COGconnected's Scores
- Games
For 4,976 reviews, this publication has graded:
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62% higher than the average critic
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6% same as the average critic
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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: | Final Fantasy XVI | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | Wander (2013) |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 3,079 out of 4976
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Mixed: 1,713 out of 4976
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Negative: 184 out of 4976
4982
game
reviews
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- Critic Score
Party Hard is a very simple and fun title, but it becomes quite repetitive after a while. The randomization of levels is supposed to help with that, but there’s simply not enough variety to keep it engaging for long periods of time.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 1, 2015
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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.- COGconnected
- Posted Feb 16, 2017
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All in all, Touhou Spell Carnival is a bizarre mix that is far more than the sum of its parts. Touhou Project fans and anyone who wants to know how a bullet hell strategy RPG could work should definitely check it out. But maybe wait until it’s on sale, as this title isn’t really long enough to justify paying full price.- COGconnected
- Posted May 16, 2025
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Most of these games translate well to the Switch, the improved graphics exploding with color. Playing in 4:3 suits some games better than others, so it’s not a perfect fit. The JoyCons are a great control tool, even if a few games struggle (I’m looking at you Sky Kid, you menace) on the Switch. This was a fun little jaunt down memory lane, but it’s really nothing more than another Namco collection in new digs.- COGconnected
- Posted Aug 10, 2017
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All in all, The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is a unique experience. If you love worldbuilding, modernizing fantasy worlds, and urban fantasy, you should check it out. If you’re allergic to long cutscenes and extraneous infodumps, you should avoid it. Love it or hate it, Trails from Zero clearly knows what it is and what it’s doing. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy all of Trails of Cold Steel so I can find out what happens in Zemuria next.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 21, 2022
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At the end of the day ‘Pokéholics’ will enjoy this game, and that is the audience that counts here, but even though I consider myself one, I can’t help but think that this game could have been even more.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 27, 2013
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Phantom Breaker is an interesting fighter that finds a niche in a somewhat crowded genre. The use of character styles and chain-based combat gives the game its own identity and provides an additional layer of strategy in fights. The omission of a tutorial and move list is baffling and is a barrier to mastering mechanics. Characters are well crafted and their personalities are shared in the game’s story, however, the roster itself lacks variety. Despite its originality on the stage, some design issues halt Phantom Breaker: Omnia from competing with its competition.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 14, 2022
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Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is a fun platformer that recalls the many great titles of its era. The introduction of new mechanics helps each region feel distinct, even if the overall design remains conventional. This remake adds thoughtful quality-of-life features that enhance the experience, though not enough to warrant its price point. Still, it’s a charming adventure that offers plenty for both newcomers and returning fans, and a nostalgic reminder of a time when the genre truly thrived.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 26, 2025
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Yes, I rage quit a few times but it drew me back in. Yes, sound effects and controls needed more work but I could look past that because it was fun. I really want to love this game more but something deep down says I shouldn’t.- COGconnected
- Posted Aug 19, 2015
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Although I found a few cracks in the facade, I still had some decent fun with this game. The Sonic aesthetic is plastered over every surface, the songs kick you out of your chair, and teamwork system adds a lot of mileage. Some of the campaign stages landed with more grace than others, but the races themselves feel great. I’m even ready to go back and scoop up some of the completion markers I missed the first time around. I might not have the patience for any more Mod Pod shopping, however. In spite of its flaws, Team Sonic Racing is a fine and fast-paced chapter in the annals of Sonic gaming. If you’re looking for a fun romp with the Blue Blur and his pals, definitely check this one out.- COGconnected
- Posted May 24, 2019
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Overall, Total Tank Simulator is a decent package for simulation fans who want to sit back and watch the magic happen. For those who would rather be on the front lines, you can do that here as well, just don’t expect the same experience as you would from a dedicated FPS. While deceptively simple at the outset, Total Tank Simulator is much deeper than what you might expect.- COGconnected
- Posted May 26, 2020
