COGconnected's Scores

  • Games
For 4,976 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 62% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.3 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 Final Fantasy XVI
Lowest review score: 10 Wander (2013)
Score distribution:
4982 game reviews
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Given the open world craze sweeping the industry, I expected something along those lines with Forgotten Land. Instead, I got a charming new adventure taking measured steps outside the franchise's usual boundaries. This game proves you don't have to reinvent the wheel, so long as you're adding some sweet rims. While the new mechanics are cool, I also appreciate the way old systems have been refreshed. And while the challenge level felt toothless at first, things managed to heat up in the end. In fact, the game is as tough as you need it to be, from start to finish. If you've been looking for something fresh from Kirby, you're in luck. Kirby and the Forgotten Land has some delightful surprises in store.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Patapon 2 is a fun game of its time. It still feels like a relic of the PSP days with its big chunky menus and relatively straightforward gameplay, but if anything sets itself apart as much to warrant its own remaster, it’s the charm that comes through loud and clear. I enjoyed my time with my Patapons. It’s not a game I’d play forever, as my tastes have changed over the last decade, but if you need any reason to get back in, then look no further my god friends. Pata, pata, pata, pon!
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ys fans may have played better more memorable games in the Ys timeline, but Ys: Memories of Celceta on the PS Vita certainly deserves its time in the spotlight.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’ve got every Jackbox Party Pack, then The Jackbox Naughty Pack really has only one new game for you. But if you’ve never played one, this offering has 3 games, one of which is the most perfect party game ever. The humor really connected with my group. And although there were some bugs, and frustration connecting our phones, they were never game breaking. For $20 The Jackbox Naughty Pack is a fantastic party game purchase.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s not all perfect — some of the dialogue is a little clunky and not all of the puzzles are super exciting — but it’s a solid game that explores some new ground.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sairento is a game that most PSVR owners should check out. It feels like the exact kind of title we’ve been waiting for. No other game on the system feels quite like this. Bullet time, sliding, triple jumping, and the gunplay all combine to give the player a rush like nothing else. The swordplay left much to be desired, but everything else more than made up for it. If you can battle through the first few awkward hours with the controls, and deal with the flimsiness of the world, you’ll have a great time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s not a lot of games like Vagrus period. Even in the world of indie RPGs, it’s rare to encounter writing so rich, or such an original world. Vagrus is exactly what I hope to get from my indie games, ideas so original that I can’t quite articulate what they could have done better. With immersive music, stylish art, creative combat, and a sometimes baffling interface, Vagrus: The Riven Realms is what you’re looking for if you are tired of versions of the same game, over and over again.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Road 96: Mile 0 is a wonderful snapshot of a world that many fell in love with. While the game steps away from its procedural roots, it does so to offer a fresh experience. The new gameplay aspects are a joy and the storytelling is stellar which makes DigixArt’s latest release a must for fans of narrative-driven games.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The most satisfying thing about this remaster is the charm of the original game is still present. This version of Shadow Man is the best of both worlds. This is an excellent marriage of old-time gaming with a fresh coat of technical polish. If you’ve never played this game before, you are in for a treat.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great experience for mature FPS players and is sure to delight. Non-stop, high-octane combat, colorful characters, and slick graphics make it an experience that gore loving gamers can definitely get behind. It carries plenty of co-op multiplayer options, a highly replayable campaign, and some fantastically slick graphical improvements. Adding the Duke Nukem DLC is icing on the cake to what is already a stellar experience.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Circus Electrique has a unique vibe, inventive art, and a thoroughly detailed devotion to its steampunk setting. For patient gamers with a love for stats and carefully managed decisions, the engaging combat will be icing on the cake. For some players, Circus Electrique might feel overwhelming, with one or two (or more) mechanics too many. There can be a lot of information on screen, and even more behind the scenes. The presentation is generally fantastic, but players used to simpler games might be surprised at how much work goes into running a circus.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you are a pinball fan, Pinball M is a no-brainer. The tables, their campaigns, and the extra play modes make for a solid package. If you’ve never been a pinball fan but have fond feelings for any of the franchises mentioned, Pinball M may be the game to convert you.