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
    • 71 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    While the difficulty might not be of the calibre that Dark Souls fans clamor for it will challenge most gamers and is an enjoyable, albeit flawed, dark fantasy RPG romp.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Supremacy won’t blow the fan base away and many may be a little miffed they didn’t get a new weapon this time around. At its core “Supremacy” is more of the same but its attention to detail has not gone unnoticed, the new maps succeed and the addition of Bruce Campbell is a treat.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    While lacking an open world environment and a leveling system to go beyond the limits, Toukiden still proves to be a great game to keep players busy and entertained.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s pretty tough, and incredibly satisfying when you get a good time on any level. If you’re new to the genre or don’t really like indie platformers, you may as well stay away.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Short, contrived, and occasionally frustrating; Episode 4 of New Frontier is so far the weakest of the bunch, and it’s up to the game’s finale to bring this entry back to the top of its game. The chaos of this episode’s conclusion has lots of potential for a thrilling conclusion, but it certainly reminds me why I feel it’s best to binge Telltale games at once, rather than wait through the agonizing weeks and months just to see a weaker episode that you know, will be forgotten.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    LEGO Marvel’s Avengers is still the best LEGO game in recent memory and it could be the catalyst for greater ventures in the series’ future.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The parts I dislike are where they’ve tried to shoehorn an MMO into the mix. The combat, level grind, grouping, and people all discourage me from wanting to play. The MMO components feel forced and generic, and the game would be more enjoyable without them. This comes from an Elder Scrolls fan though.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Kingdoms and Castles is a charming, relaxing, and easy to play real-time kingdom builder. Using simple polygons and vibrant colors, the game is heartwarming and challenges you to meet the needs of the people while expanding your empire.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    For the two hours it took me to complete, Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 is off to a grand start. I never thought I’d enjoy something that’s so outside of my gaming ballpark, but I genuinely can’t wait to see how the rest of Jesse’s second journey unfolds, even if it’s not heavily weighted by my decisions.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Aragami is a well designed, fun and challenging stealth game that, minus a few bugs here and there, is a solid entry into the stealth genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In the end, Grip has all the prerequisite gameplay and technical elements. Yet the randomness of the environments and the clunky air handling left little to be desired. It almost feels like a game of chance instead one involving skill. I’ll give it solid marks for the technical aspects but the randomness of the gameplay left me cold. It’s worth a try as you may feel differently.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hardline is a Battlefield game in every sense of the word. The campaign is still not worth anything near the asking price, it has some annoyances and it’s meant to be played with friends in a squad. Just like BF: Vietnam and BF: 2142, it does not reinvent the wheel, but it does enough unique things to be called its own, and if you’re looking for chaotic multiplayer fun, you can never go wrong with Battlefield Hardline.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Of all the possible stories to tell in the wide universe of Star Trek, Resurgence picks a good one. It takes place in the “present” of the story, and while it has some fun with cameos, it doesn’t overdo them. It presents a galaxy in a time of uneasy peace, and a diverse Federation crew. I would certainly recommend Resurgence to anyone who loves Star Trek. If you’re a curious non-Trekkie well, how much can you tolerate quick time events? Because by the ancients there are a lot of them. But this reviewer didn’t mind one bit.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While the subject matter didn’t totally resonate with me there is no denying the strength of the DC Comics brand.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: Reunion is a fitting conclusion to Max’s decade-long story. Bringing Chloe back is a great decision; she’s witty, brash, and the perfect counterbalance to Max’s caring, tender nature. Together, they merge to create a memorable duo that lingers long after the credits roll. Although the game plays it safe, not evolving beyond its tried-and-tested formula, it still delivers a memorable tale of one of the greatest video game couples in the medium.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    With a wide range of exercises, leaderboard challenges, and something for every fitness goal, I highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding workout in the comfort of their own home.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    It might not be perfect but this is probably the most underrated “next-gen” feature I’ve seen on the new consoles. Xbox Fitness succeeds in “gamifying” its workouts like no fitness game before it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    The game rushes to reach the end which sours the experience slightly, leaving the player with an undercooked taste.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    While Aporia may not be for everyone, those hardcore Myst enthusiasts will find a lot to like. It’s got the bare bones of a decent puzzle/exploration game, and it’s got atmosphere for miles. The controls, the graphics, and the level design effectively transport the player to a desolate world. It’s beautiful and enchanting. If only there was something more to do there.