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Even with its faults, Ryse is a game that one should experience as it does offer a glimpse of what next-gen can be on the Xbox One.- COGconnected
- Posted Dec 10, 2013
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Contagion presents a tense survival based horror game, and if you can see past its rough exterior and occasionally shoddy technical performance, there is some fun to be had here.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 25, 2014
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I’m always almost in love with Mana games. There’s just some minor thing that won’t click into place. Visions of Mana is no exception. I’m hooked by the story and the characters are gorgeous. I have a lot of fun exploring this world and meeting all these fascinating people. But the combat still feels a little stiff and sluggish. Battle customization is a mile wide and an inch deep. The plot dragged me by the collar, and the boss fights were a pleasant highlight. I wish the regular combat had some similar hooks to deploy, however. If you’ve been waiting for the next great Mana game, I honestly don’t know if this is the one. But Visions is pretty great for a Mana game.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 6, 2024
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John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a fun, over-the-top co-operative shooter. The use of Saber’s Horde Engine creates thrilling moments where you face off against hundreds of bloodthirsty zombies at once. Although the game bears Carpenter’s name, it doesn’t fully capture his signature style and instead blends in with the many zombie shooters currently available. If you’re looking to scratch that Left 4 Dead itch, this will suffice; however, it ultimately blends into the horde it’s trying to outgun.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 11, 2026
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While I didn’t think there was quite enough that was new about Star-Crossed World, I still had a lot of fun. The new stages are well-crafted and full of optional goals. The new enemy designs are cool and clever. And I ended up getting sucked back into the base game. On the other hand, the Switch 2 of it all is lost on me. The game looks and performs just as it did back in 2022. I hesitate to recommend something so expensive, but the game is still a lot of fun. Returning fans won’t want to miss this one, however. Star-Crossed World is a delightful addition to an already excellent Kirby game.- COGconnected
- Posted Aug 27, 2025
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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.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 5, 2018
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At a runtime of just around forty-five minutes, Dear me, I was… respects your time while demanding your full emotional attention. It is “show, don’t tell” in a nutshell. It might not offer hundreds of hours of replayability, but the beauty of its silent world and the introspective journey it prompts are well worth it. For anybody looking to cleanse their palate with a deeply artistic, evocative, and conceptually daring title. I can safely say Dear Me, I was… is a highly recommended play. Or maybe you just want to witness an artistic flex on your console. It serves as a beautiful reminder of why we engage with this medium in the first place. To feel, to reflect, and to experience something truly unique through the power of interactive art.- COGconnected
- Posted Feb 24, 2026
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I Hate Running Backwards is a game that offers simple, satisfying fun and colorful, fast-paced action.- COGconnected
- Posted May 31, 2018
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With its unique, effective art design and plethora of satisfying puzzles, Retro Machina has many of the ingredients of a memorable and rewarding game. It’s unfortunate that combat and some key control mechanics discolor what could be a vibrant experience. Thematically, Retro Machina doesn’t cover new ground but the way it approaches puzzles and story makes sense and feels consistent with the world it has created. As an early game from a new studio, Retro Machina is an auspicious, if flawed, debut.- COGconnected
- Posted May 21, 2021
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Surgeon Simulator 2: All Access absolutely does what it sets out to do, which is turn “surgical precision” upside down and allow the player to make an absolute mess of what should be the most delicate of procedures, adding physics-based puzzles and escalating objectives that will either frustrate or challenge. In this case, the awkward controls are a feature, not a bug. For anyone who has already played the game, this new version doesn’t add much, but for console owners or anyone new to the title it’s definitely the version to pick up.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 3, 2021
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Freaky Awesome has a fascinating premise, incredible music and delightful enemy design. Unfortunately, my biggest problems are with the game’s core mechanics.- COGconnected
- Posted Oct 24, 2017
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Darkest Dungeon is a grim game. The tactical strategy of both the combat and resource management comes with tension and complexity. This is not a foray into casual gaming, even dedicated Dark Souls players will find Darkest Dungeon a nightmare at times. It is, however, a rewarding experience and one that is full of character and excellent narration.- COGconnected
- Posted Oct 25, 2016
