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
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    FIFA 14 doesn’t bring any “game changers” to the table but what it does do is refine an already superb soccer game.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    The Untitled Goose Game is perfect for those who play games for creative, artsy experiences. I also think if you are looking for something to play with your significant other or children, this would be a hilarious experience for everyone involved.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to love about Where The Water Tastes Like Wine, from the beautiful and surreal 2D hand-drawn imagery that adds an air of eeriness. In combination with the blues and roots music, it makes for a perfectly atmospheric game with a ton of great catchy tunes.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Although it doesn’t reinvent survival game mechanics, Grounded’s setting goes a long way towards making the familiar seem new. The world is great fun to explore. It’s easy to lose yourself for hours in the game’s satisfying loops and creative environments. The narrative does a good job of giving you direction but not a rigid path, so you’re always free to take your time and enjoy. Slightly tepid combat and a few minor technical issues aside, Grounded is one of the most engaging survival crafting games I’ve played in quite a while.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Tales of Arise was a fresh but familiar experience. The game iterated on the series formula enough to keep progressing the series while maintaining the Tales charm. The combat system is as fluid as ever, and I found it to be engaging and fun. The area that the game shines the most is in its characters, both during the course of the main story or the skits that break up the action. Overall, Tales of Arise is a great example of a classic series that keeps improving while maintaining its identity.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Dead Space is a cult classic that is considered one of the greatest horror games in the medium. Some may argue that the game didn’t require a remake, however, Motive Studios are faithful in its approach and improves on the original. Although the visual update makes each step a disquieting nightmare, the enhancements made to the combat and narrative are what make the real difference. While the game carefully follows the path laid by the original, the number of refinements makes this the definitive version.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    I’d think you’re a bit crazy if you’re on PS+ and don’t get this game as part of your instant collection.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition is a fantastic advancement on the original game, which was already a groundbreaking and epic experience to begin with. Enhancing the graphics and creating a more console-friendly interface are great, although the method in which the menus work feels sluggish and controls awkwardly to me. The core experience is the same and for those who love dungeon crawling or are fans of DnD, this is the closest you can possibly get to an authentic DnD tabletop experience in digital form. The actions and consequences are entirely up to the player, creating endless replayability options with your custom or in-game heroes.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    High Moon Studios has successfully rebounded with a Transformers game that delivers on so many levels. The varied and entertaining single player campaign coupled with the deep multiplayer experience makes Fall of Cybertron a must own for any Transformer fan or even someone who just wants to have some mindless Transformer fun.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    It’s clever use of familiar faces and settings with the most satisfying style of over the top fun to watch combat is flawless. It isn’t without its short comings, but has more than enough strengths to make them seem un-noteworthy.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    With two full story campaigns playable with up to four players, an action packed multiplayer experience, an addictive little twin stick Easter egg gem and a punishing zombie experience, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is hands down amazing value for the buck.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    What appeals to individual gamers is, of course, subjective but I’ve long felt that Elder Scrolls Online is the best MMORPG on consoles thanks to its world-building, lore, quests, story, and ability to reward both solo and group experiences equally. The recent introduction of companions made a solo-friendly game even more inviting. With the Enhanced Version, Elder Scrolls Online definitely steps up as the best looking and smoothest running MMORPG you can find on the PS5, and no longer feels in any way inferior to the PC version.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Strayed Lights is a special game. Learning attack patterns and taking on fierce foes is an absolute joy. Bosses are intimidating and offer memorable battles with cinematic flair. The world is mesmerizing and its mystery is amplified through the epic score. Even with the vague narrative, the game manages to deliver an unforgettable experience that will keep you engaged throughout.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Neva offers a unique, spiritual journey through life’s complexities. While the narrative leaves some elements open to interpretation, its grounded aspects make the characters relatable. Though brief, the adventure is full of memorable moments that will captivate you with each step toward its wonderful conclusion. The emotional and thought-provoking journey blends captivating storytelling with immersive gameplay to deliver a truly special experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    One thing is for certain, Black Ops 4 is easily the best multiplayer experience we have seen from the franchise to date. With a robust line-up of multiplayer maps, 3 graphically stunning zombie experiences and featuring the best battle royale shooter on the planet, Call of Duty fans should be thrilled with what Black Ops 4 is offering. Sure, the lack of a single player mode is a bit of downer and I do feel like Activision is positioning itself to monetize the crap out of Blackout. Yet at the end of the day, Black Ops 4 is the most definitive and complete Call of Duty multiplayer experience and is primed to take a big chunk out of PUBG and Fortnite’s market share.