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
    • 72 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    There are other modern updates, I’m sure. It runs fine on my PC, and though I have seen reports of bugs and glitches, I didn’t encounter anything egregious. But there’s still a question of why. Why remake these games? Why put a fresh coat of paint on this weird little action shooter that is not so fondly remembered? I’m sure there are compelling business reasons, but nothing that makes sense to me as a gamer. Mafia II is an imperfect fix to a game that was already pretty flawed. Now it’s just as flawed, but in a way that can be appreciated by modern audiences.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    SiNG Party serves its purpose as a functional, no frills karaoke game, that could be fun with a large group of people. That being said, without any online features, and only a few game modes that are tiresome and confusing at times, the fun fades fast, and there really is not any lasting appeal.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Scar-Lead Salvation is a roguelike third-person shooter that ultimately misses the mark. While mechanically competent, it lacks the ambition needed to elevate the experience. Its roguelike elements are too basic, causing each run to blur into the next with little variation. There are flashes of creativity, but they’re not enough to sustain momentum. In the end, the game fails to deliver that essential, just one more run thrill that defines the genre.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    n many ways, HYPERGUN is like an unfinished house. It is held up by a solid foundation and looks good from the outside, but once you step inside you realize so much of what makes it function is still missing. The 80s neon aesthetic and soundtrack are great, and the fast-paced gunplay has an almost doom-like feel to it, which adds to the frantic energy. Nevertheless, that doesn’t excuse the numerous balancing issues.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    With simple controls but somewhat awkward combat, it has a lot going for it, however, Airheart lacks an explanation of crafting and the stakes for returning home are far too high, making it too great of a punishment to be enjoyable.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Sacred Citadel is a throwback to the glory days of arcades and side scrolling brawlers, but sadly doesn’t really capture the magic of genre classics. It’s technically competent, but suffers from repetition and a general lack of diversity and uniqueness.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    AWAY: The Survival Series is an audacious game that fails to deliver on its excellent premise. Although clearly built with love and passion, the number of bugs and flawed mechanics make this a frustrating and arduous trek through the wild.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Overall I found that the game just seems to lack some personality. Old school fans of the original may enjoy Carrier Command: Gaea Mission for the PC but for the price, the rest of us may just want to pass.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Fans of the bullet hell genre may want to skip on this title and players wanting to get into this franchise may want to look elsewhere as this is not a good starting point for newcomers.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    It is ironic that a game with a truly unique game playing mechanic was deposited into such a generic game, and called Detached. That’s what the end result feels like.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a visual novel with a compelling plot, and are able to ignore lots of terrible dialogue, then AI: The Somnium Files is a no-brainer recommendation. But for anyone else, this is a tough recommendation because it almost feels like the game is doing everything it can to stall the player from experiencing said compelling plot. The gameplay is solid, but be prepared to play something more like a visual novel than an “adventure game”, which is how AI: The Somnium Files is being advertised.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    This is a step in the right direction, unfortunately, that still leaves things average at best.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Overall, Rain of Reflections is well-made from a graphical and gameplay standpoint, although neither elements excite me on their own. The story concept is interesting enough to give the game a look, and it might be worth buying if the second and third chapters, which do not follow Wilona, serve more satisfying conclusions to the story. Right now, I can’t fully recommend this game as it stands, unless you’re really into hacking mini-games.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    1348 Ex Voto joins games like A Plague’s Tale and Kingdom Come: Deliverance in giving players a slice of medieval life. Unlike those titles, 1348 Ex Voto is a short time commitment with a relatively simple story and unique character dynamics. If the world weren’t quite so barren and the combat were less frustrating, 1348 Ex Voto’s attractive environments could be the foundation for a special little game.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Silent Hope has an interesting and fun idea, playing into the silent protagonist trope. Overall, the concept is bogged by shallow gameplay execution and enemies that feel janky and unrefined. It does however thrive in it’s endearing design. Though it might be a little more enjoyable if you’re here solely here for quick dungeon runs, but even that aspect falls a bit short.