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Overall, I found Alt-Frequencies provided some great commentary on how the media decodes the underlying truth and spoon feeds it to the public and how governments can step in to attempt to control the narrative. It was interesting seeing the introduction of rogue elements to the story and how those played out. This experience has a lot to say about a lot of things, which is really my criticism. I wanted so much more.- COGconnected
- Posted Jun 5, 2019
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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.- COGconnected
- Posted Oct 10, 2016
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Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is a major undertaking, one that demands much, and rewards much more. Your enjoyment of Cold Steel hinges heavily on your attitude towards anime storytelling tropes. For me, they turn bitter in large doses. I need a lot of play to break up these dramatic encounters. On the other hand, the mechanical elements are a sumptuous feast. There’s just so much to do at any given moment. Better still, these systems are handed to you at a steady pace, one that allows you to take in so much more than you could otherwise. This game is a lot to take in, but rest assured that Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is worth your time.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 27, 2019
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Outer Wilds: Archeologist Edition on the Switch is obviously lacking in its graphical presentation and controls remain as trying as ever. But the call to explore, discover and find a story remains a solid call to take up the game. But for the best and most immersive experience, other consoles or PC are your best bet.- COGconnected
- Posted Dec 11, 2023
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Dreadnought offers a fun experience for anyone who has dreamed of commanding their own spaceship and battling against other people online. The triumphant feeling that comes with taking down an enemy with a well-timed volley of missiles, and watching as they go down slowly in flames, is an experience I would recommend to anyone.- COGconnected
- Posted Dec 20, 2017
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Flowing Lights is a unique title that takes the arcade shooter in a new direction. The mixture of puzzles and bullet-bending gravity helps to freshen an aging genre by adding a layer of strategy. Although the title is marred with unimaginative aesthetics, the ingenuity soaked within the gameplay will communicate with fans of retro titles. Releasing at a budget price, this is definitely worth a shot.- COGconnected
- Posted May 10, 2021
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Even with its environment being so desolate, there is still something rather beautiful – and this isn’t about the visuals, but the overall charm of the game and its characters. When I first heard of Beautiful Desolation I had expected a guns-blazing adrenaline-pumping RPG that would involve a high level of stress, but instead, I was given struggling human characters trying to find a way home with actual useful dialogue and choices that made a difference. Sure there is a lot of exploring, backtracking, and crying about finding items (eventually leading to searching online for hints and walkthroughs), but through it all, it was a journey that was worth experiencing – especially on a television screen.- COGconnected
- Posted Jun 1, 2021
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Deliver Us The Moon turned out to be a fun little distraction from the bigger, more intensive games I’ve been playing. It certainly doesn’t do anything to reinvent the wheel, but it manages to nail a few of the key things it tries to do, and for that, I have no problems recommending it for a quick playthrough. I’ll be the first to tell you, though, that there’s going to be some stuff that will bug the hell out of you. Still, for the most part, the good outweighs the bad, and I’ll be keeping my eye out for KeokeN Interactive’s next project.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 29, 2020
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With Train Life: A Railway Simulator, sim railroad enthusiasts have another way to get their railroad fix. With its emphasis equally on the driving and economic aspects of running a railroad, Train Life: A Railway Simulator has a little more depth than those games that focus more on the locomotives and rolling stock. It’s also a Eurocentric sim, so American gamers wanting to drive a speeding Amtrak train over the Rockies are out of luck. Train Life: A Railway Simulator might be built for a specific audience, but general sim enthusiasts might give it try as well.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 19, 2022
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For young teens and older, the boring level design and lackluster gameplay makes Yoshi's New Island hard to recommend, but for those young ones out there, about 10 years and under, this game should fit the bill nicely.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 21, 2014
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If you’re looking for some weekend entertainment and enjoy run and gun, first person shooter style games in a futuristic setting – at $15, you really can’t go wrong.- COGconnected
- Posted Jun 3, 2016
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On the whole Hyrule Warriors Legends is a solid game built upon the strong foundation of its predecessor. However it suffers greatly from its existence on a less powerful machine.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 3, 2016
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None of this is to say that Blazing Chrome is a terrible game. The run-and-gun gameplay felt great, I liked the over-the-top level design, the story was a neat throwback to a time when game stories were simple, and the bosses were memorable. I just wished the game wasn’t so frustrating to get through.- COGconnected
- Posted Jul 11, 2019