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    It’s always a struggle to describe in words, or even show in videos, how immersive and enveloping a VR experience is when done right. SITS will suck you in and bring out your inner caveman. 17-Bit has nailed it with this game. It’s truly an excellent VR experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    There isn’t much more that needs to be said about Thorium’s UnderMine. I don’t care if you’re a fan of roguelikes or if you hate them – this is one of the easiest recommendations I’ve made. There’s a ton here to keep you busy, and the subject matter and setting seamlessly lend themselves to DLC. Given the response UnderMine has received so far, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of more content coming along sooner than later. Now, excuse me, I’ve gotta get back to work.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    I loved this game when it first released on the PS2. It felt almost too cool for console gaming, too crisp for the era in question. Even now, Reload carries a timeless charm that keeps me engaged. The battle system has been polished, the visuals are totally overhauled, and the game is bigger than ever. There’s pacing problems to be sure, and the gameplay loop isn’t for everyone. Plus, fans of certain versions will find this edition somewhat lacking in features. But maybe that’s okay? I’d rather judge this game on what it is, rather than what it isn’t. And Persona 3 Reload is an excellent evolution of a PS2 classic that fans new and old will almost certainly love.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Visually the game is pretty much a stunner.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Replay isn’t the attraction in Dead in Antares. The mystery and characters are the headliners. The strategy layer is just interesting enough to stay engaging. The graphics and sound have progressed, but the basic skeleton of the game remains the same. Dead in Antares is a worthy cap to the end of the Dead In trilogy.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Neocore hasn’t strayed too far from what made the first game so amazing, but it has managed to add a layer of refinement by improving the some of the game mechanics, UI and visuals.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    As a whole, this is an excellent and worthy continuation of one of the most important series in gaming. The care and attention paid by the good people of Firaxis have produced a game with a rock solid foundation. The new era transitions are transformative, and change the game as much as moving from a grid to a hex board. The most important takeaway is that the rules of this Civilization are strong, and probably the best starting point for any installment. But the real thing to track will be the additions. As the game gets better, will the balance be maintained? Will the style? Will this new Civilization game be able to stand apart from the series? That remains to be seen, but if you’ve always wanted a meticulously constructed entry in the Civilization franchise, your day has dawned.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    The Wii U version of NFS Most Wanted U sacrifices nothing from other console versions and adds some good features that improve the game’s accessibility.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Recompile is the complete adventure package. It has good gameplay, an intriguing minimalist story, striking visuals and music, and developers who respect the player’s ability to explore on their own. Go get it, you won’t be disappointed.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    There remains room for improvement and I certainly experienced a few let-downs with Madden 15; however, this is hands down the best Madden game to date. And let’s just say the future remains bright for the franchise.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Although it can be a little frustrating, Ender Lilies combat-by-proxy is an interesting and generally successful twist on familiar action mechanics, and the game hits the sweet spot between challenge and accessibility most of the time.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Though the game bears imperfections, Bungie has transcended my expectations for Destiny 2. The narrative succeeds in engaging me as a player, every great idea from Destiny 1 has been vastly expanded, and progression rewards are unyielding.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    If I had to find something to complain about, it would be that it felt too short. I blew through all of the premade puzzles in little time, but this did give me more time to work on my own creations, as well as play the Pushmos of others.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    At first glance, it may seem like Immortals is a mish-mash of several games that came before but it’s from the ashes of these that Fenyx Rises. Oozing with charm, you’ll fall in love with the characterization and delivery of the narrative and want to explore every nook and cranny of the rich and diverse Grecian world.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    It happens to be one of the freshest gaming experiences I’ve had in a while thanks to its superb visuals, funky soundtrack, and fun-to-play mechanics. At its most basic, Floor Kids is a fun music rhythm game that’s easy to grasp.

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