41 PM
#365Games
328. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Possibly the dumbest idea that ever worked, this was a sidescroller for the gamecube controlled entirely by slapping the bongo drum controller and clapping into its microphone. But it's good! Really solid level design and visuals, great boss fights as well
328. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Possibly the dumbest idea that ever worked, this was a sidescroller for the gamecube controlled entirely by slapping the bongo drum controller and clapping into its microphone. But it's good! Really solid level design and visuals, great boss fights as well
#365Games
329. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
I was a bit disappointed as a kid to find out the cool swords guys from Melee were in a turn-based game, but at the same time...it rules! The plot isn't much to write home about, but each chapter gameplay-wise is engaging and keeps me wanting more
329. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
I was a bit disappointed as a kid to find out the cool swords guys from Melee were in a turn-based game, but at the same time...it rules! The plot isn't much to write home about, but each chapter gameplay-wise is engaging and keeps me wanting more
February 6, 2025 at 4:58 PM
#365Games
329. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
I was a bit disappointed as a kid to find out the cool swords guys from Melee were in a turn-based game, but at the same time...it rules! The plot isn't much to write home about, but each chapter gameplay-wise is engaging and keeps me wanting more
329. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
I was a bit disappointed as a kid to find out the cool swords guys from Melee were in a turn-based game, but at the same time...it rules! The plot isn't much to write home about, but each chapter gameplay-wise is engaging and keeps me wanting more
#365Games
332. Pokemon Pinball
A simple but clever idea (a pinball game where you ultimately try to "catch" pokemon after doing various pinball-y things) that never failed to hook me in everytime I had the chance to play it. Really hoping for NSO availability soon
332. Pokemon Pinball
A simple but clever idea (a pinball game where you ultimately try to "catch" pokemon after doing various pinball-y things) that never failed to hook me in everytime I had the chance to play it. Really hoping for NSO availability soon
February 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM
#365Games
332. Pokemon Pinball
A simple but clever idea (a pinball game where you ultimately try to "catch" pokemon after doing various pinball-y things) that never failed to hook me in everytime I had the chance to play it. Really hoping for NSO availability soon
332. Pokemon Pinball
A simple but clever idea (a pinball game where you ultimately try to "catch" pokemon after doing various pinball-y things) that never failed to hook me in everytime I had the chance to play it. Really hoping for NSO availability soon
#365Games
337. Red Steel
This game, put simply, is not good. The clunky motion controls aside, it’s also a fairly bland first person shooter. Still, it felt at the time like something fresh and different, and for that it will always have a (sort of) special place in my heart
337. Red Steel
This game, put simply, is not good. The clunky motion controls aside, it’s also a fairly bland first person shooter. Still, it felt at the time like something fresh and different, and for that it will always have a (sort of) special place in my heart
January 29, 2025 at 3:38 PM
#365Games
337. Red Steel
This game, put simply, is not good. The clunky motion controls aside, it’s also a fairly bland first person shooter. Still, it felt at the time like something fresh and different, and for that it will always have a (sort of) special place in my heart
337. Red Steel
This game, put simply, is not good. The clunky motion controls aside, it’s also a fairly bland first person shooter. Still, it felt at the time like something fresh and different, and for that it will always have a (sort of) special place in my heart
#365Games
338. Golf Story
A damn good golf game that proves you can gamify even the last fantastical elements of life. One of the early Nintendo Switch gems that I'd recommend to anybody
338. Golf Story
A damn good golf game that proves you can gamify even the last fantastical elements of life. One of the early Nintendo Switch gems that I'd recommend to anybody
January 28, 2025 at 6:39 PM
#365Games
338. Golf Story
A damn good golf game that proves you can gamify even the last fantastical elements of life. One of the early Nintendo Switch gems that I'd recommend to anybody
338. Golf Story
A damn good golf game that proves you can gamify even the last fantastical elements of life. One of the early Nintendo Switch gems that I'd recommend to anybody
#35Games
340. Immortality
A game about the pitfalls of art and artists, the risks we take when making art, and whether great art can exist without some form of exploitation. A brilliant, unforgettable experience
