COGconnected's Scores

  • Games
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:
5013 game reviews
    • 86 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    For PC gamers who have not played the console version of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, it’s an easy game to recommend despite the potential technical issues. There is simply too much good. The Remake is one of the best re-imagined games ever made, and the original is demonstrably a masterpiece. We would have liked more options, better optimization, and a lower price tag to be sure, but on PC, Final Fantasy VII Remake looks fantastic and the story, characters, and gameplay deserve every gamer’s time.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    No Place For Brave is an incredible top-down adventure that tells a touching story about the lengths one will go for family. Its weighty combat is challenging but fair which makes each battle a thrill. Although I did encounter the occasional bug which stifled the pace, this didn’t hinder what was a wonderful and touching experience.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a solid 1v1 fighting game, you really can’t go wrong with Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, there truly is a ton of value here. Just be forewarned that the online experience is severely lacking.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Tesla vs Lovecraft is a fantastic twin-stick shooter that takes the tried and true genre and adds just the right elements to give the player a strong sense of progression, challenge, and most importantly – fun. I can’t recall the last time I found myself lost in a twin-stick shooter, let alone daydreaming about playing one when I’m not home.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    For the real gamers out there, the ones who want to consider the whole history of the medium, this collection is a wonderful gift. To people looking for classic design, for inspiration, for history, there’s a lot to like here. I’m told that it’s a horrible night to have a curse, but any night spent playing this collection feels great.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Tentacular is a fantastic VR puzzler that perfectly transports you to a unique world. You are able to play with all the aspects of the environment which adds a lovely tactile element. It also rewards and encourages experimentation which adds to the immersion and enjoyment of the game. While it is a little silly with some purposefully awkward controls, it maintains a joyous atmosphere that will keep you smiling throughout.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    SteamWorld Heist II builds on the solid foundations of the original to create a remarkable tactical adventure. The inclusion of jobs and a wide array of weapons offers a plethora of options for approaching each mission. Traversing the world is a joy, adding variety to the experience. While you may lose interest in the story, the addictive battle system will keep you hooked throughout.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    With the many unique classes, the art style, humor and polish put forth by PopCap, Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville all culminates into a great time. You’ll lose hours blasting pesky plants or ridiculous zombies as your favorite characters. While it’s the third entry in the series, it still manages to stay fresh enough to welcome returning veterans and new players alike. If you’re into quirky shooters with a sense of humor, this is the best time to jump in and see what Crazy Dave is all about.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Chronos is a great action/puzzle game for players looking for light narrative and a comfortable challenge, and it’s one I can’t wait to complete.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The Banner Saga 2 picks up where the original left off, telling a stirring and engaging 2nd chapter of a hero’s tale. While very much an extension of the previous title, there are several welcome enhancements that should put the game on the radar of any serious turn-based fan.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 19 certainly hits all the right notes. It builds and improves on the groundwork that was established when Madden NFL 18 made some bold changes last year.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    With all of these upgrades and extra content on top of an already rock-solid game, picking up Romancing SaGa 3 for many is a no brainer. Granted, the combat and leveling up might not be for everyone, but if you are a fan of Western and Japanese RPGs I highly recommend jumping into this classic that took way too long to make its way out west.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Prodeus’ ultraviolent combat is fantastic if that’s what you’re in the mood for. But even the most delicious meal can sour in the stomach if there’s simply too much. In short bursts, Prodeus not just stands on the shoulders of giants, it dwarfs them. Over hours, though, the incessant action and jackhammer sound design start to feel a little restrictive and repetitive. Prodeus is a near-perfect homage to late 90s shooters, but you don’t need to be a demon spawn of Doom to enjoy it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    GranBlue Fantasy Versus: Rising is an accessible and deep fighter. You can easily combine moves and unleash cinematic super moves which allows newcomers to pick up and play instantly. However, nuances permeate the combat which allows veterans of the genre to delve into the mechanics to hone their skills. While at a glance, the game looks similar to its predecessor, new combat and online options flesh out the game to make this a superior fighter.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: Before the Storm gets a lot of things right about Life is Strange, and I for one am hella excited to ride this train with Chloe and Rachel right to the end.