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Episode 2 – The Pact moves the series’ story forward nicely, confronting players with interesting, serious moral dilemmas. Well-rounded, complex characters continue to be added to the mix, providing the potential for an excellent narrative conclusion.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Sadly, there’s no way to know what life in a computer is actually like. Exception does a damn fine job of imagining it, though. If nothing else, I hope that any sufficiently-advanced AI civilization would naturally gravitate towards neon and synth. I never got enough mileage out of the special moves, but I did love zipping around this weird little world. The soundtrack alone is almost worth the price of admission, which should lay bare my artistic priorities. If your dreams of entering the net remain withered, perhaps a little time with Exception will soothe your soul.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Willy Morgan and The Curse of Bone Town is a simple title with a well-intentioned premise. Despite its cast of colorful characters and relatively interesting narrative, it really struggles to find its stride and unfortunately feels like its potential is squandered by both the undercooked game and sound design.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    Tunche is a refreshing take on an established genre. The incredible aesthetics will immediately make this one stand out amongst its peers but its faithful implementation of mechanics hinders the experience. Whilst the rogue-lite features put a fun twist on every run, the repetitive combat can quickly become tiresome. Although there are a few issues, it’s certainly an interesting game that shines when playing with others.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Taken as a whole, Trek to Yomi is an impressive homage to classic Japanese action films. It looks and sounds incredible, with art direction and music that are impeccably authentic to both history and cinema. As an action game, Trek to Yomi is engaging but a bit lacking in variety and depth, with controls and animations less polished than its visuals. Trek to Yomi is a fascinating and altogether unique experience, worth playing if you're a fan of great samurai films or simply enjoy new variations on the action game formula.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Abyssus is a solid title, and one that I expect to return to over and over until I complete it. While there are some aspects that could be improved, they won’t deter me from coming back to the post-launch content when those eventually release as well. For a surprisingly enjoyable FPS roguelike title, look no further than Abyssus this summer. I am looking forward to seeing how the game continues to grow over time, as well as hopping into some multiplayer action down the line.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    The story isn't engaging, the overall gameplay loop is weirdly off-balance, and the combat won't surprise you. But if you want to sink into that loot cycle, be it for better scythes or snappier clothes, you'll make yourself at home in no time. God Eater 3 is a delightful smashup of monsters, swords and skintight leather. Just don't be surprised when you discover that's all there is.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Sadly, too much of the game’s experience continues to be a passive ride, lacking in gameplay and challenge. But as they say, what a ride it is.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Syberia’s setting and narrative premise were interesting in 2002, and remain so in Syberia Remastered. Thanks to its improved visuals and several quality-of-life features, modern gamers should find it accessible. Unfortunately, the game’s pacing, unadulterated cutscenes, and overall approach to puzzles mean that some parts of Syberia Remastered feel stuck in the past. Fans of the original will enjoy revisiting this new version, but I’m not sure if new gamers will be quite as engaged.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    An awesome looking and entertaining game that utilizes an easy and simple combat system. The inclusion of local co-op is definitely a plus while the absence of online multiplayer is a letdown.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    It really feels as if DriveClub shot itself in the foot by even suggesting that it was on the same level as other simulation racers out there. It’s more of a hybrid arcade/sim style game that just doesn’t have the chops to compete highly on one side or another.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Sebastien Loeb’s Rally EVO is a decent enough rally game that shows off high production value here and there, but unfortunately not in its visual fidelity.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While it’s not as long as I would like, Wheel World is still an excellent time. The races are awesome, finding parts is fun, and riding around is a pretty chill time. Bike customization lost its shine for me earlier than I anticipated, but the races themselves never diminished even slightly. Depending on what you’re looking for, this short length (4-6 hours) could be just perfect for you. Regardless, you’ll have a great time in Wheel World while you’re here. Anyone looking for a chill, cool, slightly weird racing game would do well to check this one out.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    LEGO Jurassic World has everything you love about the Jurassic Park movies but with that familiar LEGO touch. The ability to play via couch co-op is a nice bonus as the experience shines when playing with a friend, a spouse, a sibling, or whoever you want. TT Games have crafted a LEGO package that does the Jurassic franchise proud. LEGO Jurassic World is a love letter to the iconic scenes and characters, and a game which really is meant to be on Nintendo’s home/portable system.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    You may enjoy some of the puzzles and how the game looks. But other indie games have done it better. There’s promise underneath all the cruft, and I do hope there’s another crack at this from the team, but I can’t say I enjoyed much in Fobia outside of the visuals. Fobia reminded how hard it is to pull off a tight survival horror experience. I kept waiting for something to truly surprise me or show me a twist I hadn’t seen before. Ultimately, I wanted something more.