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Donut County is a wholly enjoyable romp that can be powered through in an afternoon, but it’s worth going back to try and find some of it’s hidden or not so hidden secrets, even if there are only a few of them to begin with.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name doesn’t reinvent the wheel by any means. For Yakuza/Like Dragon fans, it’ll be a familiar, albeit enjoyable experience. It has a few shortcomings – the most egregious being a painfully slow first few hours. But once it gets going, Gaiden packs a punch. One that’s sure to keep you satiated until Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth drops.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Between the pitched battles and the beautiful level layouts, I was always itching to get just a little further. If you’re a fan of CRPGs or just RPGs in general, you can’t go wrong with Tower of Time.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    CRPG fans heavily invested in Warhammer 40K will thoroughly enjoy Rogue Trader, but there’s enough backstory and written lore to bring newcomers up to speed and into the fold. Rogue Trader is generous to a fault with combat and sometimes the momentum stalls in the naval combat or over-lengthy tactical battles. Overall, Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader is an engaging turn-based RPG and another reminder of how rich the Warhammer universe can be.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shio provides you with the tools for success but refrains from any hand-holding. It demands perfection and doesn’t allow for even minor mistakes. Needless to say, no matter how excellent the story and the atmosphere are, the degree of difficulty present ensures this is not a game for everyone. For fans of the genre though, Shio is an adventure that simply begs to be experienced.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Another cool feature is the track surface. It is fully deformable meaning that the dirt surface changes consistency when it gets wet. The physics dynamics of driving on a dry surface versus blasting and sliding through mud changes your approach to racing on a track.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife creates an incredibly compelling narrative with a world that compliments it fully. I’m a bit sensitive when it comes to VR games, but luckily this title has both a standing and sitting mode, so I could play a little bit longer without feeling nauseous. There are some quirks here and there, but none of the things I mentioned above ever really took me out of the immersion of the experience itself. Some horror fans may not like the consistently slow pace you have to keep up with for the entirety of the game, but for those who don’t mind taking things nice and slow while being scared out of your wits, Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife is certainly for you.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Orcs Must Die! Unchained is best consumed with friends, ideally with a lot of yelling and frantic arm-waving over impending victories and losses. The single-player game is good, but it lacks the high-paced frenzy that comes with challenging human opponents.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This War Machine DLC is arguably better than the first, with two out of three general multiplayer maps adding inspiration and excitement to the game, a new halfway decent War map, and a fun Nazi zombies experience, but only just.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forager will never replace Minecraft or Stardew Valley, but it certainly has a good thing going for it. The gameplay is fast, the 2D art is very cute and welcoming. It’s incredibly easy to pick up and leave off. It’s a perfect game for someone who wants something quick and fast. I just hope that maybe we will see updates in the future for more islands, more NPCs and quests.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Signalis is an unforgettable and eerie experience. It makes retro survival horror feel new and unique again. Just be prepared for a story with lots of room for interpretation. And the art is still very anime.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sony’s MLB franchise has unquestionably made a successful leap to PlayStation 4. The franchise has never looked better and the game has made yet another jump into the realm of ‘true to life’. MLB: The Show retains its crown as the undisputed king of baseball games. This being said, it remains by in the large the same game we have played over the course of the past few years and the glitches do seem more prevalent.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    These two titles offer distinct, yet familiar, Mario experiences. Especially if you're new to 3D World, this double feature is an absolute steal of a deal. A massive stage-based 3D platformer AND a blissful Odyssey-style toybox? Say no more! On the other hand, anyone who played this back in 2013 has a more nuanced decision to make. While 3D World is still amazing, it's exactly what you remember from the Wii U days. Whether or not Bowser's Fury is enough of a draw to pull you back in depends on what sort of Mario game you're hungry for. If it's more 3D World, you might be left wanting. Alternately, if you're open to something slightly unlike anything that's come before, maybe Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury will be a perfect fit.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anyone who is a fan of this type of game will surely enjoy this, and the online play and DLC components it makes it even better.