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    It pains me to speak ill of a series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed in the past, but Just Cause 4 is a disappointing extension that needs to aim a lot higher and is, frankly, kind of boring. In the climate of exceptional games that have preceded it this year, it simply does not hold up.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Trulon: The Shadow Engine is an impressively mediocre game. Not good enough to really encourage you to pick up at its current price point, but enough to say “maybe if it goes on sale”. The game isn’t bad, it’s just not as good as it could be. Maybe one day we’ll see a sequel with several improvements.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    I’m not sure if more time in the oven is the answer to The Waylanders’ problems, but it couldn’t hurt. I really liked the setting and core story, but I’m afraid that the game’s bland combat and awkward controls are baked in by now. It has character, charm and style to spare but swings and misses in the execution. The Waylanders is a collection of really good ideas, almost none of which are allowed to shine without compromise.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS-Force has a lot for long-time Gundam fans to enjoy, but little to offer for newcomers. The action is too cumbersome for those just looking for a fun beat ’em up, but the amount of fan-service included is enough to make this a good time for those who enjoy the anime. Hopefully this will lead to some of the better Gundam games coming stateside, but as of now this is what fans will have to settle for.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    If you’re itching to bounce around and solve puzzles, you could do worse than Shiftlings – just don’t expect a mind altering experience.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    For hardcore genre fans Raiden V might be worth a look, but there’s a pretty thin amount of content on tap here, especially considering the price.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    The 25th Ward: The Silver Case has all the makings of a classic, stylish Suda51 game that unfortunately is flat for Western audiences. While visual novels can be fantastic experiences, this one doesn’t hit the mark for being a novel or a video game. With unimaginative text and no audible dialogue, a game like this ought to rely on striking visuals to keep the player interested. Instead, we are treated to still images that change every few minutes and the occasional puzzle or mini-game to try and keep our attention.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Unfortunately LEGO Friends doesn’t have any extravagant features that make it stand out among other dress-up like games. Add to this that although LEGO is supposedly a main part of the game, it barely utilizes the brand power and you almost forget it’s a LEGO game.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Overall, this was a solid effort that felt quite polished. Unfortunately, it’s missing the most important thing in video games—fun. Perhaps some updates could fix this, but it would take a creative overhaul to do so.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    If you like puzzle or adventure games, Whispering Willows won’t have anything new to offer you. Its lack of critical thinking puzzles, basic mechanics, and inability get you invested in the story from the beginning make it a game hard to recommend.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Crash Drive 3 is a fun idea that is enjoyable in short bursts. Unfortunately, in longer sessions, an array of issues are glaringly obvious. The slippy driving mechanics, repetitive missions and bland visuals make this an uninspiring release. With almost no reason to play solo, the game’s reliance on a community could mean that the game crashes before it hits the highway. Due to this, I would hit the brakes before picking up this racer.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    There’s not much replay value here, and the production value won’t wow you, but it’s a passable VR experience that is held up by its main attraction.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    Bullet Witch has some promise and some really great ideas behind it, however, the execution itself is incredibly sub par.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    Tennis World Tour 2 lacks focus and due to this, the game lingers in mediocrity. With inconsistent AI, a harsh timing mechanic paired with a stat-boosting card system, the game will turn away both hardcore and casual fans. Unfortunately, this is a double fault for the Tennis World Tour franchise.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    Uncanny Valley has strong presentation and an interesting story to tell but it’s held back by bad execution and cumbersome controls.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    Once in a while, Safe House successfully pulls me into the allure of mindless task managing, but the gameplay drags down the strong elements of the story through its repetition, and despite the multiple endings, its replay value is low. Safe House delivers enough of a good time but never quite follows through with its promises, falling short of something that I’d recommend to friends.