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    Morbid: The Seven Acolytes certainly isn’t a game you should pick up for its gameplay. The combat is just shallow, but in no way unplayable. If you are intrigued by the game’s world and aesthetics—and you aren’t much of a stickler for gameplay—I’d happily recommend it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Although Guardians of Middle Earth's gameplay can be enjoyable, and it does an admirable job of bringing those who play it into realm of the game's locale, the long loading times, lacklustre sound, and "at-best-average" graphics really bring down the whole experience to that of a mediocre title that could have been much better.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    It might be unfair to judge a four year-old game by today’s standards, but after experiencing the deep open world of Origins, it’s hard to go back.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Blue Fire is an intriguing combination of several games that came before. Its focus on challenging platforming sections makes it stand out from other adventure games that rely on tried and tested methods. Wall-running and dashing across complex courses is a thrill and will appeal to those who enjoy challenging platformers. However, its lack of focus and mixture of mechanics may deter fans of those franchises that influenced the game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Modern Warfare 2 is easily in my top five COD campaigns, and I was stoked about its surprise release. The month-long PS4 exclusivity is a bummer, but whether you’re a fan of the original or interested in jumping in for the first time, I strongly recommend picking it up on your respective platform when its available. Beenox continues to contribute tremendously to Call of Duty, and Modern Warfare 2 Remastered is unequivocally their best work yet.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It takes a long time to do anything in Portal Knights. And when doing things begin to land on the side of tedium rather than fun, it becomes quite difficult to see the silver lining. That being said, Portal Knights surely isn’t bad. It’s just the type of game that appeals to its niche audience; in this case a younger crowd itching for some minecrafty sandbox fun. There’s definitely some to be had, you just might have to do a bit of digging.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I can’t see the NHL franchise reaching the heights of its mid-2000s glory years anytime soon, but at least we have the Frostbite engine in there to start building upon. It took far too long to arrive, though; it’s here now. And while I can see the potential for it to one day have this series feeling exciting again, I don’t see that happening for a long time. But, hey, it’s the only hockey game in town, so I guess I’ll see you on the ice.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    The game teeters close to punishing the player with its brutal difficulty but it never felt frustrating to the point of quitting. The simple mechanics and graphics make Lichtspeer approachable to anyone and lends itself well to the Switch’s pick-up-and-play ideology. Grab it if you’re looking for some mindless fun.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    When it comes down to it, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is an outdated game that deserved the praise it received on first release, but it falls quite a bit short of the standards we’ve set for games in the modern day. For those of you who have already fallen in love with the game at some point during the past fifteen years, you will not be disappointed by the port. It updates the graphics without sacrificing style and maintains most of the rest of the game in its original form. For those of you who haven’t played it but have heard good things, I wouldn’t recommend against playing it. What I would recommend is playing a few older games before playing this one.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Conga Master Party! is a blast to play. It’s simple but challenging in such an addicting way.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Delivers a fun and unique brawling experience that 3DS gamers and Naruto fans alike shouldn’t miss out on as it is fairly entertaining.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Knockout Home Fitness has a clear objective and target audience: this is a game for people looking to get in shape that replicates a workout routine with a personal trainer. It never really pretends to be much more, like an addictive video game. That will be fine for many people, but if you’re hoping for more, Ring Fit Adventure is still the undisputed champ.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sim racing fans clamored for years for a serious console racing sim. They have finally had their wish granted. Assetto Corsa Competizione instantly becomes the premiere realistic console racing simulation game despite the hardware limitations of the current-gen. That doesn’t make it the best console racer, just the most realistic. The road ahead looks bright too with planned cross-platform support and future DLC which will also include an expansion of the racing scope with the release of GT4 cars coming this fall.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bottomline, if you are a fan of the franchise and you’re stuck with no other means of playing this game, go ahead and pick up the PC version and push through the problems and enjoy yourself.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I wish I could recommend this whole-heartily, but as it is now, this game is only for those looking for a short but serious challenge.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you have some nostalgia for classics like Forsaken or Descent you’re going find a lot to enjoy here in Sublevel Zero Redux and if you’re new to this type of gameplay experience, well, this is a great place to jump in too. Pleasing on the eyes and ears and featuring smooth gameplay that deftly balances relaxing exploration and intense combat, Sublevel Zero Redux will keep you up late at night as you continuously say to yourself… “Just one more try”.