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The weakness of the building and crafting was probably why I was so drawn in by the writing and characters, but I don’t regret it. The charm is real. Besides, I have to figure you didn’t pick up something called Bear & Breakfast because you wanted it to bend your mind. This shouldn’t be as hard as running a galactic empire. You’re just a dumb, kindhearted bear. Prospective players probably want to know things like if the bear walks real cute. And he does! He really has a cute little walk. If you’re looking for a cozy little game to take you away from harsh reality, you could do worse than spending your time in these woods.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a game that employs multiple means of victory through strategy, great focus on Slavic mythology and a beautiful map peppered with resources, bodies of water and forests, Thea: The Awakening will really surprise you. For fans of simulation titles with a sweet mix of RPG elements, Thea is an easy recommendation as there is very little on the Switch that even compares in the genre.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The story is engaging enough and some of the dialogue between guards and citizens is filled with story tidbits and humour.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I had a blast playing this game. The Dragon Quest series might evolve a bit slowly for some people, but I'm perfectly satisfied with this pace. Every nostalgic note resonates with gorgeous clarity, be it the monsters, the weapons or the aesthetics. While some attempts at growth fall flat, others expertly hit their mark. The character models and the graphics are the perfect expression of Akira Toriyama’s timeless art style. I wasn't in love with all the writing, but the characters were still flush with charm and personality. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the series, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is an easy recommendation.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With solid visuals, twitch gameplay, and a strange and mesmerizing addictiveness to it, you really can't go wrong by spending time with this game, especially during those times when you need a break from COD, BF4, Killzone, or whatever other mainstream title you may play on your brand new PS4.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Burnout Paradise Remastered is the perfect reminder of an arcade racer done right. The core driving mechanics are near perfect and feel more in tune than some modern racers. It’s an absolute blast to play and is just as addictive now as it was in 2008.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals is a beautifully told story that improves on the original. The structure is exciting and fosters intrigue in the multilayered narrative. Although Night School Studios does improve the gameplay, it fails to take advantage of these segments. Despite that, the wonderful art direction, intelligent narrative and relatable characters make this a memorable adventure.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although there’s no doubt that Achilles: Survivor is built on the foundation of Achilles: Legends Untold, it has its own and very definite identity. For a bargain price of $5.59US, there’s a lot of content. The merger of tower defense and auto-shooter is a perfect match, and the game is addictive and fun. It does one thing, but does it well, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those itching for some good, mindless hack, slash and blowing stuff up game, this is definitely for you.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    On the bright side, there is an incredible amount of replayability in Monster Train. There are five factions to play with, and you have to choose two to combine at the beginning of each run. Of course, it isn’t without escalating difficulty levels for those who manage to beat the game consistently, and even a multiplayer race format as well. Lastly, one of my favourite things about digital card games is that the devs have lots of ways to continue patching it. My gripes with the game are pretty minor, and who knows how this game will look in a few months? This are just release days, after all. If you are a fan of Slay the Spire or any other deckbuilding roguelites, you should definitely check this one out.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story successfully delves further into the lore of the franchise while offering a new experience that will appeal to newcomers. The high-tempo combat and engaging narrative, make this an enthralling action RPG that will keep you hooked throughout. Although the side missions and some of the hub world extras feel a little unnecessary, the slick gameplay will keep you coming back for more.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a gigantic adventure jam-packed with everything you love about the series. If you can open your heart to the Warriors gameplay, you’ll find a terrific entry in the FE series awaits you.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So far, it all sounds good and it is, but one can’t help feeling a bit disappointed that nothing was done to enhance the game. The Dave Bowman stargate analogy cries out for a VR mode. Rez recently got one. So did Tetris. A VR Tempest experience is a logical progression for the game that wouldn’t fundamentally change the core nature of the game but it sure would enhance its trippiness.