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    The PC port just isn’t able to capture everything that made the original special, even if the core game is still intact. Little King’s Story feels more like a quick pick-up and put-down instead of a polished and complete product.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    Music notwithstanding, Riskers lacks the character of its peers. There’s a big city in which I can steal cars and shoot bystanders, but there’s not much else. The narrative may have helped the game standout, but there’s not enough there to have an impact.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    I wanted to love Doctor Who: The Edge of Time, but I was left feeling let down. The periodic injection of obligatory “cheeky quips” from the disembodied voice of Whittaker’s Doctor just felt like another superficial distraction from the fact that, at its core, this is just an ok VR puzzler that wastes its legendary source material. If you’ve always wanted to take the TARDIS for a spin, by all means check it out — but beyond that, temper your expectations.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    I’d still recommend this game if good world-building, easter-egg hunting and puzzles are what you are looking for in survival horror titles because those elements are fantastic. But beware, as clunky mechanics and repetitive design definitely drag things down, Still, Daymare 1998 is an ambitious first game from the young Invader Studios that showcases their immense potential, and I wish them nothing but the best for what’s to come.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    As the first in an episodic series, Dead Synchronicity ends quite abruptly, which is very disappointing after putting the time into the story.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    I was ecstatic to see Enclave HD coming back. I have such fond memories of playing it twenty years ago, and I knew I was going into it with rose-tinted glasses; the characters, the levels, the gear, everything. We didn’t need Enclave HD to be a full-blown remaster, but with a little more love it could be something truly great. An homage to classic fantasy and adventure games. I enjoyed my time playing Enclave only because I already knew the game. I don’t feel like enough improvements have been made to hold a modern audience, regardless of how fun it used to be.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    There are the foundations of a fun game here. But the balance is off, and the game isn’t fun for long. What you are left with is yawning while your fake, dehumanizing enterprise runs itself without you.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    Despite its moderate size I explored everything Feather had to offer within about 20 minutes and if anything I felt more like taking a nap than being calm. On a technical level, the game is solid, but from a standpoint of having fun? This bird could have used a little more time to roost.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    The gameplay is fun for a time, but once you see what Curious Expedition 2 has to offer, you will start to look beneath the surface. If you do that and you still like what you see, maybe you’ll have a new indie favorite. Or maybe you’ll find that your curiosity is quickly sated, and you’ll move on to the next thing.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    With how much of the game is centered around combat, I expected it to have more impact but found a lot of my hits not registering and when the hits do land, it doesn’t feel as fluid as it should. It plays more like a PS2 title than a current-gen experience. Much of the game takes place in hollow arenas or narrow corridors and running through the empty rooms gets repetitive. As a fan of anime, I can appreciate the storyline and the art panels that fall page by page during certain segments but as a gamer, I see a lot of flaws in the overall experience.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    If you can look past all of the issues plaguing Arkham Horror: Mother’s Embrace, there are certainly worse games to spend a weekend with. Especially if you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror, but steer clear of it if you’re somebody that asks of your 2021 gaming experiences to at least feel like you’re playing something made in the past fifteen years. Granted, I’ll be curious to see if this receives a sequel, as I do believe this series could become a sleeper hit. Stay tuned.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity fell flat. With repetitive combat and a lackluster story line, Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity didn’t deliver the experience I was hoping for. There are moments of pure joy and the game finishes much stronger than it starts, yet at the end of the day this is a game best left for hardcore fans of the franchise.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    Shiny is an average platforming title that despite its various issues, can result in a fair bit of fun.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    So I turned off my Switch and booted up my PC. I started a new game of Battle Brothers on that. And you know what? It’s as good as it ever was. A truly superlative strategy game made better with mods. I could not recommend Battle Brothers enough, but do yourself a favor and avoid the Nintendo Switch version. You’ll avoid one tragic end to meet a much more satisfactory one.