Option Menu Crew Podcast Option Menu Crew

We had some fun over the last year and some change. We get most of the crew members back to discuss whatever gaming news we want and reflect a bit on the podcast. Thanks to any and all listeners. And Thank You to the crew!

Beyond the types of games we play, beyond the devices we use to game, we are also consuming, learning, and discussing video games in a whole new way. The internet, streaming, podcasts, let's plays, and more have become part of gaming culture. Fans are creating their own content around games in huge quantities. Of course, the industry wants to get its hands in the works, despite all the new free advertising. On this episode, we discuss as many different aspects of how fan content creation is involved with this amazing hobby.

Video games come in all shapes and sizes. There have always been games of larger and smaller scope. In the last several years, more developers as part of smaller studios and even individuals with a dream have entered the space, bringing incredible creations to the rest of us. However, bigger studios and publishers sometimes play a part in bringing these unique games to us, and games that come from humble beginnings can grow into massive cultural forces. We explore what it means to be an "Indie game" in this day and age.

Every new game starts with an announcement. Not every announcement is equal. It feels good to get hyped up when a new game looks fun, but that hype gets used against us as well. We discuss our favorite and least ways to have video games marketed.

The crew has actually made some progress on a bunch of games, so we decided to chat about our thoughts on them. Here's what we talk about.

- Persona 5 Royal

- Elden Ring

- Yakuza: Like A Dragon

- Triangle Strategy

- Scarlet Nexus

Also, one of us has a Steam Deck now! So, we go over initial impressions. Join in on the discussion in the comments.

One of the hottest topics in the gaming landscape these days. We've finally hit a technologic plateau where games can look great and have great framerates, but there are still struggles. From holdover feelings about previous generation performance, to optimization issues per platform, the debate rages on where quality lies for video game visuals.