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The personality of Revita shines through its 16-bit art style. A clear ode to greats of the past, the game possesses large sprites that have a ton of character. The blue-haired protagonist has a simple but memorable design that is in line with games of the era. This is further amplified with its retro-inspired soundbites. With its catchy melodies and general effects, the game perfectly captures the feel of the 90s.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Make no mistake, this is definitely the superior version of Dragon Quest III. The modern mechanics and slick visuals strike that balance between retro and modern sensibilities. Combat is as easy or as difficult as you need it to be. I wish the auto-battle system was less powerful, but it’s still an optional mechanic. Beyond all my gripes about it, playing this game was still a relaxing, compelling experience. I love level grinding, scouring dungeons, and taking down nasty monsters. The story is simple, but in a sweeping, grand fashion perfectly suited for Dragon Quest. Whether or not you’ve played the original, you’ll have a great time with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the game does a good job of establishing the agents of Aion as emerging AI, Soul Hackers 2 tells a deeply human story. This isn’t a shock to me, as Shin Megami Tensei spin-offs have always been more character-focused than the mainline games. I like Soul Hackers 2’s anime noir approach to character building. I recommend it to anyone who likes RPGs or cyberpunk.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, Small Radios Big Televisions is a memorable journey. Devoured in a single setting, the game provides an experience more akin to exploration and introspection than challenge. Make no mistake, this is art. A beautiful trip packed in moulded off-white plastic and labeled with a sharpie from the junk drawer. Put on your headphones and enjoy the ride.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Journey to the Savage Planet provides highly rewarding exploration and discovery bundled with a genuinely funny sense of humor to make for a worthwhile first-person adventure experience. The game is clearly a labor of love and is only hindered by a few unrefined elements that don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. Though the planet is a savage one indeed, in this case, the risk is absolutely worth taking.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1 celebrates the early years of the legendary tactical espionage epic. Each game comes with region-specific versions, a wonderful companion book and even a screenplay. This allows fans of the franchise to delve deep into the iconic world but also provides newcomers with the material to engage with the series. Extra content such as graphic novels and the soundtrack give even more incentive to revisit the groundbreaking games. While the package itself has a strange segmented design that requires you to switch applications, everything that’s included is magnificent.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I can’t say Brushes with Death is essential, but it does add an entertaining new side-story and character to an already richly imagined world. For its modest price, new players get even more KCD2 to discover. Returning players get an excuse to revisit Henry and his world, like playing catch-up with an old friend for a few hours. Brushes with Death definitely makes an already excellent game just a little more interesting.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though it might not take long before you give up in a fit of rage, while it lasts, Blasters of the Universe is one for the books.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    IO Interactive has created a solid base to build on in further episodes of Hitman and hopefully they can address the problems found in the intro pack.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fibbage just makes lying fun.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The solarpunk genre is here and only is going to grow as our climate starts to transform. Plenty of people are going to find a way to express their existential dread at a problem that seems so big. There will be plenty of corny stories about rebuilding a world from the ashes of the people we were before. Where Floodland has a leg up is in its subtlety. You aren’t constantly talking about who you want to be and how you want to run your apocalypse town. You are showing who you are by how you build it.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    [An] enormous amount of laughs.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sean Murray and the team at Hello Games promised us a huge, open universe in which we could live out our dreams of being interstellar explorers. And they pretty much delivered – think about how amazing that is.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Disciples: Domination does not upend what already works about the series. It moves Empress Avyanna’s narrative in a new direction and adds nuance and depth to all the game’s systems. There are a lot of mechanics at play, from combat to RPG-like elements to diplomacy, and they work together well and add up to a rich experience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nintendo has once again managed to take a series that we all know and love, tell us that they’re going to do something unthinkable to its formula, and somehow have us walk away not hating it.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you haven’t pulled the trigger on NieR: Automata yet, this is the time! As a brand new player, I feel ridiculous for waiting this long to dive in. Dearth of new content or not, the Game of The YoRHa edition is a terrific good time.