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    Ultimately, WRC Powerslide is the perfect example of an average game and it’s hard to recommend when there are better arcade racers on the market.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Lightfield is a solid futuristic racer that definitely has some cool aspects to it. Lots of color, electronic music, and solid racing will pull you in for a time but the experience lacks depth and, for a $19.99US price tag, the variety could be greater. If you are really a fan of the genre, give Lightfield a try, but otherwise, stick to classics like WipeOut HD.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Listen, aside from having to deal with hardware limitations, The Hong Kong Massacre on the Switch is plenty serviceable. If you’re a fan of the bang-your-head-against-the-wall experience that these games offer, look no further. But I can’t recommend this on the Switch over any other system. And then, at that point, you might as well play something better. If ever a game garnered the title of mediocre, The Hong Kong Massacre is it.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    How We Soar feels like a mixed bag. It’s a visual treat and features a great soundtrack, but the monotonous gameplay and boring objectives hold the game back.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    I was expecting to like The Signifier VR more than I did. On paper, it’s got a really cool premise that seemed to offer similarities to Heavy Rain or even the best aspects of Cyberpunk 2077. But the move to VR doesn’t seem to have added much other than slightly downgraded visuals. If you enjoy walking simulators and point and click adventures, then this might be your jam. But otherwise, wait for The Signifier VR to go on sale.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    While the audience that Anarchy Reigns is trying to reach is surely a broad one, the number of gamers who will actually latch on to and continue to play the game is surely a small one. High skill and extreme patience are two qualities needed to succeed here.
    • 36 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of Monster Jam or have younger gamers who enjoy simple racing games than this might be a worth-while purchase. However, if you’re a gamer looking for a deep racing simulation style game, or even a really good arcade style racing game, you’ll find better options elsewhere.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut is a game I really wanted to like, but ultimately just made me wish I was playing Diablo or Torchlight instead. At it’s core, it’s technically sound, but the handful of interesting mechanics are lost in a sea of terrible ones, and does an injustice to the titular vampire-hunting doctor.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Ultimate Tekken Bowl is exactly what the name suggests: Tekken 7 characters bowling with nothing more. It is the basic of basics that doesn’t offer anything new or exciting to set it apart from the likes of other bowling games. Even if you’re a fan of the Tekken 7 cast, you’ll be rather disappointed that all the animations, greetings, and ending animations are copy and pasted right into the Ultimate Tekken Bowl giving the feeling that it’s a cheap regurgitation of the main game, just in a bowling setting.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Witching Tower has an interesting setup, but sadly misses the opportunity to expand its story and magical world. The focus here is on action and puzzle-solving, but neither of work well enough to carry the entire experience. Clocking in at a length of two hours, even that felt too long, as it’s clear the game runs out of steam. With an extra coat of polish and more time in development, Witching Tower might have shaped into a unique title. But as it stands, this is a dungeon crawler you can afford to miss.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Hover: Revolt of Gamers is definitely not a game that I enjoyed at all. It was boring, uninspired and often times way too frustrating. With that said, I could see it being a game that could potentially appeal to others. I felt the multiplayer aspect didn’t add anything special to the game, the visuals were bland and the music was awful (the music will definitely have an audience that loves it – it’s just not something I enjoy listening to). The missions were way too repetitive and usually varied between boring and frustrating with very few hitting that sweet spot where I was having fun.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    It’s a very contradictory product that grossed me out as much as I was impressed. It’s a strange game that I recommend dabbling around in, but one that also ends up being its own worst enemy.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    There are people who will enjoy the dedication to making Way of the Hunter an ultra-realistic hunting simulation. Though I fear those people will instead be spending their days actually hunting. If you play video games to get some immersive feel and still have fun doing that thing you wouldn’t normally do in real life, you might not be as appreciative of the dedication to realism. While I fell into the latter camp, I know there are certainly people in the former camp. You’ll have to decide for yourself if Way of the Hunter is for you.