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
    • 81 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    A game that is rich and deep with personality and unmatched ridiculousness. Saints Row IV is exactly what I needed this summer. It takes everything that I love about sandbox style gaming and makes it better.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With fantastic presentation, impressive graphics and voice acting, a surprisingly interesting story, a great control scheme, and a huge amount of content, I highly recommend Injustice: Gods Among Us to not only comic book fans and fighting game veterans, but to anyone looking for a game that’s extremely entertaining to play.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you’ve never had the chance to climb the snowy mountains of Skyrim, face off against its fierce Frost Trolls, or absorb the souls of dead dragons you’ve bested then jumping into Skyrim Special Edition is a no brainer.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The occasional dip in my enjoyment was a fair trade for the unsettling atmosphere, the fascinating narrative, and the clever premise. If you’re in the market for an unconventional horror game, I can easily recommend Yuppie Psycho.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the mechanic shortcomings, there’s still a lot to like and should be enough to satisfy anyone who’s looking for an old school RPG. inXile has some solid talent on board and this strong offering can definitely fit the role of a suitable successor to one of the most enjoyable RPGs of all time.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a difficult yet incredibly fun platformer, look no further.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There is a ton of content that definitely makes up the cost. However, at this price point, I would have liked seeing a physical release as well instead of it solely being a digital release. With the cute anime visuals, intricate character designs, vibrant and pastel color schemes topped with fun and catchy music, you’ll be in for an absolutely charming adventure with three very adorable girls.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When I finished Call of the Sea, I couldn’t help but smile. It was such an incredible journey with an intriguing story and a well-thought-out ending. From start to finish, with the exception of a couple of frustrating puzzles, I truly enjoyed this game. Considering it’s is launching on Xbox Game Pass, there is absolutely no reason for Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One gamers to not give this gem a try. The sheer amount of love and care that went into crafting this world should be the new standard that all devs strive to achieve. I can’t wait to see what Out of the Blue have in store for us next, and I truly hope we’ll return to the world of Call of the Sea in a future title.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    I appreciate how the development team really understands the particulars of the real life game as it helps to deliver another great effort. With the advancements made to many aspects of the gameplay and aesthetics this year, both big and small, virtual hockey fans should rejoice as NHL 14 is yet another winner.
    • 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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Slime-san does its job admirably. It strives to be annoyingly difficult and it succeeds with a platformer that is trying, it captures the style it aims for and offers many hours of playtime.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Hellblade’s rewarding combat system and its larger story that deals with mental health in a significant way make for a great cinematic journey that isn’t afraid to embrace its linearity. While I would have liked to see the same kind of ambition in the puzzle design, Senua’s Sacrifice is a worthy addition alongside the likes of the severely underrated Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Grime is an overall successful transposition of the 2D Soulslike subgenre into a new and engaging world. Although it lacks the emotional richness of the best Souls games, Grime’s striking environments, solid combat, imaginative enemies and original mechanics all work together in harmony, and it clearly establishes a formula that is open to refinement and possibility.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Between the DLC and the Switch’s portability, there’s a lot of new life breathed in. On the other hand, if you’ve never played this game before, this review is more of a warning. Spend your money wisely, for countless hours can vanish in a blink.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    It hit every note that it needed to and didn’t try to be something it wasn’t. Maybe that’s the secret to Kirby’s longevity. It knows what it is and what it shouldn’t try to be.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I was disappointed that Strange Antiquities didn’t fix some of my issues with the first game, but it’s still a marked improvement in gameplay complexity and depth. A perfect pick during the Halloween season, Strange Antiquities delivers on that cozy-yet-spooky Victorian vibe with the best of them. If you love mystery games, the pull will be irresistible.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Although these are fairly bite-sized adventures, each one packs a remarkable punch. Every chapter works to distinguish itself from the rest of the pack, and it shows. While I can’t recommend each story with equal vigor, I am impressed with the total package. Sure, I would prefer fewer chances to soft-lock yourself. I’d also love to leave behind some of the level grinding. But the core gameplay loop is still fun. Between the wild stories, the engaging combat, and the incredible voice acting, Live A Live feels like much more than the sum of its parts. If you’re any kind of fan of classic JRPGs, you owe it to yourself to check out this game.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Simply put, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions is a fantastic RPG for the 3DS. For those who were not fortunate enough to experience Super Mario RPG or the original Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, this is a must-have. The gameplay is fun, the puzzles are simple yet interesting, and the combat reminds us older gamers of a time when turn-based combat was at its peak.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The pressure is back on with GW2: EoD and it feels good. The main quest line and combat are engaging thanks to new elite specializations, unique characters, and interesting fight designs. Despite some lackluster parts of the main adventure, there is still a drive to keep going. If you love focused stories in MMORPG’s, End of Dragons is an expansion that not only adds to, but builds on, a well established world. With all the other content EoD adds, there is so much to do. Yet the story is the highlight, ushering you forth as the hero you want your character to be, if you’re brave enough to face the End of Dragons.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In addition to being an engaging and thoroughly entertaining — if sometimes emotionally challenging — game, Vampire Therapist casts light on several widely used CBT techniques. Players are almost guaranteed to walk away with insights into their behavior and thinking and hopefully be more open to seeking guidance from a living, probably non-vampire therapist.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Episode 6 sums up Hitman’s 2016 season: great level design, some good assassination opportunities, and a minimal story.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Never before has a shooter been taken a direction that puts just as much emphasis on the environment as the people that are in it. Each match feels like a fresh new experience, and it’s all done with a sort of “makes too much sense” grace that I’m legitimately surprised we haven’t seen done before.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The combat is shallow and gets tedious near the end of the game, the story drags in parts and could have benefited from being an hour or two shorter, but Tearaway is such a rare type that those things are easily forgiven. It joins the mediums of video game and art together, then flips them topsy turvy until you’re unsure of where one begins and the other ends.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Long time veterans will have a few minor gripes with TrackMania Turbo, but it’s the perfect experience for those new to the series.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Seasons adds in one or two fun systems, and I can’t wait to see how they interact with future content, but it doesn’t have the game-changing impact you’d hope an expansion pack would bring.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    If you must prepare for this game, then prepare to be exhausted, elated, and energized. I found the Persona/Fire Emblem mix to be a bit unbalanced for my tastes, with too much tough and not quite enough touching. Still, under the layers of glitter, music, and misery, there’s a rock-solid JRPG to be found. If any of these disparate ingredients caught your eye, then Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore will almost certainly keep you hooked.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Snufkin Memories of Moominvalley is a wholesome adventure with a clear message of environmental protection. It gives us a fresh take on the tale of human greed as a disruptor of nature. A truly stunning homage to the work of Tove Jansson and the messages of friendship and respect in the story of Moominvalley.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Set in an idyllic town, amongst the harmony of nature, Life is Strange: True Colors might appear to be an escapist fantasy. But it has something to say. Subtly, and most importantly effectively, it reflects its characters and themes onto the player. It’s a timely reminder of the importance of empathy, and an adventure that ultimately kept me glued to it from start to finish.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    From the Wii-like characters and its entire eye-popping arcady graphical design to its surprising variety and depth, Super Mega Baseball 2 provides a fun and exciting twist to a sometimes boring and cumbersome sport (sorry baseball fans).
    • 81 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    On a story level, Paradise Killer was fantastic. It could have used a lot of fine-tuning but the setting was unique, the characters were interesting, and it asks a lot of questions about morality, acceptable behaviour, the difference between truth and fact, or law and justice. It’s up to you to decide what is right, but the game is a let down in execution. The experience is a long way from video game paradise, but it has its heart in the right place.

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