340. Immortality
A game about the pitfalls of art and artists, the risks we take when making art, and whether great art can exist without some form of exploitation. A brilliant, unforgettable experience
January 26, 2025 at 12:36 PM
#35Games
340. Immortality
A game about the pitfalls of art and artists, the risks we take when making art, and whether great art can exist without some form of exploitation. A brilliant, unforgettable experience
340. Immortality
A game about the pitfalls of art and artists, the risks we take when making art, and whether great art can exist without some form of exploitation. A brilliant, unforgettable experience
#365Games
344. Planet Puzzle League
My favorite version of this style of puzzle league, PPL used stylus-controls and had you holding your DS like a book, with the non-touch screen showing stats, time, etc. A really good example of how to use hardware creatively for familiar ideas
344. Planet Puzzle League
My favorite version of this style of puzzle league, PPL used stylus-controls and had you holding your DS like a book, with the non-touch screen showing stats, time, etc. A really good example of how to use hardware creatively for familiar ideas
January 22, 2025 at 5:26 PM
#365Games
344. Planet Puzzle League
My favorite version of this style of puzzle league, PPL used stylus-controls and had you holding your DS like a book, with the non-touch screen showing stats, time, etc. A really good example of how to use hardware creatively for familiar ideas
344. Planet Puzzle League
My favorite version of this style of puzzle league, PPL used stylus-controls and had you holding your DS like a book, with the non-touch screen showing stats, time, etc. A really good example of how to use hardware creatively for familiar ideas
#365Games
347. X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse
A solid sidescroller action game. Definitely re-packages street fighter animations for different mutant moves and attacks. Not an all-timer but a worthwhile superhero brawler
347. X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse
A solid sidescroller action game. Definitely re-packages street fighter animations for different mutant moves and attacks. Not an all-timer but a worthwhile superhero brawler
January 19, 2025 at 8:42 PM
#365Games
347. X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse
A solid sidescroller action game. Definitely re-packages street fighter animations for different mutant moves and attacks. Not an all-timer but a worthwhile superhero brawler
347. X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse
A solid sidescroller action game. Definitely re-packages street fighter animations for different mutant moves and attacks. Not an all-timer but a worthwhile superhero brawler
#365Games
348. The Bigs (Wii)
My favorite licensed sports game for the Wii, The Bigs utilized motion controls in goofy, ridiculous ways, but I found it all the more engaging and memorable as a result. Love the arcadey nature of it all as well
348. The Bigs (Wii)
My favorite licensed sports game for the Wii, The Bigs utilized motion controls in goofy, ridiculous ways, but I found it all the more engaging and memorable as a result. Love the arcadey nature of it all as well
January 19, 2025 at 3:44 AM
#365Games
348. The Bigs (Wii)
My favorite licensed sports game for the Wii, The Bigs utilized motion controls in goofy, ridiculous ways, but I found it all the more engaging and memorable as a result. Love the arcadey nature of it all as well
348. The Bigs (Wii)
My favorite licensed sports game for the Wii, The Bigs utilized motion controls in goofy, ridiculous ways, but I found it all the more engaging and memorable as a result. Love the arcadey nature of it all as well
#365Games
349. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
Possibly the most 2001 game imaginable, BGDA is a clunky, repetitive action-RPG that was mostly Diablo But Worse. Still, I thought it was cool as hell that a game like it existed on GameCube at all.
349. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
Possibly the most 2001 game imaginable, BGDA is a clunky, repetitive action-RPG that was mostly Diablo But Worse. Still, I thought it was cool as hell that a game like it existed on GameCube at all.
January 17, 2025 at 5:42 PM
#365Games
349. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
Possibly the most 2001 game imaginable, BGDA is a clunky, repetitive action-RPG that was mostly Diablo But Worse. Still, I thought it was cool as hell that a game like it existed on GameCube at all.
349. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
Possibly the most 2001 game imaginable, BGDA is a clunky, repetitive action-RPG that was mostly Diablo But Worse. Still, I thought it was cool as hell that a game like it existed on GameCube at all.
Name a video game where the hero is sent to prison
January 15, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Name a video game where the hero is sent to prison