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As a whole package The Medium is very much a story of compromise. For all its successes in visual storytelling and interesting setting, it’s collared by poor pacing and dated game design. Still, it’s well worth a look for history buffs and those fascinated by the unknown. So what lies beyond? It’s still up for debate. In the present, The Medium offers an intriguing possibility to puzzle on.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    An improvement over The Dark Below DLC, but it could have been so much more.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Claws of Awaji provides a more satisfying conclusion to Naoe’s narrative than players got in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, though it clearly suggests that Shadows was really her story all along. Awaji is a beautifully designed playground, filled with content. The new enemies and bosses are an appropriate challenge for the high-level players that the DLC demands. It’s a bit disappointing that Yasuke gets no new weapons and that the basic mission design remains relatively unchanged. It’s also a shame that Awaji Island and its enemies are gated from all but endgame players. However, for anyone frustrated by Shadows’ inconclusive finale, Claws of Awaji will bring some much-needed closure in DLC that rewards committed players.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I wanted to point out things that this game tries to do differently than most classic RTS games because honestly everything else felt very… classic. That isn’t to say the game was bad or should be overlooked, just that if you were hoping for a reinvented RTS you might want to keep looking.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While I do appreciate the game retaining the quirky and simplistic nature of the older versions, I’m a little disappointed it doesn’t bring much more innovation to the genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Some racing sims split the difference between arcade-like accessibility and realism, but RiMS Racing leans pretty hard towards the latter. While not entirely unfriendly to novices, this is a game geared towards the motorcycle enthusiast. With its emphasis on what happens in the shop between races at least as much as on the races itself, RiMS Racing has a supply-your-own-drama career mode, but excels in supplying an exacting and sometimes thrilling simulator of racing on two wheels.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Players coming to No More Heroes 3 for the first time will have fun with its combat and peculiar, entertaining narrative. Switch owners who played it already won’t find anything new, aside from framerate improvements and higher resolutions. While the former improves combat, the latter just draws attention to the graphical limitations of the original. No More Heroes 3 is generally a worthy next chapter in the franchise, but I expected a little more than a straight-across port.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    After Us is an artistic, moving, and affecting game about a world transformed by human indifference to nature. It’s a slightly heavy-handed cautionary tale, but a powerful one. As a puzzle platformer, it’s a little less successful, with controls that feel imprecise and levels that need more gameplay variety. After Us has a potent message and offers innocent hope for a planet in trouble.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Legends of Eisenwald presents players with a game that takes place on a broad canvas without the freedom to dive deep into it. That is not a bad thing but a different approach. Sometimes that is all a player is looking for.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    While Chaos on Deponia furthers the oddball adventures of Rufus and has its moments of entertaining humor and challenging puzzles, Rufus himself falls flat in an attempt to portray a plucky hero.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This combination of game mechanics with plot makes The Fall Part 2: Unbound a masterclass in video game storytelling. Action-packed sequences are followed by moody reflective moments, with each new story beat more compelling and exciting than the last. The presentation is similarly great. Graphically, it’s not the most stunning game, but its use of atmospheric lighting works wonders in creating a mood.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    This is a collection made for truly diehard Ezio fans and the uninitiated.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Steel Seed successfully blends its inspirations into a compelling sci-fi adventure that feels both fresh and familiar. It truly shines during its climbing and cinematic platforming segments, delivering memorable moments that echo its influences without feeling derivative. While the stealth mechanics stand out, thanks to a variety of tools and strategies for silent takedowns, the melee combat feels less refined by comparison. Technical issues do occasionally hinder the experience, but they’re not enough to derail what is ultimately a focused and engaging journey, especially for fans of the genre’s classics.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cold Iron’s unique premise oozes with promise, but the core experience is mired by repetitive, punishing gameplay.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If you have played Mutant Year Zero on a console before and are thinking of picking this up for on the go, you may be advised to skip as the compromises are a bit jarring, given this was once a very atmospheric game. The downgrade, combined with text and menus not being scaled for Switch, can start to make you feel like a person with poor eyesight.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Pulling off your head and lobbing it deep into a dark and dingy crevasse has never been so much fun. With over 90 puzzles, an array of crazy characters, witty dialogue and unique mechanics, a trip to Helheim is definitely worth the trek. Its quirky and intriguing spin on the Norse world is fascinating and due to this, it can proudly raise its glass of grog up high and bellow “Skol” at the top of its lungs.