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@startmenu.bsky.social
3.2K followers 151 following 497 posts

Gaming from a new direction. hello [at] startmenu [dot] co [dot] UK. www.redbubble.com/people/startmenu/…

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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Control Resonant excels in providing ample spectacle, interesting characters, and uniquely Redemy-ish weirdness; however, its combat and heavy RPG influences don’t hold up their end of the bargain, creating a somewhat muddled experience. @brandoncraw.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review ┃ Control Resonant - Opperating at a Different Frequency — startmenu
Control Resonant excels in providing ample spectacle, interesting characters, and uniquely Redemy-ish weirdness; however, its combat and heavy RPG influences don’t hold up their end of the bargain, cr...
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Brandon Craw | Games Journalist @brandoncraw.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I've also been playing Control Resonant for @startmenu.bsky.social! Gonna have my review out later but kinda echoing the same thoughts of others on here. The combat is bringing it down and this shift to open zone has not worked well for me. Still absolutely love the story though! More to come soon!
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Dominic Cichocki @dacichocki.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I reviewed Duskfade! Unfortunately, I did not love it. As a 3D platformer it works fine, but even though it evokes Kingdom Hearts, it is not an action RPG. Please adjust your expectations accordingly!
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Duskfade is clearly Kingdom Hearts-inspired, but it doesn’t scratch the same itch. @dacichocki.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Duskfade - Twilight Town for the Shallow Soul — startmenu
Duskfade is clearly Kingdom Hearts-inspired, but it doesn’t scratch the same itch. Dominic Cichocki reviews.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Last week saw no shortage of high-profile news from Physint ditching PlayStation for Xbox, two Nintendo Directs, a bunch of BlizzCon news, and Level-5's CEO continuing to look rather silly as he pushes for gen-AI. Here to run it all down in Update Patch is @saintsunflower.bsky.social.
patreon.com
Update Patch News Roundup (14/09/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (14/09/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
August sure was a month with a lot of news. Some of it was good… however, most of it was pretty bad. Thankfully, @mushwrites.bsky.social was there to help keep us aware of the state of the industry. Read his weekly Update Patch notes to get up to date. www.startmenu.co.uk/home/patreon...
startmenu.co.uk
[PATREON UNLOCK] Update Patch - August 2026 — startmenu
August sure was a month with a lot of news. Some of it was good… however, most of it was pretty bad. Thankfully, Gonçalo Santos was there to help keep us aware of the state of the industry. Read his ...
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
No Case Should Remain Unsolved lives up to its reputation as a cult hit, but the PS5 might not be the best platform on which to play it. @lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | No Case Should Remain Unsolved (PS5) - Revenge of the Adventure Game — startmenu
No Case Should Remain Unsolved lives up to its reputation as a cult hit, but the PS5 might not be the best platform on which to play it. Hiero de Lima reviews.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
This week's Update Patch sees @saintsunflower.bsky.social a rundown of the big numbers coming out of the GTA VI showcase, ill-advised mini-games in Halloween: The Video Game, and Riot's continued push into the MMO space after ceasing development of 2XKO. Read here: www.patreon.com/startmenu/po...
patreon.com
Update Patch News Roundup (07/09/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (07/09/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Gamescom was last week, and somehow the biggest game of the show was released in 2015. For Update Patch @mushwrites.bsky.social reports on Witcher 3's second (or fourth) wind and DLSS 5's latest nightmare creations.
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Update Patch News Roundup (02/09/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (02/09/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight comes with all the Batman fun without any Batman baggage — you can jump right in without worrying about catching up on any plot. @thetenthletter.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight - Into the (Bat) Cave of Gold (Bricks) — startmenu
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight comes with all the Batman fun without any Batman baggage — you can jump right in without worrying about catching up on any plot. Jay Weaver reviews.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
August continues apace, and we've got another Update Patch for you!
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Update Patch News Roundup (26/08/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (26/08/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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shanodin (Ali Rees) @shanodin.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I wrote about Momento for @startmenu.bsky.social 😊
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
You might want to spare a moment for Momento — especially now that it’s gotten a new content update. @shanodin.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Momento - What will your tiny decisions change? — startmenu
You might want to spare a moment for Momento — especially now that it’s gotten a new content update. Ali Rees reviews.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
This week's Update Patch sees yet more studio closures and plenty of controversy... but hey, at least some mysterious rich guy is funding Thimbleweed Park 2. @mushwrites.bsky.social rounds up all the latest news. www.patreon.com/startmenu/po...
patreon.com
Update Patch News Roundup (17/08/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (17/08/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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Abram Buehner @abrambuehner.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Thinking about this piece I wrote for @startmenu.bsky.social, about my relationship to memory and replaying. It felt like a turning point in my relationship with games www.startmenu.co.uk/home/abram-b...