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Etherborn is a charming game with great level design and soundtrack. While the story and character were rather flat the gameplay more than made up for it. A simple puzzle game at heart the main premises of perspective and gravity control was used to great effect. Etherborn is a rather short game and the levels don’t offer much replayability. I certainly enjoyed my time with Etherborn, but I would have liked to have a reason to return. Overall, Etherborn is a game I would recommend for anyone looking for a mellow puzzle game that will teach you how to approach problems from new perspectives.- COGconnected
- Posted Jul 18, 2019
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Pupperazzi is a lighthearted, chill little game that anyone can enjoy. If you’re not too worried about realism and don’t need a lot of high-level content, you’ll be happy with what Pupperazzi has to offer. The bad news is that it’s over pretty quickly, and there isn’t much reason to go back. The dogs are cute, and the whole thing is marginally surreal, but a bit of story or maybe some strong canine characters would have added to the experience, especially for older dog lovers.- COGconnected
- Posted Jan 25, 2022
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Let’s face it. Summer is a pretty thin period for game releases. If you’re in the market for a decent, robust and generally engaging turn-based RPG for the Switch, Blackguards 2 fits the bill. It isn’t the most original fantasy RPG ever made, but the story, meaningful choices, and mercenary mechanics elevate the game quite a bit. There’s a good amount of replayability built in, even if the battles grow repetitive. Blackguards 2 left me hoping for a sequel with better graphics and even more flexible combat and characters.- COGconnected
- Posted Jun 23, 2022
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Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story is a much more ambitious game than most crafting RPGs. It’s accessible to most patient gamers, too, whether they’ve played League or not. The crafting elements are good, if occasionally opaque. Unfortunately, the game’s unvaried tone and extended length padded out by some dull quests takes away some of the fun.- COGconnected
- Posted Feb 19, 2024
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It’s a fine follow up, and I can’t recommend it enough, but I also cannot shake that nagging feeling that everything it brings to bear wasn’t adding anything new, it was merely completing the original.- COGconnected
- Posted Jun 1, 2015
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Ultimately, Collector’s Cove is a competent but hollow entry into the life-sim genre. It is missing that indefinable “key ingredient”—the soul and density—that makes its predecessors so enduring. While it may provide a pleasant weekend of distraction for genre enthusiasts, it currently lacks the longevity and polish to swim alongside the big fish of the cozy gaming world. As it stands, the cove is a nice place to visit, but there isn’t quite enough there to make you want to stay.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 11, 2026
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Warriors: Abyss is an addictive roguelite that successfully blends elements from acclaimed titles, carving out its own place in the genre. Combat is a thrill. Taking on hundreds at a time with an array of huge, diverse attacks leads to a compelling system that can quickly get its hooks in you. However, fights can get a little messy in the latter stages of the game removing some of the deliberate actions which take place in the earlier portions. Despite its dated visuals, this roguelite remains a fun and engaging experience.- COGconnected
- Posted Feb 20, 2025
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This is the Police nails its efforts in mashing up a management sim with an engaging noir story. However, top notch presentation aside, the gameplay tends to grow a bit weary somewhere in the middle. Having said that, fans of management sims should still give this a look. There are interesting systems at play and most of them make This is the Police worthy of your time.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 29, 2017
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If you find MotoGP 21 tough, you ain’t seen nothing yet. To tie things up, SBK 2022 is a tougher and less content-rich game than MotoGP 22. Unless you are a die-hard fan of super bike racing, MotoGP 22 is the better choice for casual players.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 26, 2022
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All in all, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Battle Destiny Remastered is a fun mecha action title with solid visuals, audio, and mechanics. It’s not anything truly special, but it is a treat for Gundam SEED fans. I just wish they’d properly adapted the franchise’s narrative instead of slapping a few plot twists on as an afterthought.- COGconnected
- Posted May 30, 2025
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Time-machine nostalgia and a pixel-perfect retro vibe can only carry Graven so far. Combat, exploration, and level design have to ferry the player to the end. Unfortunately, Graven has enough issues in these areas that its very promising premise isn’t quite fulfilled. Players who grew up with mid-90s shooters will appreciate what Graven has to offer, at least for a while. Ultimately, it might make them appreciate how far we’ve come.- COGconnected
- Posted Jan 24, 2024
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If you liked The Surge and Deck13 in general, then A Walk in the Park is an easy choice. If you couldn’t be bothered to purchase or finish it in the first place, then maybe skip this.- COGconnected
- Posted Dec 19, 2017
