COGconnected's Scores

  • Games
For 4,978 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:
4983 game reviews
    • 70 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Although more traditional than previous games in the series, Anomaly Defenders provides a flexible and entertaining strategy-light experience. It looks great, provides multiple options for players and play styles, and is challenging enough to require forethought and adaptation.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Heretic + HeXen is a collection of 2 classic first-person shooters. It has both games, HeXen’s DLC, and 2 brand new campaigns. Nightdive Studios has crafted another loving remaster, with a fine attention to detail in modernizing the authentic experience of the original games. It’s a ton of content for a very low asking price. The only problem is Heretic + HeXen is two very old games that not a lot of people are going to enjoy experiencing for the first time today. But if you have any nostalgic love for the original games, then please pick this collection up for yourself, and for the sake of future Nightdive remaster projects.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    This is a game that I could not put down when I originally played it on PlayStation, and I’ve enjoyed re-experiencing it on the Switch, despite the dip in visuals. If you have the means of playing Maneater on an Xbox or PlayStation, that would be my recommendation. If not, then the Switch is a competent port that will give you the same overall experience. Regardless, Maneater is friggin’ jawesome – don’t miss out.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The game is very focused on the essence of platforming which is good for dedicated fans of the genre, but might seem a little repetitive for a wider audience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    I’ll be front row with my bucket of popcorn for 3 out of 10: Season Two. The art style is fun, the writing is on-point, and the game itself runs almost perfectly on the Switch. The first season of 3 Out of 10 isn’t something you’ll get hours upon hours out of. But you wouldn’t want to overstay your welcome in this world anyways. And that’s the magic of what the developers accomplished here. Terrible Posture Games knew precisely what they were doing in making a terrible game about developing a terrible game. Bravo.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Dragon Quest Heroes series is an ambitious undertaking. Blending arcade-style action with RPG elements is a tricky balance, one that Heroes 2 doesn’t always manage to maintain.While it might bite off a bit more than it can chew, the end result is still good frantic fun. If you’re hungry for more Musou action, a Dragon Quest fan, or both, you can’t go wrong with this game.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    At its core, Triangle Strategy is a tale about the dangers of extremism. It paints a grisly picture of greed, selfishness, and horrors committed in the name of Unity, Morality, and Liberty. However, it also offers up the hope that the cycle of violence can be ended. Bringing true peace and understanding to Norzelia won’t be easy, but it is possible.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Wunderling DX isn’t the kind of game-changing platformer that’s going to draw in all kinds of crowds. That said, the story adds a fun punch to the gameplay while its mechanical twist is worth checking out for fans of the genre. If you love platformers, Wunderling DX is a well-designed, inventive one of those. If you don’t, it’s not going to change your mind.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of pinball games or looking for something to distract you while the next great VR game launches, Pinball FX2 VR is a great game to check out. The nice variety of pinball machines and the possible promise of more pinball machines coming down the pipeline make Pinball VR one of the stronger PSVR titles to come out this fall.
    • 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.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Despite some of the frustrations, I walked away from this game very satisfied – it’s definitely one of the more enjoyable tower defense games I’ve played. If you’re a fan of tower defense games or looking for a game that forces you to strategize, Hero Defense is an easy recommendation.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While I might sound overly critical at times of what Just Dance 4 offers, it is undeniably fun and that is ultimately most important. Despite the fact this game seems to have fallen into a schedule of yearly releases, Just Dance 4 is well priced and comes with a good variety of tracks, modes and multiplayer options.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While it’s fun and only a little bit overpriced, it’s just so damn unoriginal. From the story to the combat to the platforming itself, there’s not much new going on.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While the multiplayer maps aren’t exactly breaking the mold, the latest zombies is quite literally killer and whether you’re a fan of the war game mode or not, you’ll enjoy the latest addition to it in Operation Intercept.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Tales of Graces f Remastered has a lot to say about what causes cycles of violence and abuse, and it’s not all executed well. The conclusion pulls some punches given how brutal the opening is. And if you dislike inter-party drama and daddy issues, this may not be the game for you. That said, if you’re a JRPG fan and especially a Tales fan, I still recommend it. Just maybe wait for a sale first.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Don't let these complaints dissuade you, though. If you're a high-level player, then the remix stages and time trials will be an excellent addition to an already robust play experience. If you're not quite as skilled (like me!), then the checkpoint system might just be what gets you to finish these games for the first time. Even though none of these are NES titles, these are still 'Nintendo-hard' games, in their own right. Just so long as you can avoid accidentally using the analog stick, you should have a pretty good time with Mega Man Legacy Collection 2.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Fans of the original game will be dying to jump back into the terrifying school to explore the familiar halls of horror while new fans may be put off by the somewhat outdated graphics. One thing is for sure, White Day: A Labyrinth Called School has a strong and very compelling narrative. Finding out the school’s hidden secrets and more about the ghouls that meander the halls will be a riveting experience to gamers.