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Only good news in this week's Update Patch because... Oh... Ooooooh. I am being told that there is actually very little good news this week. In fact, that is a lot of bad news... Well, at least @mushwrites.bsky.social is here to keep us informed about the ongoing horrors.
patreon.com
Update Patch News Roundup (12/08/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (12/08/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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Gonçalo Santos @mushwrites.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
I have high hopes for this one, jank and all. Impressive work from such a small team with some genuinely phenomenal visuals.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Fatekeeper’s foray into early access is a relatively short experience that features a lot of jank, but it still shows promise. @mushwrites.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Fatekeeper - A Beautifully Janky Experience — startmenu
Fatekeeper’s foray into early access is a relatively short experience that features a lot of jank, but it still shows promise. Gonçalo Santos reviews.
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Dominic Cichocki @dacichocki.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
I reviewed Denshattack! for @startmenu.bsky.social!! It's pretty cool. Made me think of how cool it would be to have a skating game with this many stages
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Dominic Cichocki @dacichocki.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
I also never formally said it here but I reviewed Letter Lost as well! www.startmenu.co.uk/home/review-... Very interesting game that pulls a lot of different ideas into a package that is much larger than it seems. My experience was very buggy, but they seem to be updating it frequently!
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Letter Lost - An Ambitious, Unstable Working Environment — startmenu
Letter Lost has a compelling premise, but its buggy execution diminishes the experience. Dominic Cichocki reviews.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
New month, new Update Patch: @mushwrites.bsky.social is back in the saddle to round up each week's goings-on for August.
patreon.com
Update Patch News Roundup (02/08/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (02/08/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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artemis, big boss of stop caring @stopcar.ing · 02/08/2026
I reviewed Truck-kun is Supporting Me From Another World?! I did not like Truck-kun is Supporting Me From Another World?! I still think Strange Scaffold is cool, however. Read my review below. www.startmenu.co.uk/home/review-...
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?! - I’d Rather Get Isekai-d — startmenu
Strange Scaffold's latest game has a lot of drive, but its poor controls and uninteresting gameplay had Artemis Octavio hitting the brakes instead.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Strange Scaffold's latest game has a lot of drive, but its poor controls and uninteresting gameplay had @stopcar.ing hitting the brakes instead.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?! - I’d Rather Get Isekai-d — startmenu
Strange Scaffold's latest game has a lot of drive, but its poor controls and uninteresting gameplay had Artemis Octavio hitting the brakes instead.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Denshattack! wears its influences on its sleeve — from Initial D to Jet Set Radio — but adds its own tantalizing flavour into the mix. @dacichocki.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Denshattack! - Initial T Reigns Supreme — startmenu
Denshattack! wears its influences on its sleeve — from Initial D to Jet Set Radio — but adds its own tantalizing flavour into the mix. Dominic Cichocki reviews.
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lex luddy needs a nap @lexluddy.xyz · 31/07/2026
Holly did a really good job hitting as many topics and angles as possible with this piece.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Holly Hughes-Rowlands looks into Sony's decision to cancel physical game disk production, and how it may impact players moving forward.
startmenu.co.uk
Sony is Ending Disc Production: What Does This Mean for Players? — startmenu
Holly Hughes-Rowlands looks into Sony's decision to cancel physical game disk production, and how it may impact players moving forward.
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Deep Hell Skeleton @deephelldotcom.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
also i wrote this. the secret is out.
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Chris Plante @plante.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
I love Galley House. A decade ago, I would have preferred Type Help. As @lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social gets at, it’s nice that both exist for different audiences. I hope we see more examples of this. Seem like a net good for studio collabs, where one might specialize in design and another in polish
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
When @hollydrivethru.bsky.social started playing Valkyrie Saga, it didn’t impress. But after spending some time with the game, the platformer’s idiosyncrasies began to grow on her.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Valkyrie Saga - No More Room In Heaven — startmenu
When Holly Redfield started playing Valkyrie Saga, it didn’t impress. But after spending some time with the game, the platformer’s idiosyncrasies began to grow on her.
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hiero melão 🍈 @lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
who up typing they help. second evil trout game i review this year !
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
The Incident at Galley House upholds the strengths of Type Help, but falters with its new material. @lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | The Incident at Galley House - A Help-Type Game — startmenu
The Incident at Galley House upholds the strengths of Type Help, but falters with its new material. Hiero de Lima reviews.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Letter Lost has a compelling premise, but its buggy execution diminishes the experience. @dacichocki.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Letter Lost - An Ambitious, Unstable Working Environment — startmenu
Letter Lost has a compelling premise, but its buggy execution diminishes the experience. Dominic Cichocki reviews.