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Council Episode 2: Hide and Seek does a terrific job of building more intrigue for its fascinating story.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Super Mega Baseball: Extra Innings is a good arcade style game with some great physics and gameplay mixed in to make it a fairly fun baseball title for all gamers of any skill to get into, thanks to the Ego system.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, though, I’m able to look past WWE 2K22’s shortcomings in ways I haven’t been able to with this series in over a decade. And why? Because 2K22 is a ton of fun. It strikes a tremendous balance between its quick, arcadey gameplay and smooth, simulation-like animation system. Plus, the Showcase and MyFaction modes are fantastic, with the latter offering hours upon hours of gameplay. This is one I’ll be wrestling with for a long time. 2K finally put some proper chefs in the kitchen.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Lost in Random: The Eternal Die isn’t literally a sequel, of course. It’s an interesting switch to a new genre, and a gamble that pays off. With its fast, challenging, colorful action and a unique setting, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die puts a compelling spin on familiar roguelike mechanics. Both fans of the genre and the first Lost in Random game should find plenty to enjoy.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is every RPG lovers dream and if you don’t mind its somewhat dated appearance, this classic absolutely deserves your undivided attention. I’ve been having a blast saving the people of Amalur and I can’t wait to see what the all-new DLC content will bring to the table.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Despite the flaws, I thought this was a fantastic addition to the series.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The drawbacks to this game are numerous and ugly. If you can’t stand the grind, taking tons of notes and performing costly experiments as you go, this will be torture for you. But! For a certain kind of gamer, this is bliss.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The campaign for Worldslayer feels uncomfortably chaotic. It has the story beats of a great tale but doesn’t fully tell the story. If it was meant to deliver a sense of urgency there are aspects that could have been cut. I and many others who played see so much potential for it to have rivalled the narrative of the main game and it’s unfortunate that it is so short. Despite its shortcomings, all of the other new content and enhancements easily make up for it. This is Outriders the way it was meant to be. This is the power fantasy we want to feel in gaming.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Overall, Not Tonight is incredibly fun – repetitive, but fun. The different conditions in each level keeps the monotony of the task interesting, and the strange situations that challenge your moral reasoning makes each hour spent more entertaining than the next. With its satirical tone and quirky storyline, the game mocks political movements and stereotypical characters while presenting to us a simulation game for adults to enjoy. After spending hours playing this game, I feel like I could probably work as a pretty efficient bouncer in real life now.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    New World: Aeternum’s mix of swords, magic and gunpowder is blended with a colorful world and accessible but satisfying mechanics. With a good balance between solo, co-op PvE and PvP content, Aeternum has something to offer most players. Nothing’s incredibly original, but neither is anything totally broken or missing. The most glaring faults of the original have been addressed. Whatever you call it — reboot, remix or re-skin — New World: Aeternum is worth checking out.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The hardcore MLB: The Show faithful will welcome all the small incremental changes but the rest of us may be better served to wait another year to see what the team at SCEA San Diego can do to combat some of that franchise fatigue.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The team at Jumpsuit clearly put a lot of effort and ingenuity to work to create an elegant and challenging experience. While it’s a game you probably won’t go back to once it’s over, puzzle game aficionados will find a lot to like within.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The improved graphics take an already beautiful game and smooths out all of the aging issues that became noticeable since its original release seventeen years ago. The various family trades and tribes in Crystal Chronicles Remastered brings an element of replayability to this Final Fantasy title for new and old fans. The epic Caravan campaign is more enjoyable than ever on current-gen consoles, and fans of the original Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles should definitely check out the freshly remastered version.