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    It’s so unfortunate that the digital version of this game was released in such an unfinished state because at its core, there is a lot of promise. I absolutely can’t recommend anyone to buy Blood Rage: Digital Edition in its current state. However, I know what I’m going to be getting the next time I’m out hunting for board games.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    In conclusion, Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is only for Monster Rancher and Ultraman fans. If you’re not familiar with both, a lot of the humor will mean nothing. Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a better starting point for the Monster Rancher series, despite the added online combat in Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher. But the other reason that I have a hard time recommending Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is that it’s almost a full-priced game. This is a shallow, repetitive game, and one that I’d imagine 95% of people who play it will only spend a small amount of time with. I would have an easier time suggesting the curious check it out if it was budget-priced. But as it stands, Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is only for people who want more Monster Rancher, or love 60s Ultraman.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten is a below-average JRPG in almost every category. But, it has a fantastic Grandia-inspired action ring combat system that fans of turn-based JRPGs should experience. The story is good, despite its poor presentation. I would recommend Monochrome Mobius to fans of turn-based JRPGs, who are starved for more games in the genre. But there are a lot of excellent JRPGs getting released right now, and the combat won’t be enough for casual fans to prioritize it over other genre offerings.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    The thing is, when the gameplay only consists of repeated, evenly-timed button presses, the game quickly grows old, even with as many game modes as Clock Simulator. As a result, I found myself bored after about thirty minutes. I will say, though, that the game did remarkably well to hold my attention for thirty minutes with only the single gameplay element. Unfortunately, once my interest waned, it never returned. However, the game is cheap, and I’d say it’s worth the buy if you’re looking for a silly way to kill half an hour, especially with friends.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Ultimately, great controls and some occasional laughs aren’t enough to stop Loadout from being an average game and one that doesn’t deserve your time. However, it does have one positive effect and that is, it makes you want to play UT2K4 again and that my friends, is never a bad thing.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    At its core, Warfighter is hurt by its significant technical issues and its cobweb-covered, stale design choices. Warfighter isn't a terrible game, but it really isn't worth your time when other titles do everything it tries to do so much better.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    The epitome of “shut your brain off and shoot” gaming. In fact you might as well take your brain right out of your head and throw it down a set of stairs because nothing here will test your intelligence.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Koi
    Koi’s simplistic approach is ultimately its downfall. The game offers little to no challenge, is fairly shallow and is way too short even by today’s standards. It feels like so much more could have been done with this game.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a quick distraction with fast rounds and short game times, Ancient Amulator is worth a pickup. If you’re looking for a different kind of game that takes use of virtual reality in a compelling way, then defending towers isn’t going to cut it. Ancient Amuletor feels like just another VR game in a landscape that hasn’t been delivering on its promise and potential since the release of Sony’s headset.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    This remaster has been the sort of letdown that’s made me reconsider if anything from my childhood was as good as I remember. Atrocious character models, excessively repetitive missions, framerate drops, pop-in issues, and an overbearing sense of monotony and boredom cursed my time with Destroy All Humans. You did it, Crypto. You destroyed this human.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Hidden Agenda is a pleasant narrative with some interesting ideas that don’t exactly pan out. It falls short of the high mark set by Until Dawn, but give points to Supermassive for trying something new instead of pumping out a clone of their last game. That said, I wanted another Until Dawn. In a densely packed genre, there are plenty of titles players should look into before considering Hidden Agenda.
    • 29 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Code Violet falls short of its inspirations. Although the concise adventure has some strong moments, with some great interior environments, it fails to create menacing enemies that evoke fear in the player. Bugs hinder the experience, often leading to clumsy moments that break the immersion. Unfortunately, fans of Dino Crisis will have to keep waiting for that spiritual successor they’ve been hoping for.
