COGconnected's Scores

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For 5,008 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 Super Mario Odyssey
Lowest review score: 10 Wander (2013)
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,102 out of 5008
  2. Mixed: 1,722 out of 5008
  3. Negative: 184 out of 5008
5013 game reviews
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    • 79 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Kaze and the Wild Masks
    Kaze and the Wild Masks merges elements from great games of the 16-bit era in order to create a fascinating 2D platformer. Although its influences are clearly visible, these aspects have been developed with modern-day principles to alleviate some of the issues that plagued titles of that period. With an incredible pixel-based art style, euphonious soundtrack and perfect precision-based platforming, Kaze and the Wild Masks is a must for fans of the genre.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    High on Life 2
    While it doesn’t have the shock value novelty of the first game, High on Life 2 makes up for it with ambitious level design, polished movement, and a more grounded, coherent narrative. All the fun of the first game’s talking guns and wicked humor remains, entertainingly voiced and paired with engaging combat and interesting environments. There are moments when High on Life 2 feels a little over-caffeinated, and it can be exhausting over long stretches. Overall, though, High on Life 2 demonstrates that the first game’s concepts and mechanics were more than one-off novelties. High on Life 2 keeps a good thing going strong.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 18
    EA Sports rolled the dice by going all in with a new engine and single player story mode. For the most part, they pulled it off as it features interesting characters and a compelling story. While it is predictable, a little too short and contains some goofy quick time events, it's a hearty addition to the franchise.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Dark Souls II
    Living up to its name it is an unrelenting punishing experience. Yet just as difficult as it can be, it is equally rewarding.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    REANIMAL
    Reanimal takes its cues from primal childhood trauma and the deep-seated fears that most people carry through life. It adds layers of familiar-feeling puzzles and terrifying monsters to a game that looks a lot like a Little Nightmares sibling. With the ability to play the game with another terrified human, Reanimal is all the more scary and memorable.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    The Sinking City
    The Sinking City is paradoxically teeming with life and things to do while atmospherically making you feel alone and unsafe. The revamped investigation systems rely on your own powers of deduction and the combat is both tense and nerve-wracking. Save for the graphical issues, The Sinking City is heart-pounding, unrelenting, and addictive. Its powers of immersion and fear are not to be overlooked, and fans of eldritch horror, Cthulhu, and things that go bump in the night will definitely be satisfied playing in the dark.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Alien: Isolation
    Alien: Isolation on the Switch is fantastic, and is most definitely a game that deserves a spot on your shelf. Even five years later, Isolation continues to be a horror tour-de-force that will have you wishing you could play something rated ‘E’ for everyone instead. Bring a pair of headphones and do your best to get over that input lag, and you’ll find yourself in the midst of the best port this console has seen to date. You may also want to bring a portable charger as this thing is an absolute battery killer, but hey, when you look this good and feel this good, I don’t mind.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice
    A variety of fresh mechanics, some excellent music and writing, and a generally entertaining cast of characters and scenarios help remind us why we fell in love with this bizarre little series back in 2005.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Steelrising
    Thanks to its setting, outstanding art, and level design, paired with excellent combat mechanics, Steelrising makes a strong case for itself in a very crowded Soulsborne landscape. Occasional uninspired bosses, sketchy platforming and technical issues only slightly marred the overall experience. Steelrising is a Soulslike from start to finish, but it stands out as a game I actually can’t wait to play through again.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Detroit: Become Human
    With amazingly realistic graphics, intense music, rich characters, and a dynamic decision scheme, this action adventure title is enthralling from its opening scene to the very end, and if you let it, it will take you on a journey to what feels like an entirely different world.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Blasphemous 2
    Blasphemous 2 is a very challenging game but by and large, it’s a fair one, too. Timing, persistence, and the ability to read patterns — not brute force — are the only keys to making it out the other side. In terms of level design and weapon variety, it’s a step forward from the first game. If you enjoyed Blasphemous, the sequel will feel both familiar and surprising in equal measure.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition
    Sure, the included games could have used a visual makeover, but the charm and attraction of the original games is intact, and many will overlook the simple visuals as the gameplay and nostalgia is what is important here. Add to this the music disc, collectible book, and the interactive museum on the game disc, and you have a pretty good anniversary compilation that is well worth the price of admission.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
    Shantae: Half Genie Hero is great. It’s a long game, and the more you play, the more you unlock, so you get tons of value for your dollar.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Lost Ember
    Lost Ember is defined by its exuberant art style, musical score, and narrative. It tells a simple yet coherent story and gives you just enough at each memory to make you want to press onwards and learn what happens next. While it could use a few small design tweaks like a simple map, the overall experience was a steady climb into an emotional drop that firmly squeezes your heart. The technical issues this game suffers from can easily be overlooked due to the serene nature of exploring the wilds and the incredible feeling of jumping from animal to animal in search of the truth.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
    Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is not exactly the biggest step forward developer PopCap Games could have taken, but it builds on a solid foundation and for now reclaims its original and unique feeling in the realm of multiplayer shooters.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Eastward
    Eastward is a game about a journey and the characters you meet along the way. Although the combat and puzzles are quite typical, the setting, sound and art style are remarkable, making this an essential trek through an incredible world.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack
    The first game is showing its age, but most of its issues are dealt with by various quality of life tweaks. However, the first game has a lot of loading screens. They last just long enough to be annoying every time. All in all, Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is the best way to enjoy these classic JRPGs–and their crafting systems. I recommend these games to anyone with a JRPG-shaped hole in their lives.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    ICARUS: Console Edition
    Icarus is a truly beautiful experience. The environments – with all their glamor and dangers – are immersive and engaging. Its method of teaching the game may be too thin for those with no survival game experience, but if you stick with it, play the first few missions, and give Icarus a chance, it becomes something more. It’s a quiet period of respite. It’s survival on your terms. Solitude and freedom. Icarus, and especially its Open World mode, can become a cozy game with a few extra challenges if you let it. With an unfortunately lacking tutorial and mildly unfriendly UI, Icarus is surprisingly a great way to unwind after a long day. I’m not much of a survival gamer, but Icarus is quickly becoming a second home.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Synthetik
    Anyone who gets a kick out of rogue-lite gameplay, who’s not afraid of a challenge, and who digs sci-fi shooters may find serious satisfaction within the first few minutes.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Wipeout: Omega Collection
    WipEout Omega Collection is a fantastic game for both new gamers and seasoned racers alike, offering something for everyone.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    WWE 2K18
    WWE 2K18 brings a lot to the digital squared circle, giving the wrestling fan in me a lot to like. New mechanics and match formats offer different ways to take on opponents, the new graphics and audio enhancements bring a hint of realism, and there are more wrestlers from yesterday and today to play then I really know what to do with.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...
    NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is the perfect way for fans of Automata to experience the original and for newcomers to engage with the franchise. With updated combat and visuals, Replicant can proudly sit amongst greats in the genre; however, the hypersexualized representation of Kainé remains and deters from an incredible experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
    Thirteen years is a long time in video game history and technology. Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 obviously looks and plays much better than the 2011 original. Fans of the first game will appreciate the continuing saga of the main character and the seamless integration of Warhammer lore. Action gamers without a moment of prior Warhammer experience will enjoy it, too. Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is operatic, visceral, violent and unrelenting. It can be repetitive, too, but that’s best balanced by the creativity and camaraderie of human players blasting bugs by your side.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Mortal Shell: The Virtuous Cycle
    Although as of this writing it is no longer a free download, The Virtuous Cycle is probably an easy to recommend purchase for fans of the base game. The new roguelike game mode is punishing fun (if that’s your thing) and the new Shell and weapon are a welcome addition to the arsenal. If you bounced off Mortal Shell due to its difficulty, this new DLC won’t change your mind, but it’s good news for most everyone who enjoys Cold Symmetry’s homage to Dark Souls.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    EA Sports FC 24
    EA Sports FC 24 is a safe rebrand of the FIFA series. While it doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor, new additions improve the overall gameplay. Playstyles highlight skills and HyperMotionV helps to make each athlete feel distinct. All of these aspects merge to create one of the most authentic football games to date. Even though monetization plagues Ultimate Team and Career Mode is largely the same, FC 24 refines moments on the pitch to make each touch a thrill.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Saints Row
    Saints Row is an ambitious reboot of a popular franchise. Its open world is expansive and entertaining to explore. There is always something to keep you occupied, most of it served up in bite-sized missions that are fun to check off. The game rewards you for almost everything, so your time is never wasted. Unfortunately, the main campaign is a little less successful, often falling back on repetitive action, gunplay and set pieces that go on too long. Despite some tech issues and inconsistent mission design, this kinder, gentler incarnation of Saints Row is probably a step in the right direction.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Dust: An Elysian Tail
    At only 1200 points you should experience the beautiful hand painted work of art that Dean Dodrill so delicately crafted. I have to say that this title is a wonderful final offering in this year's Summer of Arcade and you would be crazy to not to consider it.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Murder by Numbers
    Offering challenging puzzles and a funny dialogue, the overall experience playing through Murder by Numbers is a highly positive one. With an endearing cast of characters and the right amount of humour, there’s never a dull moment in the game. The nonograms are challenging even for an enthusiast such as myself, which is great for those who have tried pixel puzzles before. Unfortunately while it could be difficult for newcomers, I would still recommend learning it through Murder by Numbers, because solving one feels incredibly rewarding, especially if it involves unraveling a murder mystery.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Hotline Miami Collection
    The soundtrack and neon visuals alone are worth checking these games out for but if you enjoy weird plots, Quentin Tarantino films or the 1980’s, I also recommend this collection. There’s a lot of fun to be had across both titles if you have the patients. Some moments will feel like beating your head against the wall and others will feel like that small crack that brings a dam crumbling down. The difference between a successful run and a failure is clutch timing and a bit of luck. Bloodshed has never looked so good top-down.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
    Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, like previous editions, appeals to a wide range of aviation enthusiasts. It can be as forgiving or as exacting as the player wants, though the PS5 version might not yet support the range of flight peripherals that PC gamers enjoy. On a vanilla PS5, the graphics lag behind the PC version as well. Still, the core experience — the deep hangar of aircraft, the ability to fly anywhere in the world — is endlessly engaging. The PS5’s closed system means that the already extensive available add-ons and dedicated legion of PC armchair pilots can’t join you in the sky. Overall, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on the PS5 is the same, full-featured experience PC and Xbox gamers have been enjoying for the past year.
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