Yes, check out the console window when launching (just alt-tab and select it). But if the game crashes silently it might be a little bit difficult.
I was looking though the "Variables" file and noticed it had controller inputs, launched with a controller connected and no crash! Looks like it's cashing when it doesn't find a controller.
Variables file is irrelevant at this point, but crash when launching without gamepad is probably the cause. Thanks!