    • 42 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Totally Reliable Delivery Service has great music full of funky basslines and bumping beats, a cute and comical art style, and a lot of customization items to apply to your character and rides, but sadly the cooperative gameplay is nothing to write home about, and neither is the rest of the gameplay. I found that the combination of frustration mixed with the repetitive gameplay was not my cup of tea, and quite often, it felt like pulling teeth trying to get through it. It’s the fundamental premise of the game to struggle, but putting in a dozen attempts just to throw a package on to the bed of a truck simply doesn’t feel rewarding when you’re working towards the same goal over and over again.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    If you were a fan of the first and didn’t get bored of the repetitive zombie slaying you might enjoy your stay on Palanai, but I’m willing to put money on most players giving up after only a few hours into the game.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Once this game actually runs how its supposed to, New Gundam Breaker could be a pretty decent time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    3on3 FreeStyle isn’t a bad game. The game is simple, accessible, and has great visuals. It can be fun playing multiplayer, assuming you get paired up with some decent players and not players that want to hog all the glory. The free-to-play, pay-to-win structure really holds this game back from becoming a really great game. Gamers with boatloads of cash can substantially improve their characters for an unfair advantage, while the rest of us need to grind the hard way. This game has a lot of potential, but the current pay model makes it hard to recommend.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    I loved Discolored going in and left with a sense of impotence and frustration. I think this game has great potential, and honestly, maybe others won’t have the difficulties I did. I can only review the game as it played for me, which was a beautiful and frustrating foray into an exploration of color. I hope to return to it and finish it, but unfortunately, right now I can’t recommend it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    City Hunter isn’t a particularly strong game. While its gorgeous opening presentation immediately grabs attention and builds excitement, the gameplay quickly becomes a series of bland, maze-like 2D shooting levels. There was great attention to detail in remastering City Hunter, and this port is obviously the best way to play it. It’s just a shame that there’s not a lot to the original City Hunter game. Regardless, I really hope that City Hunter is the beginning of many more PC Engine ports in the future.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    It can be a fun diversion but lacks that “just one more level” sense of attraction.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    There’s probably an audience for Payday 3, as there was for the previous game. A jank-tolerant group of friends might have fun killing some time and causing mayhem. They’d have to have a pretty low bar for shooter mechanics, graphics, and story, though. Apart from that. there’s really no reason to spend money or time with Payday 3.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    If you love arcade-style shooters and long to see what they’re like in VR, saddle up your hobby-horse and by all means check out this cute and charming offering; but otherwise, you’ll find that the less-than-perfect mechanics and simplistic gameplay don’t quite hit the Bull’s Eye.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Curved Space is described as arcade-style anyways, so I don’t understand why the devs thought the story was needed at all. If they focused on polishing a mode that players can have some mindless fun, Curved Space could be leaps and bounds better. There’s a reason why rogue-lites have been finding so much success in the indie sphere: gameplay-first designs that just feel nice to play.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    In between some of the most frustrating moments I’ve had with any sort of game in quite some time, PGA Tour 2K21 flashed with hopeful, brilliant optimism. As long as it worked, hitting the links and knocking down a few holes felt as good as it ever has. And the course creator is one of the best things I’ve seen come to a sports game in a long time. But it’s hard to recommend something that chewed up and spit out nearly a day of my life, leaving me with nothing to show for it. Either way, it’s without question that the newly invigorated, and now former, Golf Club series is sitting at the base of a mountain made from potential. Though, it may be a hell of a climb getting to the peak.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    I’ve never been so bored with a shooter before.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Unfortunately the repetitiveness and dragging narrative holds it down from being much more than a mediocre title at best. The story and acting holds up, even if it’s monotonous to plod through, so when you inevitably find this in your local bargain bin it’s still worth a play through.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    If you’re a big VR horror or Lovecraft fan and this game has caught your eye, it’s best to proceed with caution for now. Follow the developers on Discord and keep an eye on player feedback. If sentiment starts to trend more positive, that’s the time to jump in. For Dread Meridian, the most terrifying thing attached to the experience right now may be its negative first impression.