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Action Arcade Wrestling successfully achieves its prime purpose of being fun. With a ton of customization options, you can create matches that only existed in your wildest dreams. Although the power-ups and spots may put off purists, the love and admiration for the sport are evident throughout the game.- COGconnected
- Posted Aug 18, 2021
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While it largely follows its predecessors in the endless runner genre, ZIQ makes a rewarding effort to differentiate itself with challenging game mechanics and a bold personality. Difficult and fun, the game could use some more attention on UI to give players targets to aim at and a goal to keep on running to.- COGconnected
- Posted Aug 5, 2018
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All of these games are great in short bursts. It's only over repeated play sessions that they start to falter. To that end, your enjoyment is tied to your playstyle. Will you bust out Nintendo Switch Sports whenever friends drop by or log on? Perfect. You'll get months of use out of this game. But if you lean too hard on these activities all at once, you'll be burnt out in a couple of days. On the other hand, if you've been pining for a return to the glory days of Wii Sports, this game is perfect for you. You can even use the old-school Miis instead of the fancier character templates. Just remember to keep your living room clear of obstacles. All of this swinging around is dangerous, after all.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 27, 2022
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I still commend the studio for its bravery and innovation. Before Your Eyes is unique enough to try out if you are interested. It’s just that although the game is backed by many wonderful talents, it lacked that little “umph” to turn it into something truly memorable.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 7, 2021
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Death end re;Quest 2 was an excellent visual novel with an addicting RPG portion as well. While the sequel does a good job at telling a new story, there are some things newcomers might miss. At the same time, you don’t need to know what happens in the first game in order to excel. Death end re;Quest 2 is perfectly fine as a standalone game and would be even better if they explained the background more. I really liked the game and I appreciate the Nintendo Switch’s portability, but the visuals fell short of spectacular so it only just barely satisfied my RPG cravings.- COGconnected
- Posted Feb 14, 2022
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Broken Pieces is a creative game with a plot containing a variety of puzzles, decent exploration, and questionable combat. Being the only character in the entire game, it can get rather lonely. However, that adds to the overall experience of being, well, all alone. Although this was under the psychological thriller genre, it was neither psychological nor thrilling – but it was unique. It may not be as mind-provoking as expected, but it had an intriguing story and a fairly smart protagonist, even if she was a terrible shot.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 7, 2022
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Spintires: MudRunner is an off-roading simulator with serious potential to be a surprise hit for fans of simulators – particularly the Farming Simulator series. It creates a sense of purpose and duty in the job you set out to complete, and you desperately want to complete the task at hand, however, the almost complete lack of instructions on advanced yet core mechanics of the game will definitely be a point of frustration for gamers who have not previously played Spintires. For everything this game gets right – the attention to detail, the physics engine, and the freedom before you – it means very little if you can’t complete a single delivery.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 1, 2017
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I liked Super Lucky's Tale for its cute charm and textbook platforming, I just wished I would have been more challenged throughout the adventure. The lack of difficulty really pulled me out of the adventure, as it's hard to stay engaged when I know nothing is really going to test me.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 3, 2017
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Skies of Fury DX is a really solid aerial combat game. The games story mode is extremely lengthy, but unfortunately, it’s artificially filled with the same missions over and over. There’s no distinct difference between German and British campaigns, yet you’re forced to play through both to progress.- COGconnected
- Posted May 10, 2018
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An improvement over The Dark Below DLC, but it could have been so much more.- COGconnected
- Posted May 26, 2015
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I’ll give Painkiller props for its imaginative weapons, sharp visuals, and visceral combat. It’s a hollow and transitory experience for solo players offline, and you can see what Painkiller has to offer in very short order. As a co-op game, it fares better. Still, I can’t imagine Painkiller becoming any shooter fan’s obsession. The nuts and bolts of what could be an impressive game are there, but in its present form, there’s simply too much repetition and too few surprises.- COGconnected
- Posted Oct 24, 2025
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Though other Monster Truck titles in the past have gone bigger with the theatrics familiar to motorsport fans, Monster Truck Championship simulates the experience very well. Considering the polish of this title, I can see it getting the sequel treatment in due time. I would recommend this motorsport game to anyone who likes monster trucks and/or Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. While I’m excited to see the return of live motorsport events. Monster Truck Championship does a great job of putting me in the driver’s seat until then.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 10, 2021
