Static Dread harnesses the isolation inherent to being a lighthouse keeper and gives it a Lovecraftian twist, making you the bulwark that keeps your community safe from eldritch terrors.
Steven Stoermer reviews.
Review | Eriksholm - The Stolen Dream
Eriksholm pairs stealth-based puzzles with vivid cutscenes to tell an interesting story, but it feels like it doesn’t fulfill its potential.
Scott Nowbaveh reviews.
Preview | What Little Nightmares III’s Co-Op Lacks in Scares, It Makes Up for in Joy
Angus Law got up to some hijinks in Little Nightmares III’s co-op mode, where dying feels less like failure and more like a punchline.
The startmenu Podcast | 016
Silksong is out, and with Lex out on assignment and Dave and KM woefully underinformed, the wonderful Mik Deitz and Ashley Schofield have jumped in to talk us through one of the biggest launches of the year. Also, NIntendo get letigious, Sony make anti-consumer moves, and KM eats lunch like a goat.
Review | Leila - Reminiscing in the Future
In Ubik Studios’ Leila, the titular character brings the player along on a journey of self-reflection. A meditative experience guided by gentle narration, the game examines what it means to be human — both when we’re at our best, and our worst.
Jay Weaver reviews.
![[PATREON UNLOCK] Update Patch - August 2025](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5caf2dea93a63238c9069ba4/1757136383157-QHO2UA5NYEF3BLKFAWFC/Update+Patch+0.jpg)
[PATREON UNLOCK] Update Patch - August 2025
August saw the continued battle against payment processors evolve, while Gamescom hearlded several noteable accountments.
Sana SMW rounded it up each week for our ongoing Update Patches.
Review | SOMA for Nintendo Switch - Maybe there are worse fates than death
SOMA’s Nintendo Switch port may not be the optimal way to play the game, but it otherwise lives up to its reputation as a creepy and atmospheric experience that takes big swings with its sci-fi storytelling.
Mazen Haggag reviews.
The startmenu Podcast | 015 - Let's Get Go
Lex is back from Gamescom, and Dave and KM are here to help her remember everything she saw and talk about herding animals.
Review | Mashina - A Handmade Gift
Talha and Jack Co.’s Mashina is full of charm and style, with delightfully relaxing gameplay. However, while it’s an enjoyable, short experience, the subdued and pressure-free gameplay might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Artemis Octavio reviews.
Review | Dead Take - Power Is A Man’s Best Friend
Surgent Studios’ sophomore title is a decidedly more horror-focused affair than Tales of Kenzera: Zau, and while its lead actors shine across FMV and voice performances, the lack of narrative cohesion brings things down.
Amy Eastland reviews.
The startmenu Podcast | 014 - A Very Crowded Horse
Lex and KM are joined by a very busy Dave and we instantly get back to trying to break him as we catch him up on all the gaming news he missed over the last little while.
Review | Becoming Saint - Have You Heard The Good News?
Becoming Saint sees you take on the role of a wanna be spiritual leader as you conquer Italy in this roguelike, real-time, tactical RPG.
Will you achieve sainthood in your life or make an early trip to heaven?
Steven Stoermer investigates.
Review | Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Two Months Later: I Want My Switch 2 To Be My Last Traditional Game Console
The Switch 2 has been out for over two months now and after hours of play, testing, and trying to figure out why Game Key Cards exist, Sana SMW is finally ready to review the console’s historic launch.
The startmenu Podcast | 013 - Smut Is Rad
This week Lex and KM are joined by Adam Wescott to discuss the ongoing payment processor controversy, fan games, and the importance of smut.
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[PATREON UNLOCK] Update Patch - July 2025
From record layoffs to thousands of games being delisted to high profile lawsuits July was a rough month for the games industry.
Thankfully Ali Rees was here to round it all up for us on Update Patch.
The startmenu Podcast | 012 - Shoving A Sausage Through A Hole ft. SquidgeRugby
KM and Lex are joined once again by SquidgeRugby to talk about Thank Goodness You're Here, Death Stranding, MindsEye and Tony Hawk, along with a very Nintendo-focused news section.
The startmenu Podcast | 011 - WAHOO!
Lex, Dave and KM, are joined by Eoghan Watters to discuss the devastating layoffs at Microsoft, Romero Games shuttering, and Death Stranding 2... Oh, and Luigi.
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[PATREON UNLOCK] Update Patch - June 2025
June was a bumper news month with a new console, Summer Game Fest, and countless announcments and stories.
Good news then that Adam Wescott rounded it all up every week in our Update Patch.
Review | The Alters - Jan, Myself, And I
11 bit studio’s The Atlers is space basebuilding fueled by the hard work of Jan, Jan, Jan, Jan, Jan, and of course, Jan.
Odhran Johnson thinks there’s a lot to love in the resulting fight for survival.
The startmenu Podcast | 010 - Can't Play That On A Plane
Lex and KM are joined this week by David Cole to talk about discovering just what is Mindseye, Marathon's big delay, a Metroid mix up and Lexi embarrassing herself on a plane.