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    For $19.99 there are just far better options available on the PlayStation Network. The lack of modes, special features, and other frustrating aspects of game really pulled the experience down a few notches for me.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Bleak Faith Forsaken’s screenshots are impressive. The game’s art direction and atmosphere suggest an oppressive future world, but Bleak Faith Forsaken is all window dressing. Behind the façade, a seriously unpolished Soulslike filled with broken dreams awaits.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Unless you’re really looking for that blast from the past, stay away from Pixel Heroes on console. It offers all of the classic RPG tropes, but all of the problems that came with retro games so long ago as well.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Gears Tactics tries some new things, but ultimately results in a game that’s less tactics oriented than the name suggests. It’s a competent experience, but completely whiffs on character with a lackluster story and every tool is a hammer class design. Add in repetitive mission structure and Gears Tactics is a far sight less replayable than the giants of the genre.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Even in light of its technical glitches, predictable narrative and total personality flatline, The Technomancer isn’t necessarily a bad game, it just isn’t a good one.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    It is certainly a pretty game. The minimalist polygon planes are very evocative, the sound design is lovely, and the abundant bloom lighting creates a mood. There’s sort of a goal (get to the next triangle) and when you achieve it, the art style shifts. But I didn’t really find it relaxing, I found it boring. And I never got over feeling perplexed.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    It truly suffers from a lack of personality.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    In summary, you’ll know if Ancestors is up your alley pretty quick. And kudos to you, I genuinely hope you enjoy it, so they can make more games that are this out there. It’s something the industry absolutely needs even if they’re not ready for me yet. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on it and who knows? I may come back later when it’s had time to sit with the general population only to really discover its wonders. But for now, my dear reader, I’d rather forget about my ancestors lost to time and play a game like Ape Out instead.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    All in all, Siege of Centauri felt dull after only a few hours of play. The game isn’t bad in any way, it just doesn’t provide anything interesting to the people who’ve already poured hundreds of hours in the genre. The competition is also stacked with plenty of tower defence games available for free online or on your phone. Lacking a defining feature also makes it hard for me to recommend it to anyone specific, and there is also no online functionality outside of user-created maps and leaderboards. There was not a single risk taken and I didn’t feel a hint of passion in Siege of Centauri. If there ever was a game that felt phoned-in, this is it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    GORN is a limited gameplaying experience. There is an undeniable visceral thrill in beating your opponents to a pulp, but it’s a thrill that doesn’t last long. There’s also no denying that sometimes you just want to play a game that is mindless fun. GORN certainly fills such a need. It’s just a shame that this port doesn’t elevate the original game in any way.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    VR Broom Racing constantly gets in its own way, and the game is somehow right to do so. If you’re looking for a well-designed magical racing game, Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing is just what you’re looking for. I’m just not sure you’ll enjoy it.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    The upside is that, although the game feels underdeveloped, what it has is a great base to build upon, and the devs have promised ongoing support for the game. I found the art charming and expressive, and the unique characters are brimming with great stories just waiting to be told. The voice acting makes the battles feel alive with commands being shouted in Polish and German, backed up by great sound effects. Finally, there are many strategic gameplay bits that differ from its predecessor that I can see being developed into a full feature to help WARSAW really stand apart. With all that being said, I can’t recommend WARSAW to you in the current state. I’d give it a few months wait before checking it out again.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to like about McDROID, but sadly playing it on consoles is just not the way to go.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Dream Alone brims with potential but falls slightly short in multiple areas. The concept and artistic execution is beyond intriguing, but certain kinks still need to be ironed out to make it a smoother and more flexible experience. The main musical score is hauntingly beautiful, and my only complaint is that I wish it were integrated into the levels more in place of the constant rain sounds that tempted me to mute the game on more than one occasion.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Unless you’re interested in the subject matter — and, really, I was — you’d be better off spending your money elsewhere.

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