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    While the game is just as fun and addicting as ever, the awkward dialogue feels shoe-horned in and the stark difficulty drop off in the mid-game is unfortunate to say the least, making the latter half of the experience a breeze. It’s still an enjoyable experience and a treat to explore the Galar region. It may not be perfect, but it is a strong step in the right direction to giving us the ultimate Pokemon experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    While the game is just as fun and addicting as ever, the awkward dialogue feels shoe-horned in and the stark difficulty drop off in the mid-game is unfortunate to say the least, making the latter half of the experience a breeze. It’s still an enjoyable experience and a treat to explore the Galar region. It may not be perfect, but it is a strong step in the right direction to giving us the ultimate Pokemon experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    While the game is just as fun and addicting as ever, the awkward dialogue feels shoe-horned in and the stark difficulty drop off in the mid-game is unfortunate to say the least, making the latter half of the experience a breeze. It’s still an enjoyable experience and a treat to explore the Galar region. It may not be perfect, but it is a strong step in the right direction to giving us the ultimate Pokemon experience.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    UFC is not as refined as an experience it could be and compared to other sports franchises it lacks in the depth department; however, there is no question EA Sports UFC game is fun to play and overall is a satisfying fighter.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The puzzles, while usually fun, can sometimes detract from the central attraction, which is undoubtedly the story. However, when a game’s biggest flaw is that it could have been even better than it is, you know the developers are onto something. I thought the emotional arc of Austin’s story was fantastic, both narratively satisfying and visually stunning, and I personally look forward to playing the next chapter.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    While the magic system that is the core of Mages of Mystralia is outstanding, the rest of it can use some of that creativity as well. It is a game where a sequel may be due, to add to what Borealys Games has made here and really bring this world to life.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    It’s got the charm and outward appeal, as well as simple but fulfilling gameplay to draw in new comers, but it’s also got the depth and versatility that keeps veterans coming back time and time again. What it lacks in the form of a gripping story, it makes up for with rewarding, fun, and simple gameplay that can be enjoyed by everyone.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    A flick of an analogue stick, the press of the X button and a mind geared towards strategy is all it takes to master this game. Simple and comical, Life Goes On: Done to Death captures the best parts of a platform puzzler.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    With over 500 levels at your fingertips, Catherine: Full Body has a wealth of content that will keep veterans and newcomers entertained for hours on end. Although themes and representation are questionable, the gameplay and narrative are undoubtedly fun, making Catherine: Full Body more than a one night stand.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Perhaps Lumo’s greatest asset is the surprisingly fun throwback to a genre of puzzle adventures that seem to be lost in time.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Then again… sometimes you just want to play out certain scenarios in gaming, right? Sometimes you want to pilot a starship and sometimes to want to escape from devious traps and sometimes you want to make your way through an emotional family drama. There are different feelings for different days. Evil Genius 2 has a strength that no other game can offer- there is no other modern game that will let you play out this fantasy. Because some days you just want to be Dr. Evil, and it’s pretty cool that there’s an outlet for those megalomaniacal tendencies.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    With highly addictive gameplay, a fun single player campaign, competitive leaderboards and online multiplayer offering replay value, the new touch screen controls and gorgeous graphics, all of this makes CastleStorm on the Wii U an absolute joy to play.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Firebreak is emblematic of the old saying – “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The early missions are not reflective of the true depth and replayability the game offers. If you invest a bit of time and upgrade your kit, there is a lot of fun to be had here.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Onrush feels slow to start but once you dive in it can be addictive to play. With fast-paced, high-intensity encounters, a gamers competitive nature will quickly take over in this skill-based game of road rage and crazy tricks.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    At this point, The United Front DLC illustrates exactly what Sledgehammer needs to work on, while highlighting exactly what makes Call of Duty so damn popular as a franchise.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy may not win over new or younger players with its occasionally frustrating but faithful recreation of Crash’s original platforming mechanics, but older fans will gobble this collection up, and rightfully so. It’s a wonderful remaster featuring beautifully updated visuals, scrumptious sound and hours and hours of memories to relive.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Is this version as good as the PS3 or Xbox 360 versions of the game? Well not quite but a solid foundation has been laid and there is no doubt the Madden franchise will have a pretty good run on the Wii U for years to come.