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
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This War Machine DLC is arguably better than the first, with two out of three general multiplayer maps adding inspiration and excitement to the game, a new halfway decent War map, and a fun Nazi zombies experience, but only just.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forager will never replace Minecraft or Stardew Valley, but it certainly has a good thing going for it. The gameplay is fast, the 2D art is very cute and welcoming. It’s incredibly easy to pick up and leave off. It’s a perfect game for someone who wants something quick and fast. I just hope that maybe we will see updates in the future for more islands, more NPCs and quests.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Signalis is an unforgettable and eerie experience. It makes retro survival horror feel new and unique again. Just be prepared for a story with lots of room for interpretation. And the art is still very anime.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sony’s MLB franchise has unquestionably made a successful leap to PlayStation 4. The franchise has never looked better and the game has made yet another jump into the realm of ‘true to life’. MLB: The Show retains its crown as the undisputed king of baseball games. This being said, it remains by in the large the same game we have played over the course of the past few years and the glitches do seem more prevalent.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    These two titles offer distinct, yet familiar, Mario experiences. Especially if you're new to 3D World, this double feature is an absolute steal of a deal. A massive stage-based 3D platformer AND a blissful Odyssey-style toybox? Say no more! On the other hand, anyone who played this back in 2013 has a more nuanced decision to make. While 3D World is still amazing, it's exactly what you remember from the Wii U days. Whether or not Bowser's Fury is enough of a draw to pull you back in depends on what sort of Mario game you're hungry for. If it's more 3D World, you might be left wanting. Alternately, if you're open to something slightly unlike anything that's come before, maybe Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury will be a perfect fit.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anyone who is a fan of this type of game will surely enjoy this, and the online play and DLC components it makes it even better.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The weakness of the building and crafting was probably why I was so drawn in by the writing and characters, but I don’t regret it. The charm is real. Besides, I have to figure you didn’t pick up something called Bear & Breakfast because you wanted it to bend your mind. This shouldn’t be as hard as running a galactic empire. You’re just a dumb, kindhearted bear. Prospective players probably want to know things like if the bear walks real cute. And he does! He really has a cute little walk. If you’re looking for a cozy little game to take you away from harsh reality, you could do worse than spending your time in these woods.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a game that employs multiple means of victory through strategy, great focus on Slavic mythology and a beautiful map peppered with resources, bodies of water and forests, Thea: The Awakening will really surprise you. For fans of simulation titles with a sweet mix of RPG elements, Thea is an easy recommendation as there is very little on the Switch that even compares in the genre.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The story is engaging enough and some of the dialogue between guards and citizens is filled with story tidbits and humour.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I had a blast playing this game. The Dragon Quest series might evolve a bit slowly for some people, but I'm perfectly satisfied with this pace. Every nostalgic note resonates with gorgeous clarity, be it the monsters, the weapons or the aesthetics. While some attempts at growth fall flat, others expertly hit their mark. The character models and the graphics are the perfect expression of Akira Toriyama’s timeless art style. I wasn't in love with all the writing, but the characters were still flush with charm and personality. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the series, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is an easy recommendation.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With solid visuals, twitch gameplay, and a strange and mesmerizing addictiveness to it, you really can't go wrong by spending time with this game, especially during those times when you need a break from COD, BF4, Killzone, or whatever other mainstream title you may play on your brand new PS4.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Burnout Paradise Remastered is the perfect reminder of an arcade racer done right. The core driving mechanics are near perfect and feel more in tune than some modern racers. It’s an absolute blast to play and is just as addictive now as it was in 2008.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals is a beautifully told story that improves on the original. The structure is exciting and fosters intrigue in the multilayered narrative. Although Night School Studios does improve the gameplay, it fails to take advantage of these segments. Despite that, the wonderful art direction, intelligent narrative and relatable characters make this a memorable adventure.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although there’s no doubt that Achilles: Survivor is built on the foundation of Achilles: Legends Untold, it has its own and very definite identity. For a bargain price of $5.59US, there’s a lot of content. The merger of tower defense and auto-shooter is a perfect match, and the game is addictive and fun. It does one thing, but does it well, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those itching for some good, mindless hack, slash and blowing stuff up game, this is definitely for you.