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
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Having spent a lot of time exploring the new content, I would rank All Under Heaven very highly, up there with Roads to Power as one of the best additions to the game yet. As a grand strategy game, Crusader Kings has never felt grander.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The Last Stand: Aftermath is supposed to be challenging, though, so some of the quality of life mechanics I want to see are probably absent by design. As it is, The Last Stand: Aftermath distinguishes itself from other zombie survival/roguelite games by virtue of its unique new character respawn idea and the incredibly detailed and believable post-zombie apocalypse world it imagines. The ability to retain gear and perks between deaths leavens the difficulty enough to let the addictive, just-one-more-try elements shine through. I’ve yet to reach the final stage, but I’ll keep trying.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Ride 5 is not a huge, evolutionary leap from the last game in 2020. Instead, Ride 5 continues to refine and add depth, options, and polish to an already excellent racer. The continued lack of a thorough, step-by-step tutorial is puzzling. Ride 5 has options for inexperienced riders, but it’s clearly leaning hard into being an exacting motorcycle sim for fans of the sport.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Awesomenauts Overdrive adds more characters to an already expansive list of mercenaries and continues to evolve the combat and tactical depth the 2D MOBA offers.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    All in all, CrossCode is a love letter to fans of the pixel days without skimping on the gameplay. It plays like a modern third person action game, requiring precision and timing. The plot is breezy enough and there’s a certain zen-like quality to all the quests that can be relaxing. If you’re in need of a solid action RPG with content for days, then this is one you don’t want to miss.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    In Four Last Things, Joe Richardson invented a whole new genre of sorts. Maybe he doesn’t mess with the formula this time around, but The Procession to Calvary once again delivers all the side-splitting humor and cheeky, clever satire that won me over three years ago. It almost makes me feel guilty to have so much fun playing a game in which I decapitate people, laugh at torture victims, and do the Devil’s bidding (you’ll see). For that I place the blame squarely on Joe Richardson, damn him, and I can’t wait for his next game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Because despite the strength of Olija's tone and mechanics, it is a very moody game. There's not a lot to say in indie platformers that hasn't been done elsewhere and so it all comes down to execution. I don't think the story or characters or themes of Olija will stick with me for a long time, but I will remember the game nonetheless. I will remember the world actually, as if I was the one braving mosquito filled bogs and slimy tombs. Thomas Olsson and Skeleton Crew Studio aren't telling stories so much as they are crafting worlds. That's what kind of game Olija is: a world you can get lost in.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    While the Concert/Live Editor and Your Home mode is absent, the game packs tons of songs and customization features that emulates a pure arcade experience. Meanwhile the art style may have changed, but at 1080p and 60 frames per second, it’s the smoothest, most accurate and beautiful looking Project Diva game to date.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Doraemon: Story of Seasons is beautifully executed, and it’s one of the most engaging Story of Seasons games I’ve ever played. The story is great and progresses without overly excessive downtime in between major events, and there’s no shortage of things to do to keep you entertained. Though the core gameplay may be tedious for some, it’s completely engrossing for others who love games of this nature or have loved Story of Seasons games in the past. As for me, I hope that Noby and his goofy friends stay trapped in Natura for a while — I won’t be ready to leave life on the farm anytime soon.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a remarkable achievement. Not only is the overall presentation truly stunning with its authentic, watercolor design, but the platform-focused gameplay and thoughtful combat system establish the game as an essential title in the Metroidvania genre. With its responsive controls and challenging boss battles, the game offers an immersive and rewarding experience that will keep players engaged from start to finish.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    While the Concert/Live Editor and Your Home mode is absent, the game packs tons of songs and customization features that emulates a pure arcade experience. Meanwhile the art style may have changed, but at 1080p and 60 frames per second, it’s the smoothest, most accurate and beautiful looking Project Diva game to date.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest II is a long game. Unlike Dragon Quest, it can’t be beaten in one sitting. The original was one of the few NES games that had a battery save for a reason. The Switch is a great console to experience this adventure because of its portability. You can visit towns and dungeons at home, while grinding your heart out on the go.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Captain Spirit is an absolute must experience for those who enjoy a heart-filled narrative. It’s easy to overlook the simple character models when you understand the scope of the situation and depth of their character. With easy controls, a detailed environment, and perfect soundtrack, The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is a feel-good hit that expands on the Life Is Strange universe in a beautiful way.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Not only does this Shadow War DLC offer a complicated, dark, and genuinely fun conclusion to Nazi Zombies, it also rounds out the multiplayer game modes quite well. Despite a few weird choices in the latest War map and a multiplayer addition in Chancellery that makes it hard to run around in, this final DLC is a nice little nightcap on a fairly solid Call of Duty experience in WWII overall. In fact, it’s the strongest one of the entire game.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is an excellent roguelike adventure that faithfully translates the tactical, frenetic combat of the main series into an immersive side-scrolling experience. Each character feels distinct, with unique abilities that encourage experimentation with the game’s multi-layered systems, resulting in builds that differ from run to run. While the complex narrative doesn’t fully land and some systems aren’t clearly explained, the moment-to-moment action is superb and will quickly get its hooks in you.