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Gorn 2 offers substantially more gameplay than the original Gorn. The arenas, enemies, and environments offer enhanced opportunities for creative mayhem. The first game’s way-over-the-top stylized violence and gore transfer intact, along with its goofy sense of satire. If Gorn 2 was a non-VR first-person action game, it would work pretty well. As a VR title, the consistently inconsistent hitboxes and bugs undermine the potentially cathartic combat. Six years out from the first game, players should probably expect a more refined and polished experience.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 18, 2025
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Need for Speed is not a horrible game, but it is definitely not the amazing ‘reboot’ experience I was looking for. Its biggest detractors are the repetitive gameplay, the graphics engine hanging up or stalling at some very inopportune times, and the ‘less than robust’ online modes.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 3, 2015
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It’s short, fun and capable of inducing the occasional rage quit.- COGconnected
- Posted Jan 29, 2017
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A movie based game that isn’t half bad. Sure, it’s not as long as one may hope for as it’s over sooner than later, but it stays pretty true to its source material, which is refreshing.- COGconnected
- Posted Jan 14, 2016
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The simplicity that Camelot instills to make the game that much more accessible seems to take away from the what has made Mario Sports games so good in the past.- COGconnected
- Posted Jun 13, 2012
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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.- COGconnected
- Posted Dec 28, 2012
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South Park: Snow Day by no means lives up to its predecessors. Still, it manages to be worthwhile for those invested in the franchise. After all, it’ll only set you back thirty bucks. Just be aware it’s not a game that will hold your attention for hours on end. Fans of the turn-based combat found in previous titles may find it jarring that Snow Day flips that formula on its head in favor of an action-oriented gameplay loop. It’s also disappointing that said action ends up being as shallow as a kiddie pool. Yet, I still enjoyed my time with these characters, even if it was over in the blink of an eye.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 25, 2024
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The Inner World is an intriguing point-and-click adventure with the gameplay you would expect from the genre. The strength of the game relies heavily on its off-kilter dialogue and story, despite some minor issues with controls and lengthy, tedious dialogue at times. Furthermore, the art of The Inner World is charming despite a relative lack of polish, but the saving grace is perhaps the memorable cast of characters that inhabit this inner world. While not perfect, The Inner World is a charming, memorable experience with unique puzzles and a strong narrative.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 22, 2017
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At the end of the day, folks looking for something more to do with their collection of amiibos, or who want a new multiplayer game to sit down with their friends, should definitely consider this one. What I can’t recommend though is expecting too much out of it from a single player standpoint.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 18, 2015
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The Gunk is a competent product, but it feels very risk-adverse and derivative. You’ve seen and played elements of this game before. It can be fun for a while, but you soon realize that The Gunk has a limited vocabulary and spends too much of its time amicably repeating itself. Instead of being the foundation for something grander, The Gunk is satisfied to make its exploration and simple mechanics the entire game. As a Game Pass product, however, it’s not hard to cautiously recommend The Gunk as a pleasant enough diversion.- COGconnected
- Posted Jan 3, 2022
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Wolfenstein Youngblood looks great and has solid shooting mechanics, but misses the mark when it comes to the things that have become Wolfenstein’s greatest strengths. Without the wacky hijinx and startlingly engaging story of The New Colossus, Youngblood is a good co-op shooter that will struggle to stand out from the crowd. Strange design choices and repetitive quests try to bring it down further, but delicious good looks and flexible progression systems could make it attractive to the right suitor. And hey, killing Nazis never goes out of style.- COGconnected
- Posted Jul 25, 2019
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Should you play The Witcher 3? Absolutely. It’s one of a handful of games from the past decade that you simply can’t miss. Should you play The Witcher 3 on the Switch? Honestly, probably not.- COGconnected
- Posted Oct 28, 2019
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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.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 10, 2025
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Bus Simulator 21 turned out to be a lot better than I was anticipating. It has a ton of the typical shortcomings you see in simulator-type games, but it also gets a lot right. The maps are large, pretty, and varied. Busses handle well and feel weighty when making corners. And the multiplayer is genuinely fantastic. If other sims take note of what Bus Simulator 21 is doing in regards to cooperative modes, this might be a genre I start to pay much more mind to.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 16, 2021