    • 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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The beautiful thing about Weird West is also what makes it critically impenetrable. At least for me, my enjoyment of the game is tied to my particular playstyle. If you’re more ruthless with NPCs, if you’re more stealth-focused, or if you’re more patient, this is a very different game. So my frustration with the stealth is a sign to sneak around less. If I’m unhappy with the story, I can always change how it ends. Conversely, the movement and aiming controls are a tangible way of making your platforming choice. If you’re looking for a western RPG with this sort of blissful, overwhelming freedom, you’ve come to the right place. For better or for worse, Weird West has that freedom.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    You’d think that a series wouldn’t have a ton of new tricks up its sleeves 15 years in, but Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires is a pleasant surprise. While the core gameplay might still be a deal breaker for some, the strategic offerings add a new layer of depth, and importance, to the battles. It’s still repetitive, but there is plenty to like here.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    For casual players, the game still has much to offer as a strategy map game should. I look forward to keeping my eyes on Stardock. So far, between this and other titles like Star Control, Ashes of the Singularity, and Offworld Trading Company, they have a firm finger on the pulse of the galactic exploration and exploitation genre.
    • 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.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    What’s funny is that having played it, Mafia still has its charms. I’m sure part of it is nostalgia, but this is a story that transcends its cliches. I did and do care for Tommy. His wife and family are criminally underwritten but when he says he is fighting for them, I believe him. That makes the Definitive Edition something akin to a shot-for-shot remake. It manages to capture the charm of the original, imbues it with modern technology, and freezes all of its flaws in a sepia toned amber.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly is a remarkable piece of interactive horror history. The nuanced storytelling and atmosphere immerse you in its strange, haunting world, while the Camera Obscura offers a unique mechanic that adds tension to every encounter. However, although the remake remains close to the source material, it doesn’t provide the significant upgrade that other modern revivals of iconic titles have delivered. Much of the original era’s DNA remains, with some clunky controls and awkward animations hindering the experience. Regardless, this is still a remake of a classic. Despite its flaws, fans and newcomers can immerse themselves in a pillar of the survival horror genre, one that continues to haunt with its eerie village and tragic story.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As a whole package, ONINAKI is a decent title. While there is somewhat of a lack of additional activities to do, it fits in extremely well with the game’s narrative. Furthermore, the narrative of ONINAKI reeled me in from start to finish. It could be described as intriguing or mysterious, though at times predictable. ONINAKI is by no means the best in the genre but offers a strong foundation for Tokyo RPG Factory to build off of in the future.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Minecraft Dungeons isn’t the finest ARPG I’ve ever picked up, but it’s a terrific first step in your journey. Minecraft fans and action RPG junkies alike would do well to give this one a good look.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Bloomtown: A Different Story is a fun time all around, the world comes together in a wondrous way with that small town feel. Both sides of its extremes from cozy to unethical monster taming. Along with the relaxing day by day activities on the side. Having one of the best soundtracks I have heard in a while does not hurt either.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    In Gunpowder’s case, it’s a matter of quality over quantity, with more quantity on the way via updates and DLC. If you’re looking for a quick and simple puzzle game to play on your laptop during breaks in class, or simply want a relaxing way to unwind at the end of the day, this is a decent buy.

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