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
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    With each tear shed, the story of Rei searching for her little sister all the while defeating enemies and being burdened with their last words is much deeper and darker than I expected. The use of the crying mechanics and turning her tears and sad thoughts into strength is a really unique and interesting idea. That paired with the beautiful art style, character designs and interesting story, we almost have a perfect game. Unfortunately, with the less than stellar combat mechanics, the lack of enemy variety and the lack of differentiating dungeons, it may not entice players who also want fluid gameplay. However for fans who do like narrative-driven and linear games along with dark themes and gorgeous designs, then this is definitely a title that should be added to your library.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Choo-Choo Charles is sure to be one of the shortest titles you play all year. Just as soon as Charles tears through the trees and into sight for the first time, he’s gone. As the credits rolled, I couldn’t help but feel like Choo-Choo Charles should be compared to a stocking stuffer. A fun, cheap little trinket that you enjoy for a minute and then never touch again. I promise I mean that in the nicest way possible.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I can’t see the NHL franchise reaching the heights of its mid-2000s glory years anytime soon, but at least we have the Frostbite engine in there to start building upon. It took far too long to arrive, though; it’s here now. And while I can see the potential for it to one day have this series feeling exciting again, I don’t see that happening for a long time. But, hey, it’s the only hockey game in town, so I guess I’ll see you on the ice.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Battling against friends both online and through couch co-op is how Dangerous Golf feels like it’s meant to be played and it makes for a great pickup title, ignoring the initial learning curve that is.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Conception is a unique game that makes me appreciate the wild ideas that JRPGs can come up with. Definitely targeted to a niche audience who enjoys the idea of courting twelve beautiful maidens with the prospect of saving the world. Conception is not a revolutionary JRPG, nor is it a stimulating dating SIM. It is a strange concept but for the purpose of the game, it works. While the storyline could use a little more excitement to keep players hooked, it is definitely worth trying if you have an interest in harem RPGs.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    For maximum enjoyment, Wattam expects you to meander, to mosey, to stride. A frantic pace will only lay bare the shaky controls and the counter-intuitive camera setup. Take your time, the game insists. Speak to every new citizen, wear all of their hats, propel them skyward with your hat bombs. This way, the good times can dwell while the pockets of misery remain distant and hazy. For me, the off-putting voices and the clumsy controls work with the sparse conceit to create a world that’s oddly ill-fitting. The idyllic madness and the slow, sparse mechanics butt heads to make a game best approached with caution and care. Choose the world of Wattam at your most studious discretion, my friends.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    This is a fine update if you own the season pass, but you may want to skip it otherwise.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a frenetic, atmospheric ghost hunt that’s been sliced and stacked into something safe, digestible, and slow.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The thing that really bums me out about all this is that there doesn’t seem to be any real plans to release any sort of major DLCs for the game modes or different factions. It isn’t often I see a game that is let down by a lack of ambition. They have such a great foundation, and I think if they had put more time in developing more content, or promised ongoing support, this game could have been the next Heroes of Might and Magic. So, would I recommend Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars? Not at full price, I’m afraid. But if you’ve been craving for some Might and Magic, it may be worth your dime.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    If you really miss arcade racers and have been incredibly disappointed with other franchises like Need For Speed, then this is definitely worth your time and money. If all you want to do is race around blowing up other cars with your friends, you’re better off saving your money.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Overall, if you enjoy puzzle or time management games, this is a pretty fun one as it is very easy to pick up and play and it is definitely the type of game you come to when you have a bit of free time.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Georifters has good things going for it but it definitely needs some tweaking, especially for veteran fans of the genre. That said, I would certainly recommend this game for families, especially those with young kids as the art style does feel like it caters to children more. Adventure mode can be a fun couch co-op experience but I wouldn’t be surprised if Battle Ground mode would be the one played more often.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Summer in Mara was a game I wanted to love, but its core designs around crafting and questing left me wanting. It’s a shame, as I think it could’ve been something truly magical with more time to cook and less reliance on fetch quests.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    There is a lot to like in Necromunda: Underhive Wars, and there are some fresh ideas that bring a welcome change to the turn-based strategy genre. But those positives are let down by an overall lack of polish and finish. Combat drags on a bit more than it should, and the initial phase of learning the game is pretty frustrating for newcomers, without a whole lot of help from the developers. If you are a fan of the Warhammer universe, and especially if you’ve played the Necromunda tabletop game, you should definitely check it out. Otherwise, you might want to wait a bit for some updates.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    No Frozen or Brave cameos – a huge miss considering this games target audience.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Professor Lupo: Ocean will be a treat for fans of the original. It continues the story, sets up a compelling mystery, and it looks and sounds fantastic. The puzzles are of one kind, however, and the game is short. Luckily the price tag is small, and it really is a continuation of the ideas/ story of Professor Lupo and his Horrible Pets. Puzzle fans should enjoy the length and variety in that game, and come back for more of a very specific-kind of puzzle in this sequel.