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    On the bright side, there is an incredible amount of replayability in Monster Train. There are five factions to play with, and you have to choose two to combine at the beginning of each run. Of course, it isn’t without escalating difficulty levels for those who manage to beat the game consistently, and even a multiplayer race format as well. Lastly, one of my favourite things about digital card games is that the devs have lots of ways to continue patching it. My gripes with the game are pretty minor, and who knows how this game will look in a few months? This are just release days, after all. If you are a fan of Slay the Spire or any other deckbuilding roguelites, you should definitely check this one out.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story successfully delves further into the lore of the franchise while offering a new experience that will appeal to newcomers. The high-tempo combat and engaging narrative, make this an enthralling action RPG that will keep you hooked throughout. Although the side missions and some of the hub world extras feel a little unnecessary, the slick gameplay will keep you coming back for more.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a gigantic adventure jam-packed with everything you love about the series. If you can open your heart to the Warriors gameplay, you’ll find a terrific entry in the FE series awaits you.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So far, it all sounds good and it is, but one can’t help feeling a bit disappointed that nothing was done to enhance the game. The Dave Bowman stargate analogy cries out for a VR mode. Rez recently got one. So did Tetris. A VR Tempest experience is a logical progression for the game that wouldn’t fundamentally change the core nature of the game but it sure would enhance its trippiness.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The personality of Revita shines through its 16-bit art style. A clear ode to greats of the past, the game possesses large sprites that have a ton of character. The blue-haired protagonist has a simple but memorable design that is in line with games of the era. This is further amplified with its retro-inspired soundbites. With its catchy melodies and general effects, the game perfectly captures the feel of the 90s.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Make no mistake, this is definitely the superior version of Dragon Quest III. The modern mechanics and slick visuals strike that balance between retro and modern sensibilities. Combat is as easy or as difficult as you need it to be. I wish the auto-battle system was less powerful, but it’s still an optional mechanic. Beyond all my gripes about it, playing this game was still a relaxing, compelling experience. I love level grinding, scouring dungeons, and taking down nasty monsters. The story is simple, but in a sweeping, grand fashion perfectly suited for Dragon Quest. Whether or not you’ve played the original, you’ll have a great time with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the game does a good job of establishing the agents of Aion as emerging AI, Soul Hackers 2 tells a deeply human story. This isn’t a shock to me, as Shin Megami Tensei spin-offs have always been more character-focused than the mainline games. I like Soul Hackers 2’s anime noir approach to character building. I recommend it to anyone who likes RPGs or cyberpunk.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, Small Radios Big Televisions is a memorable journey. Devoured in a single setting, the game provides an experience more akin to exploration and introspection than challenge. Make no mistake, this is art. A beautiful trip packed in moulded off-white plastic and labeled with a sharpie from the junk drawer. Put on your headphones and enjoy the ride.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Journey to the Savage Planet provides highly rewarding exploration and discovery bundled with a genuinely funny sense of humor to make for a worthwhile first-person adventure experience. The game is clearly a labor of love and is only hindered by a few unrefined elements that don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. Though the planet is a savage one indeed, in this case, the risk is absolutely worth taking.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1 celebrates the early years of the legendary tactical espionage epic. Each game comes with region-specific versions, a wonderful companion book and even a screenplay. This allows fans of the franchise to delve deep into the iconic world but also provides newcomers with the material to engage with the series. Extra content such as graphic novels and the soundtrack give even more incentive to revisit the groundbreaking games. While the package itself has a strange segmented design that requires you to switch applications, everything that’s included is magnificent.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I can’t say Brushes with Death is essential, but it does add an entertaining new side-story and character to an already richly imagined world. For its modest price, new players get even more KCD2 to discover. Returning players get an excuse to revisit Henry and his world, like playing catch-up with an old friend for a few hours. Brushes with Death definitely makes an already excellent game just a little more interesting.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though it might not take long before you give up in a fit of rage, while it lasts, Blasters of the Universe is one for the books.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    IO Interactive has created a solid base to build on in further episodes of Hitman and hopefully they can address the problems found in the intro pack.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fibbage just makes lying fun.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The solarpunk genre is here and only is going to grow as our climate starts to transform. Plenty of people are going to find a way to express their existential dread at a problem that seems so big. There will be plenty of corny stories about rebuilding a world from the ashes of the people we were before. Where Floodland has a leg up is in its subtlety. You aren’t constantly talking about who you want to be and how you want to run your apocalypse town. You are showing who you are by how you build it.

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