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Naraka: Bladepoint offers a refreshing alternative to both the tired sci-fi or high fantasy settings and mechanics of familiar battle royale games, with a focus on fast and skillful melee combat and movement that can feel like an awesome martial arts film come to life. But the focus almost entirely on close quarters fighting can grow repetitive and frustrating, too, especially against the much better players that seem to dominate the space. Although it pushes microtransactions past the point of annoyance, they don’t radically impact the game, which is ultimately much more skill-based than that of other games in the genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Although taking on Samurai Warriors 4: Empires head-on without any experience with past instalments may falter the depth and importance residing behind prominent characters, it’s still a solid mash-up of strategic conquering and hacking and slashing.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    With an overwhelming amount of content available, and a variety of game modes to play through, Vector Unit Inc. should be proud of this arcade racing game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    if you’re a fan of looting, shooting, and scooting, I can’t recommend Drifting Lands enough. It’s an absolute blast to play, has a ton of content, and comes in at a very inexpensive price point that should make any miser feel like they’ve gotten their money’s worth.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    The launch of Rocket Arena feels like season one of Fortnite in the sense that it feels like something huge but it just needs the community and celebrity support behind it. It’s easy to get stuck playing another match after completing one, which is a key hallmark of the battle royale genre. Once I pick up Rocket Arena in any given day, it’s hard to put it down until I absolutely need to. The gameplay is addicting even if the colourful visuals seem more directed towards kids. While Rocket Arena is a great game for adults to master, it’s the perfect game for a kid to enjoy due to the cartoon violence with a competitive edge.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    The quality of Cultist Simulator‘s writing and intriguing setting coupled with its arduous gameplay made me wish I was reading a surrealist novel rather than grasping at some sort of narrative with all these disparate cards. While I can appreciate the game’s own attempt at experimentation with its indefinite gameplay, tabletop format, and fragmented story, I could not find much enjoyment in constantly wondering what I was doing and asking myself why I was still playing.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    It’s a game with a striking presentation, but suffers from problems that no amount of sheen can cover up.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a deep space opera to release your inner Captain Kirk than Starpoint Gemini 2 is worth the price of admission.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    There isn’t a ton of variety within Chambara, but what it does, it does extremely well.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    All talk, conjecture, and analysis aside Not Tonight is great. As I stated before, if you liked Papers Please you’ll love this game. You don’t even need to be into the graphics or politics to get a kick out of this game. Not Tonight delivers pure-bred fun and challenge in a way that rarely, if ever, feels cheap. The game is well worth your time picking up if you can manage to push through the massive pool of levels.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite some bugs (unfortunately, not a playable race but the game crashing kind) and a feeling of complexity that might be off-putting at first, Banners of Ruin is a smart and creative take on two very familiar genres. With a world, story, and characters that are a refreshing departure from the usual dark fantasy tropes, and gameplay that is engaging and addicting, the biggest knock against it might be players’ potential reticence to dive into yet another deck builder/roguelike. That would be a shame, and anyone who has grown weary of the genre might be pleasantly surprised by Banners of Ruin.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    All in all, Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol 3 is a pretty solid purchase for fans of retro SRPGs, but I wouldn’t recommend it for casual gamers. However, if you want your young sister or daughter to get into RPGs, this might be a good starter package. She can begin with the easy difficulty and charming story of Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure. Once she has her bearings and is ready for something more complex, she can try La Pucelle: Ragnarok.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    The Chant has an intriguing premise and setting that set it apart from its cousins in the horror/action adventure sphere. While it doesn’t break any new ground with its mechanics or combat, and it’s definitely not very scary, its exploration of psychological states adds a bit of specific narrative color. Budgetary limitations in character models, lack of refinement, weak combat, and inelegant animations aside, The Chant is just unique enough to make it appealing to fans of the genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin is a must-play for PSVR owners. Its ability to keep the player interested in its world and characters is second to none, and the ease of its gameplay mechanics makes interacting with the world a joy. The plethora of environments and odd characters you come across, and the subsequent world-building that takes place, keeps the game from ever getting stale alongside its short runtime. In the Rhombus of Ruin is a masterclass of engaging mechanics and brilliant writing, and it’s got me excited for the future of Psychonauts.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The management and RPG style made me think of a digital board game like Antihero, but really it plays more like a visual novel — a genre that leans hard on player interaction to involve you in the story. And in that, Through the Darkest of Times was quite effective. I did feel for the struggle of these people in a way that felt more personal than if I was watching a movie or reading a book. The choices didn’t lead to branching stories, but the very act of making a choice placed responsibility for the consequences on me. That’s an extremely effective game design!