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The gameplay is fluid, the visuals are stunning (other than some motion blur) and the music and ambient noise make this Zen Studios experience quite relaxing outside of combat. It’s not quite an Epic Games Store platform seller but combined with all of the freebies they offer, RTS and tower defense fans should definitely consider jumping on board CastleStorm 2 for an experience that I’d expect from a modernized Warcraft game.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    If this is indeed the end for the series (and the studio) at least it goes out on a strong note.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Rise of the Rōnin takes Team Ninja’s formidable combat system and lets it revel in a large open world. Swinging your blade has never felt better due to the number of options available to annihilate your opponent. Even though it follows the expectations of the genre and the visuals are mixed, each step in feudal Japan is exhilarating and pulsates with the spirit of the samurai.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Bleed 2 is, quite simply put, intense fun bundled up into a small package.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Multiplayer is the key word for this game, because you will gain nothing from Siege if you are looking for a single player experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Regardless of your latent skill level, there’s a ton of content here that’s sure to keep you hooked for quite some time. If you’re one of the many Wii U diehards out there, these games might not pique your interest in the same way. The portable element is lovely and the bundle is super convenient, but I recognize that might not be enough. Either way, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (god, it’s like a mouth full of marshmallows) would be a worthy addition to any respectable Switch collection.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    This is going to make me sound insane, but I never saw these titles as fighting games until now. They were just flashy vehicles for whatever Shonen Jump series Bandai Namco had gotten the rights to. And yet, underneath all that is a complex yet accessible game that rewards exploration, experimentation and practice. A proper fighting game, in other words. If you’re looking for another 3D fighter, give this one a shot. If you’re a My Hero Academia fan however, you absolutely can’t miss My Hero One’s Justice. This could be the start of something beautiful, after all.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Visuals are upgraded but like any remaster, the results are uneven and this is certainly not a complete rebuild like Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2 were. Even so, I still recommend picking this one up whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newbie.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    There are so many interesting elements to it, each of which could provide you with many hours of enjoyment. Ironically, its strengths are not PvE battling, dungeon crawling, and other things most MMORPGs are known for. But it makes up for those shortcomings with so much other deep content and a gorgeous, polished visual experience, that it is still a great game – provided you are willing to put in the time learning.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Take me out to the ball game and leave me in the nosebleeds. I’m never coming back. MLB The Show 21 is a tremendous homage to a sport so many love. I know the Road to the Show regression will drive people crazy, and the bugs do continue to somewhat hinder my enjoyment. But this is all fixable stuff. What lies underneath is a beautiful simulation of baseball. Isn’t that what we came for?
    • 69 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was more than just a game that spawned a remarkable sequel. It was a thoroughly entertaining third-person shooter that perfectly translated Games Workshop’s brutal IP into digital form. Dusting off 14 years of cobwebs and creakiness, the Master Crafted Edition makes the 2011 original look, sound, and play as close as possible to brand new. I don’t think those with the original or Anniversary Edition will regret picking it up, and it’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone who doesn’t already own the game.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Moonlighter is a very solid product overall, but there are parts that feel like they could have done a lot more with. It’s got great graphics, a simple, yet rewarding premise, and combat is satisfying despite its shortcomings. Moonlighter’s no pressure approach and overall design make it feel fresh enough that it is worth looking into, but for me personally, I hope this isn’t all that we get, as I like the product a ton. It just feels like missed potential.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    On the new maps that include behemoths, you’ll get the armored train or the dreadnaught. All said I’m very impressed with this expansion pass.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles is a 4-table DLC pack worth the asking price and any virtual pinball fan will be content with the addition of the four included tables as they all offer some very unique elements in each one.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    White Shadows is a unique title that is a strong argument for the notion of games being art. Not only does it find its individuality with its creative design, but it also has a clear message about societal issues. While some may find sections quite distressing, Monokel’s commitment to tackling sensitive topics is commendable. With this daring release being their debut title, I’m excited to see what the future holds for this talented team. Despite its short runtime, fans of narrative-focused puzzle platformers will adore this insatiable title.

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