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It certainly isn’t awful, but what strengths it does have only really appeal to the Kirby faithful, or less serious gamers.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 1, 2015
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- Posted Nov 29, 2013
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The creators have a developed a unique world for this game, the variety of Vivosaurs and ability to customize everything allows for some personality and replay value, and overall the game is fairly enjoyable. On a more personal note, it kept me coming back to see what other fossils I could find, so that counts for something too.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 26, 2015
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As unique and entertaining as this game is, I felt too much of it was left to sadism and luck. The difficulty level is high, not because the strategizing part was hard to do but because Tharsis seems to insult you when you’re doing too well. While I must commend the overall gameplay to be novel and actually enjoyable, the chances of you winning, even with good odds, is very slim. But on the missions where events don’t feel randomly generated to kill you, that’s when the appeal of Tharsis comes to life. It’s a great concept for a turn-based strategy game but be prepared for its unforgiving nature because you’re definitely going to die more than you survive.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 23, 2020
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Lust From Beyond is not going to be for everyone, and fortunately, the game has two, free prequels you can play, both of which are completely unique stories, yet intertwined to the overall Lust story. These prequels will give players a proper look and feel for what Lust From Beyond has to offer, so if you enjoy them, you’ll definitely enjoy Lust From Beyond. While there were some frustrating bits throughout Lust From Beyond, I genuinely want to see the franchise continue.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 16, 2021
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Though there is some fun to be had, the game lacks the refinement Nintendo is typically known for and the result of such is a game that can vary from enjoyable to mediocre at varying times.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 2, 2013
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Monster Prom’s charm stems from its thematic elements. Fantastic interactions, its satirical narrative, and the monster theme offer a unique spin, even if it doesn’t deviate all that much from known formulas. But, it does bring a little more to the table, a party for daters who are in it more for the ride than the destination.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 27, 2018
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I was pleasantly surprised by Drug Dealer Simulator. What I thought was going to be a joke of a game turned out to be something I had a lot of fun with. The game desperately needs to be patched, as even taking a two-minute scroll through the DDS Subreddit will show just how many issues people are having, and a fleshed-out tutorial and endgame need to be added for the package to truly shine. But, give it a chance, and you could find yourself addicted.- COGconnected
- Posted May 18, 2020
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It’s decidedly more realistic take on the sport of MXGP may not endear fans looking for a more over the top MX vs ATV like experience but fans of the sport of motocross should enjoy this.- COGconnected
- Posted Dec 17, 2014
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Those who are fans of space combat games (e.g. Homeworld, Wing Commander or X-Wing) can do no harm by checking out this game on the Xbox One, and those who haven't delved into the world of space combat to date should take a close look at this title too, as there is some fun to be had.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 12, 2014
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Overwatch on Nintendo Switch is a prime example of a fantastic game marred by a sub-par port. The core experience remains compelling and the new portability and motion controls are nice additions, but the trade-offs are just too significant. The dramatic drop in frame rate and overall performance make it hard to recommend this port if you own the game on any other platform. However, if you travel often and need that Overwatch fix wherever you go, you’ll at least have a better experience there than on your TV at home.- COGconnected
- Posted Oct 22, 2019
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Biomutant on the Switch is a decent port of a decent game. There is a new learning curve with Nintendo Switch controls, especially in handheld mode, and the graphics are not much to write home about. The difference is really noticeable especially if you’re coming from PC. However, Biomutant performs and still offers a good time for those that loved it the first go around.- COGconnected
- Posted May 13, 2024
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While the idea of Fight Crab was novel and hilarious, it, unfortunately, fell a tad short because of its average execution. There were a lot of redeeming qualities to the game though, so it was still time well spent. Brawlers can be repetitive by nature, but it was a slow grind to get to where you wanted to be and this made it hard to play for a long time. Even though the controls were slow, I’ll admit it was fun to button mash and I am sure this would be a hit in a household with children and those who want to experience the novelty of this game.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 14, 2020
