StartMenu
startmenu is a website dedicated to mentoring the next generation of games media. Since 2019 it has fostered a community of talented writers and helped dozens of people break into the industry.
Latest Reviews
Rogue Legacy 2
To end my ceaseless rambling and gushing, Rogue Legacy 2 takes what the original built and surpasses it on all fronts. In almost a decade between releases the small team at Cellar Door Games managed to go from helping to craft and contribute to a booming subgenre of gaming, to...
Kynseed
Kynseed is beautiful and the general vibe leans heavily towards a classic cosy RPG. However, as you play, there is a near-constant sense of slight unease, a feeling that something strange is going on in this cosy land of Quill and that things may not be as they seem. This...
Wayward Strand
While this game is overflowing with charm and a unique tone, in the end, each day has a finite amount of time, and choosing whom you spend time with is much more critical in Wayward Strand than any other aspect of the game. It is a thoughtful game that tackles...
Still, I can’t recommend Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana enough, and I'm ecstatic to see it back. Whether you’re a new player looking for a fresh adventure or a returning player considering a second playthrough, don’t let a barebones port dissuade you. Thanks to its engaging gameplay and entertaining story,...
You must commend the hubris on display here. To charge so much for Arkanoid – Eternal Battle with its complete lack of content, when other retro battle royale games like Pac-Man 99 or Tetris 99 are giving it away for free is stunning. Compared to more expensive comparable games, Like...
Deadlink
I’m excited to see where things go for Deadlink; what the team at Gruby has presented so far is incredibly impressive - especially considering it is the developers' first major project. I can see myself playing this one for years to come as it builds its way to a final...
The bigger point of contention is the game's ending. There's no two ways about it, you will either love it or hate it. For a game that is as presented as putting a full stop on the series, this is a big deal. You may well enjoy the entire game...
Even after waiting a whole decade for it, Trails of Zero feels completely worth it. The game helps bridge the gap between Trails In The Sky and Trails of Cold Steel. The story on its own still engrossed me into playing for hours wanting to do more. Doing the side-quests...
Saints Row
Saint Row hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts but now that the dust has settled a bit… Is it really that bad? Matthew John McCormick has some thoughts and feelings on the series is needs to talk out.
No Place For Bravery
I went across a country parish on a walk one day, coming up to a majestic and familiar-looking garden. Before I could ask the gardener a single question, the screen flushed black and I heard him say, in a familiar tone: "Wake up, sleepyhead!" and as if I had to...
Little Orpheus
A tenth episode is really the main addition compared to the Apple Arcade version. Without spoiling too much of the game’s original ending, this acts as something of a more conclusive ending. It removes some ambiguity from an already strong ending. It’s also one of the best and most interesting...
A Juggler's Tale
From the conversation I had about the viability of bringing back such an old franchise it felt like there was a mixed level of confidence in the game breaking out, but no shortage of ambition. Judging from what I played I could definitely imagine the combination of the classic formula...