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The look and tone is hilarious and non-sensical, but the gameplay is tight. So if you’re looking for something similar to a Devil May Cry, but thought Onechanbara was terrible, Ultra Age might be what you’re looking for. It plays better than something like Deadly Premonition, but doesn’t have quite the intentional derp of Metal Wolf Chaos. I’d say it sits nicely in the realm of something like God Hand. And if this is just a poorly presented game, it fooled me, and is still tons of fun to play.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    As a challenge from the very beginning, fans who are into this sub-genre will surely enjoy Never Give Up. With clever quips from our characters, the solid controls to the satisfying jumps and evades, get ready to jump through missiles, slide through hammers and evading charging rhinos, this is definitely a title worth picking up.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    If you approach the game with the right mindset, you can have a lot of fun. It’s just too bad that you have to make that decision rather than having the game do it for you.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Any fans of the Doraemon manga and anime should almost certainly purchase this farming simulator for the Nintendo Switch if only for the story. I enjoyed the farming mechanics but got frustrated with my eternally sick chicken, especially as the clinic wasn’t always open for business (like other locations in town). Though this isn’t Harvest Moon or Animal Crossing, it’s a good void filler until New Horizons.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Content in Regalia: Royal Edition is spectacular; there’s no question. The art style is unique, in abundance, and vibrant, the world is brimming with lore the same way each character brims with personality. To top it all off, the voice acting is stellar. But the game suffers from quality-of-life challenges that feel pronounced on the console version.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for some serious tactics fun and have been craving some of that late 80s or early 90s campiness, do yourself a favor and pick up Chroma Squad on just about any platform of your choice.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    If you are a creative person and want a game that promotes imagination, or are simply looking to have a relaxing time in short spurts creating unheard of objects, Scribblenauts Unlimited is a great choice to play on your new Wii U console.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Probably the best Lego game I’ve played since Lego Marvel Super Heroes.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    For those who have yet to experience this highly addictive combination of tower defense, physics destruction and real time strategy, CastleStorm: Definitive Edition offers a unique game experience that is fun to play solo or with friends.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Old World clearly shows its origins, coming from a small team of developers intimately connected with 4x strategy games. It adds several new mechanics to an established genre, some of which are clearly brilliant and others that seem less significant. Old World succeeds in giving genre fans a clear alternative to their favorite games, but it seems unconcerned with welcoming the uninitiated, thanks to a fussy interface, lack of patient tutorials, and a focus on a fairly narrow slice of history and culture. Fundamentally, Old World both honors a tradition and gently pushes it forward.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Volta-X has its enjoyable moments and provides a decent strategy experience with a fair level of difficulty. Since I like to take my Nintendo Switch with me when I head out, I do wish the offline mode had more content but nothing’s stopping me from playing this when I am home. Even though the story may not have been the wow factor, I can feel a lot of love was poured into the game, and this is evident in the smooth controls, colorful designs, and of course, the webcomic. Though battles can feel repetitive after a while, its intuitive controls make it easy to put down and pick back up the next day, and Volta-X is enjoyable enough for you to want to do so.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    With an extensive single player campaign, hundreds of items to collect, numerous multiplayer modes, and community created-uploaded levels, BattleBlock Theater gives you a lot of bang for your buck making this pretty much a no brainer purchase.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    If you can call being a menace to society a harmless and casual endeavor, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion will easily bring many smiles to your face. Truly a masterpiece that doesn’t require much thinking to enjoy, all you have to do is pick up your controller and avoid all adult responsibilities by playing as a turnip who is avoiding all adult responsibilities. With the game being released so close to the end of tax season, I would like to think Turnip Boy was intentionally released in April as a joke or perhaps a form of escapism. At the same time, it’s probably also a great reminder to all of us to file our taxes by the end of this month.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    There are some enjoyable moments and I don't doubt that the Borderlands faithful will enjoy what is offered as the visuals, continued humour, main story, and proven gameplay is evident here, it just seems to be a little less then what was established in the main game.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Overall, the classic Harvest Moon formula continues to thrive in Story of Seasons with some new features and touch-ups to keep it entertaining and enjoyable for fans.

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