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J @thetenthletter.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Not sure if I was the biggest fan of this one but like the rest of Don’t Nod’s output, it’s always interesting to talk about. Thank you for @startmenu.bsky.social for giving me the space to do so.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Aphelion’s character-centric focus comes at the expense of its environmental messaging. @thetenthletter.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Aphelion - Retreading (Not) Uncharted Territory — startmenu
Aphelion’s character-centric focus comes at the expense of its environmental messaging. Jay Weaver reviews.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A slightly delayed Update Patch sees @onlyforsana.bsky.social round up Rhythm Heaven's sales success, Ubisoft Barcelona going on strike and plenty of other news stories.
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Update Patch News Roundup (16/7/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (16/7/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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ghoulnoise @ghoulnoise.com · 16/07/2026
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Big Bovy @bigbovy.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Had a really great time playing the HoMM EA and will keep doing so after the review (maybe even up to release) As always, great to work with @kellymerka.bsky.social. Definitely makes you a better writer
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era successfully evokes the peak of this classic series with a wealth of polished content right from the start of its early access period. @bigbovy.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era (Early Access) - The Start of a Golden Era — startmenu
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era successfully evokes the peak of this classic series with a wealth of polished content right from the start of its early access period. Scott Nowbaveh reviews.
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hiero melão 🍈 @lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
i told y’all there was a positive review coming soon too! i played d-topia and was very impressed by how deep its themes go and how it’s not handholdy about it. i wished for more but was pleased with what we got
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
D-topia is a thoughtful exploration of a world ruled by AI. While it might be too subtle for its own good in places, it endeavours to highlight humanity’s need for imperfection. @lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social reviews. www.startmenu.co.uk/home/review-...
startmenu.co.uk
Review | D-topia - Paradise (Stay Forever) — startmenu
D-topia is a thoughtful exploration of a world ruled by AI. While it might be too subtle for its own good in places, it endeavours to highlight humanity’s need for imperfection. Hiero de Lima reviews...
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Owain Thresher @owainthresher.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Been playing Moonlight Peaks myself the past week and have been enjoying it, but I agree with th complaints about its writing, in particular Orlock who I simply hate
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The Potato Witch @riathepotatowitch.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
@startmenu.bsky.social explores some disturbingly familiar job-application processes in Thank You For Your Application. www.startmenu.co.uk/home/review-...
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Thank You For Your Application - Workplace Discrimination Simulator — startmenu
If jumping through bureaucratic hoops in Papers, Please is your idea of a good time, Thank You For Your Application should also appeal. Ali Rees reviews.
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hiero melão 🍈 @lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
i'm back in startmenu, this time talking about a game that's a strong contender for Worst To Ever Do It 2026
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Moonlight Peaks is an exercise in suffering disguised as a spooky-cute farming game. @lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Moonlight Peaks - I Hate the Neighbours, They Hate Me Too — startmenu
Moonlight Peaks is an exercise in suffering disguised as a spooky-cute farming game. Hiero de Lima reviews.
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Andes Chucky @wendeego.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
tfw summer game fest ends up being by far the least horrifying part of the month
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Hey, remember June? Some news happened then. Some of it was good… but most of it was bad. @wendeego.bsky.social did their best to round up as much as they could. Check it out in the latest Update Patch [Patreon Unlock]. www.startmenu.co.uk/home/patreon...
startmenu.co.uk
[PATREON UNLOCK] Update Patch - June 2026 — startmenu
Hey, remember June? Some news happened then. Some of it was good… but most of it was bad. Adam Wescott did his best to round up as much as they could. Check it out in the latest Update Patch [Patre...
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Well, that was all pretty bad... This week's Update Patch breaks from its usual structure so that @onlyforsana.bsky.social can adequately break down *EVERYTHING* that just happened. www.patreon.com/startmenu/po...
patreon.com
Update Patch News Roundup (08/7/2026) | startmenu
Update Patch News Roundup (08/7/2026) by startmenu on Patreon. Join startmenu's community for exclusive content and updates.
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wordsmaybe.bsky.social @wordsmaybe.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
This is me! I'll be writing for startmenu from time to time. Shame my first review for them is of a game I didn't much care for.
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startmenu @startmenu.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker outstays its welcome with lengthy, uninteresting character conversations and a mixology minigame that quickly becomes repetitive. @wordsmaybe.bsky.social reviews.
startmenu.co.uk
Review | Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker - Service With a Snooze — startmenu
Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker outstays its welcome with lengthy, uninteresting character conversations and a mixology minigame that quickly becomes repetitive. WordsMaybe reviews.
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shanodin (Ali Rees) @shanodin.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I reviewed Thank You For Your Application for startmenu!!
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