    • 71 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    The fantastic combat and strong story points far outweigh the technical missteps and more cringeworthy moments. Bioware may has bitten off more than it could chew scope wise, and the fringe elements of the game clearly have suffered for it. However, they’ve nailed the key aspects of what made for a great Mass Effect game in the past.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares 3 is a worthy successor to the first two games. It may play things a little too safe, but it clearly respects the foundation upon which it’s built. The addition of co-op fits like a glove and should be standard for all future Little Nightmares games. The puzzles are clever and approachable. The audio design is stellar. Fans of the series will find a lot to love within this latest iteration. It’s a perfect game to kick off the spooky season. Don’t miss it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, this is a fun affair and an invigorating palate cleanser if you usually dwell in darker and more mature material. Also, this is a game you could play with the small fry that will only take five or six hours to complete. “Sew”, kick back, relax, and release your inner Austin Powers and have at it, with the Fashion Police Squad!
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I had high hopes for Beat Cop. As someone who loves Tarantino’s over the top nonsense, this title held so much promise. If the gameplay was tweaked here and expanded upon there, this review would have an entirely different tone. But as it stands, Beat Cop drew its own chalk outline and willingly laid inside it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fearful Symmetry is definitely a challenging puzzler and not for anyone looking for a relaxing brain teaser. While some people might appreciate the Legend of Zelda-esque visuals, I’m confident that much of the audio cues will be universally hated.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This didn’t provide a particularly memorable or impressive experience, but it did keep me entertained. It leaves much to be desired in the way of a nice soundtrack and varying level design, but it achieves at least the most important element of gaming: fun.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Playing Fracked is very enjoyable. The short length of the game leaves you with a sour taste, which is too bad because it is so entertaining to play. The environments are beautiful and the game mechanics and scale really immerse you in the virtual world. What also hurts Fracked is that the brevity of it is paired with a lack of replayability. There are no challenges or online leaderboards to compete against. There are coins to collect but you cannot use them for anything like say customizing your character or weapons. The top-notch production values make this a tight and exhilarating VR experience. Despite the shortness of the campaign, Fracked is a virtual action playground worth playing.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Crossfire: Sierra Squad is a fun arcade shooter with a ton of content. Although there are modes for squads of different sizes, this is most suitable for those looking for a 2-player experience. Unfortunately, the mission variety and maps are uninspiring and due to this, it can get a little repetitive. However, the game does enough to differentiate itself from the competition and will fill a void that many have been craving.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Perhaps mislabeled as a Soulslike, Blades of Fire is a third-person fantasy action game with RPG elements. Its combat is exemplary. Finding the right weapon and the right place to strike each enemy is a well-thought-out system that feels great. While story is a bit bland, it’s told through an impressive blend of cinematic cutscenes, and a cryptic info drip. I loved the amount of detail in the environments. Like its title, Blades of Fire suffers from aspects that are kind of generic. The visual design and musical score emulate Hollywood fantasy to a fault, and the gameplay is excellent. Fans of action RPGs can safely ignore the Souslike label and enjoy this very accessible game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While the Slayer Edition may not be a huge time sink, it’s still a lot of fun and a great co-op experience.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For kids and Pokemon fans, this game is sure to be a delight, but anyone wanting to get into the franchise should start with Sun and Moon.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Reviewing Everything feels so embarrassing. After discussing it for a few minutes, I feel like I want to thank you all for coming to my TED talk. That’s because it’s so impressionistic, existential, philosophical … all the things people invoke when they want to convince you that video games can be art. But Everything has a leg up on a lot of those art-installation-as-games. Everything is also a lot of fun!
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Is it perfect? Far from it, but the sheer level of chaos that comes from playing it made it fun overall. With great artwork, bonkers fighting styles and a lot of replay value (even if I didn’t understand one of the modes), it is a game that should at least be tried, just to have seen and played it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    For those who want a fresh take on the 4X genre with charming graphics and tight combat, you could sink some serious time into this game, without question.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In the end, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn has a lot of good ideas and the potential to be a standout ARPG. The problem is, that all those strengths are counterbalanced by issues that chip away at its quality. Good writing and acting, some interesting character dynamics, and fluid movement compete with bad sound mixing, janky combat, and inelegant level design. I think that in the end, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is worth playing, especially for casual RPG fans. Hardcore Soulslike players will find it harder to ignore the game’s missteps and flaws.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Its story is certainly not bad – it is just that it is very safe, and doesn’t take any risks – and it misses a real opportunity to be great.

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