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    I have noticed considerable framerate inconsistencies when trying to get around a level quickly or when using the spyglass to zoom. I feel as though I should mention these issues, but they didn’t detract from my experience of the game. I’m still in love with the level design and I still think the ability system favors the use of one or two abilities.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition is the best boxing VR game to date. The new controllers allow you to freely move around the ring and pick out your shot. This increases the immersion to create some incredible moments. Unfortunately, the new campaign follows the same loop of the original and doesn’t offer anything new. However, the actual in ring action is a knockout combo.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    All in all, Death’s Gambit: Afterlife is a tough but rewarding exploration of a grim fantasy world populated by ruthless immortals, mindless constructs, and weary civilians whose lives have been horrifically twisted by forces beyond their control. The revamped movement options made traversing the expanded world a treat, though I would’ve liked a fast travel system that didn’t clash with my hoarding instincts. If you like Metroidvanias and Soulslikes and always wanted to know what it would be like if the two genres fused, then Death’s Gambit: Afterlife is for you.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    LEGO Bricktales was one of the best and purest versions of the brick building experience. On the Meta Quest 3, and especially in the AR mode, the game takes on a whole new life that comes very close to the real thing. The puzzles are challenging and the tone is lighthearted. Aside from some fiddly controls, LEGO Bricktales is more proof that the Meta Quest 3 is the VR headset to have.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Thanks to offering only two factions and a limited number of modes, Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector might not be the deepest or most complete strategy game ever made, but it’s definitely one of the best and most authentic uses of the license to date. Challenging strategic battles, appropriately melodramatic voice work, more than decent graphics, and a respectful translation of the tabletop game to a digital format make this a must-have for fans of the franchise, and even appealing for casual strategy fans who are not yet invested in all things Warhammer.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Through its minimalist silhouettes, you get a cliched tale of oppression and freedom. The simple haunting music sets a tone. Platformers are one of the oldest genres of video games, and while this one controls differently, it is still a classical platformer at heart. But you want to hear the protagonist sing. You want to fly. She wants to fly. And in video games, there’s nothing more powerful than the moment that the player and the character’s desires become one.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was a sleeper downloadable hit of 2010. Crystal Dynamics have unquestionably done it again as Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris is quite easily one of the best twin stick puzzle solving cooperative action games we have seen on next generation consoles to date.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    At least visually, Pentiment is unlike any game in the marketplace, and its execution is never less than impressive. As a reflection on the role of the artist and the fundamental, unchanging nature of the human experience, it can be thoughtful, amusing and moving. The game’s mechanics, some of the writing and pacing definitely take a back seat to the aesthetics. Taken as a whole, playing Pentiment is another great reminder that not every videogame experience needs to overwhelm the senses, challenge reflexes or be the product of market research. Pentiment might not be for everyone, but that’s ok. Not for everyone is sometimes exactly what we need.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    While it may borrow from games we already know and love it does so with its own flair and separates itself from other less than spectacular zombie themed games out there.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    A competent arcade racer that is sure to get the heart rate up with some real ‘edge of your seat’ cops vs racers action.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Overall I’m really enjoying Pac-Man 99. It’s a great pick-up and play title for when you have just a couple of minutes and are looking for something to do. The gameplay is fast-paced, competitive, and surprisingly addicting. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, there’s no reason not to give the game a shot.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Flying your ship feels good, the galaxy accurately conveys an immense sense of scale, the use of real life stars and planets adds an amazing sense of wonder, and the trading and combat systems have strong cores. Overall, Elite: Dangerous is really cool, but mostly as a tease of what it could be.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Although I personally love Monster Hunter World just a little bit more, Rise is a thrilling and engrossing game. Sunbreak does what it needs to do. It adds some awesome new monsters, sweetens gameplay, and folds in a new way to hunt with NPCs. It takes a while to get to the really good stuff, but fans of Rise probably won’t mind. Thanks to the Master Rank quests and ultra-challenging hunts, Sunbreak pushes experienced players to take their already impressive skills to a whole new world.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Pinball FX VR does many thing right. Visually, the game is excellent. The tables, including the digital recreations of iconic pinball tables, all look great. The gameplay is as smooth and accurate as ever – Zen Studios definitely excels in this area. I truly felt like I was standing at a pinball machine. The three games included in the base game are pretty good, and the optional modes and my desire to get all the achievements should keep me coming back. The cost of DLC is a bit of a bummer, and it’ll be hard to justify purchasing every new DLC machine as they become available – especially if you’ve already purchased the machine for a previous Zen Studios release. The Mixed Reality mode is a mystery and I hope a future patch makes it accessible (or at least clarify how to access it). If you’re a pinball fanatic and want the best pinball experience on the Meta Quest 3, Pinball FX VR is a no-brainer.

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