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The parts I dislike are where they’ve tried to shoehorn an MMO into the mix. The combat, level grind, grouping, and people all discourage me from wanting to play. The MMO components feel forced and generic, and the game would be more enjoyable without them. This comes from an Elder Scrolls fan though.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    It’s been a time since I’ve been able to play an RPG like I used to with the grind and the turn-based combat and the healing between battles in order to stay in the action. They just don’t make them like they used to! It even comes with a $14.99 price tag to boot. However, I really wished that all the things that Citizens of Space does well weren’t attached to a game that is so… in your face. It borders on obnoxious but keeps the annoying line repeats and the length of time to get anywhere just under the bar of annoying. It did, however, prevent me from being able to play for a big chunk of time and it sucked a lot of the fun out of the well-done aspects of the game. I think it says a lot that you can get a lot of enjoyment out of this game but it’s best enjoyed on mute.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The whole narrative was shallow. The game shows potential, but it is so incohesive and unimpressive that it flounders as a whole.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Bye Sweet Carole is a promising adventure that needs some refinement. Platforming and general movement feel slow and clunky, making traversal a chore. Each area features a range of strong puzzles, though some bugs affect your ability to complete certain tasks. Narrative inconsistencies further diminish the enjoyment of what should have been a magical adventure. Despite its stunning presentation, with beautiful hand-drawn visuals, smooth animation, and a lovely orchestral score, it ultimately struggles to deliver an experience as magical as its visuals suggest.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    While the story may be inane, and the lack of even cartoon logic behind character action may be at fault, it’s an inane story told very well.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I can’t knock Dead End Job for anything other than its redundant level design and mechanics, as it really does succeed in every other aspect pretty well. The art and music are great, the perks are clever, and the couch co-op is a huge plus. I think it would make an excellent game for kids or for couples and friends who love playing new, lighthearted games together that don’t require a high level of skill or attention. However, for solo players, I don’t imagine this game being able to hold the same longevity for everybody. Still, it’s a solid little indie game that lets you play as a Ghostbuster, and for some, that’s the dream.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    There were a lot of enjoyable, nostalgic moments with the familiar battle systems that were strengthened by the retro aesthetics. Monster Crown is more than just capturing and leveling up the monsters you tame. There is a story to be followed and monsters to breed. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to comprehend, and janky controls take away from the experience, but the general gameplay is familiar and straightforward to understand. With so much information and planning involved, though, Monster Crown feels like it can be a bigger game than it actually is, and perhaps one day, it can be released as something more ready and easier to learn.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Life is Strange Remastered Collection is only good because Life is Strange is so good. The upgrades are nice, but they aren’t evenly applied and sometimes make the game look worse. It also has an inexcusable number of bugs. Life is Strange and Before the Storm are great games, but this collection is lacking. I recommend just picking up the original versions. You can probably find them cheaper than this collection, and they offer just as good an experience. They offer a better experience in some ways.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Crime O’Clock’s lovely art direction and charming premise can’t save the game from its repetitive gameplay loop. While at first, it delivers a wave of nostalgia, it soon drowns in its concept. Even though it’s extremely accessible and fun to play with others, it quickly loses momentum as it struggles to innovate on the idea.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Highwater understands its limitations. It’s not a game that tries to do too much and fails. Some aspects work well, like the world-building, premise, and combat. But I wanted to be told less, and discover more. Given a bigger budget and less restrictive, more open-ended gameplay, Highwater could be a standout in a crowded field. Highwater has good intentions, but it needs a team of writers who understand character and dialogue a little better, and that showing is better than telling.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Danger Zone takes the formula made famous by Burnout’s “Crash” mode and tries to recreate it, but that’s pretty much all it accomplishes. It really doesn’t do anything better than what Burnout did 15 years ago and in some cases, it fares worse than the older franchise.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    It’s too bad the game has these rough edges because conceptually there is a fun spy versus spy mechanic here. Veterans of the first game may not find the same level of frustration. It is vital that you do the tutorials before starting the campaign. The campaign should remain locked until players complete the tutorials. Unseen Diplomacy 2 is available on Steam and Meta. There is no mixed-reality mode. For all you spy types out there, if you have a high patience level, this game may provide you with the wanted tension and thrills.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Pure Farming 2018 is a good simulator, just not a fun game. I was hoping for something that either gamified farming or simplified some of the tedious tasks. Instead, I was given a second job that included all of the life-like tasks, including every tedious one.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The game modes are challenging and the combat is enjoyable when it works, but if you’re the only one of your friends picking it up then you’re going to have a bad time finding someone to play it with, and with a lack of an AI to bolster the single-player there isn’t much of the game to be played.

Top Trailers