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The game isn’t terrible, though, it looks great and it still manages to be fun in short bursts and with other people locally. There’s something inherently satisfying about seeing your friends visibly devastated when their dreams of an architecture career come crashing down in front of their eyes. But that only lasts for a short time because Tricky Towers doesn’t have enough content to warrant the $16.99 (!!!) price tag.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 28, 2016
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Touhou: New World was indeed a new experience of the franchise for me. Having played games in all the genres it touches on, this game provided an interesting new experience for me. The game started a bit slow due to its low difficulty. It eventually started to catch on and provide a more enjoyable challenge. Despite this, the overall inconsistency with the game in various aspects does detract from the overall experience at times. If the game interests you in the slightest, I would recommend giving Touhou: New World a try.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 13, 2023
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Overall, Scars Above just can’t rise above its AA roots. This translates to some cut-rate animations, character models, and environments. The game’s primary weapon is good enough, as is the story and combat. But just being adequate is a tough sell. It’s hard to imagine Scars Above moving to the front of the Soulslike line.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 3, 2023
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All in all, if you don’t enjoy wandering through randomly generated dungeons and frantically managing items, Touhou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT- might not be for you. But if you already like dungeoncrawlers and know about Touhou Project, you might have fun. Let’s just hope the devs continue fleshing out the experience post-launch.- COGconnected
- Posted May 23, 2024
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Cornerstone: The Song of Tyrim is very fresh and has the nostalgic essence of some of the best platformers from the 90’s. This game is a great way to introduce a new generation of gamer to the classic platformer style, but the lack of voice acting and frequent bugs make this a game better suited for the casual gamer.- COGconnected
- Posted Apr 23, 2016
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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.- COGconnected
- Posted Feb 6, 2019
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Gameplay should be a delight, not an obligation. As a game, The Mooseman falters, but its atmosphere, tone, and storytelling all take huge strides to make up for the lacklustre gameplay. All-in-all, it’s certainly not bad, and I don’t feel guilty recommending it.- COGconnected
- Posted Jul 20, 2018
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If you’ve got an ear for French house music and an eye for Salvador Dali, this game will be a sumptuous feast. The soundtrack and the scenery weave together to create an experience greater than either separate element could offer. What you see and hear has the power to pull you in, to get you hooked almost immediately. But be warned: this game is crazy short.- COGconnected
- Posted Sep 19, 2017
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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.- COGconnected
- Posted Nov 7, 2022
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Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is a technical improvement over Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. It still has some problems that should have been flagged during quality assurance testing. The cursor should just be dropped from all sections that aren’t point-and-click. But the narrative is fantastic, and the “Choose Your Own Adventure” chapter structure makes the experience feel more like a game, and less like a novel. The stylistic visuals mask Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse’s low budget, and the music is constantly phenomenal. I’m not sure if the first game has been patched, but Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is enough of an improvement that I might give it another try.- COGconnected
- Posted Feb 17, 2026
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Its layout and interface is seamless to get accustomed to and is fairly enjoyable for some on-the-go action. However, aspects like the intricate details the Samurai Warriors titles are known for can’t fully be appreciated on the 3DS due to its hardware capabilities.- COGconnected
- Posted Jul 5, 2015
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The Little Acre is a loveable game, with beautiful visuals and strong character and voice acting. It should be on the radar for anyone that enjoys classic point-and-click adventure games in the vein of King’s Quest or the more recent Broken Age, but should also come with the warning that this is more of a short story ripe with potential for further storytelling.- COGconnected
- Posted Dec 13, 2016
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Despite a lack of imagination in its story and setting, Redemption Reapers is not without appeal. Strong production values, excellent music, and solid core combat mechanics promise an engaging experience. Its stabs at originality are both appreciated and a mixed success. Better balance, less oppressive mechanics, and shorter, streamlined missions could make Redemption Reapers an attractive choice for fans of tactical RPGs.- COGconnected
- Posted Mar 2, 2023
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