With no sign of a new Fire Emblem, there has never been a better time for a new SRPG, and while Dark Diety 2 does have its charm, numerous glitches and dull writing undercut the experience.
Branford Hubbard reviews.
The startmenu Podcast | 009 - 2 Switch 2 Furious
The Switch 2 is out, and Lexi and Dave are here to torment KM about having one. In the resulting podcast, they talk about Ridge Racer, Deadly Premonition and MindEyes. ONLY THE LATEST AND GREATEST GAMES.
Unearthed Treasure Room Is A New Kind Of Showcase
From Summer Game Fests to State of Plays and everything in between, there were a lot of showcases last week.
Thankfully, Adam Wescott talked to Melos Han-Tani and Liz Ryerson about their new show dedicated to games that are out now!
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 2 Review - A Mystery Box of String and Scotch Tape
Despite Tape 1’s bombshell ending, Tape 2 of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage kills the momentum in favour of more character building and strange design choices that left Mik Deitz cold on the experience.
Review | Kabuto Park - Short and Sweet
With its brief runtime and cheery vibe, Kabuto Park is the epitome of cheap and cheerful.
However, KM Nelson finds that there is more to like about this cutesy bug battler than its bargain price tag.
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[PATREON UNLOCK] Update Patch - May 2025
May was a ridiculously busy month for games, so its a good thing that Joe Chivers was here to deliver weekly updates on the latest goings on.
Review | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A Journey Unlike Any Other
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a true triumph in almost every department.
While it's certainly one of the best games of the year, Joe Richards found that it manages to undercut its own key moments by not giving them enough time to breathe.
Review | despelote - Deeply Personal Yet Extremely Universal
despelote tells a deeply personal tale of the childhood love of sport set against the background of tumultuous times, but in doing so, Alex Green finds that it taps into the universal appeal of football, to become deeply relatable.
The startmenu Podcast | 008 - Less Randy ft. Mik Deitz
With Dave out of commission, Lex takes the reins again to talk to KM and special guest Mik Deitz about medieval mishaps, the state of Bungie and Randy Pitchford running his mouth again.
It’s What’s On The Radio: Skin Deep Composer Priscilla Snow Talks Scoring an Immersive Sim
Skin Deep's music is a mix of fictional commercial jingles, techno sea shanties and Bond-esque melodrama that works remarkably well.
KM Nelson interviews Priscilla Snow about creating the soundtrack for Nina Pasadena's exploits.
Impressions | Expelled! An Overboard! Game - School And Scandal
Expelled! An Overboard! Game sees Amelia Tyler try not to get kicked out of boarding school in a looping puzzle game, and while it can sometimes feel repetitive, Amy Eastland is finding that there is more than enough good stuff to keep her invested.
The startmenu Podcast | 007 - Load Bearing Gex
Dave is back in the hosting chair to talk with Lex, KM and Vivian Winn about 50 Cent Blood On The Sand, Giant Bomb buying Giant Bomb, and more.
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[PATREON UNLOCK] Update Patch - April 2025
An eventful month for the games industry saw Marathon getting shown off, Oblivion Remaster getting released and the BAFTAs handing out awards.
Joe Richards rounds up everything that happened in April.
A Guide To Freeware Games That Will Run On Anything
Gaming is a hobby that seems to be getting more expensive by the day.
Thankfully, Adam Wescott has collated a list of fully fledged experiences you can play right now for free.
Review | Skin Deep - More Than Meets The Eye
Nina Pasadena is here to save cats and kicks ass, and she’s all out of ass… wait, what?
Kate Robinson breaks down this irreverent immersive which is anything but surface level.
Review | Phantom Breaker: Battlegrounds Ultimate – Thirty-Eight Eclectics from the Seventh Gen
Phantom Breaker is a delightfully engaging pixel art, beat ‘em up romp, however, some strangely dated character designs make it hard for Jay Weaver to wholeheartedly recommend it.
Review | Synergy - Gorgeous But Deadly
Synergy tasks you not just with building a city, but fostering an ecosystem.
Cee takes a closer look at this gorgeous and unique take on the genre.
The startmenu Podcast | 006 - You DIDN'T Get Jecht Shot ft. TurboShawn
With Dave out on assignment, Lexi was joined on the podcast this week by KM, Michael Beckwith, and special guest, TurboShawn, to discuss Clair Obscur, The Hundred Line and Blitzball... for some reason.
Review | Cuisineer - Needs More Seasoning
Cuisnieer’s mix of action rogue-lite gameplay and cooking management should deserve a Michelin Star, but sadly, Branford Hubbard found that some elements of the dish need a bit more of a kick.
Mini-Review | Monarchy - A Special Announcement
Monarchy has the nugget of a good idea, but in its current state, it is impossible to recommend because it simply does not function.
Branford Hubbard delivers this special announcement.