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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    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    A Memoir Blue
    A Memoir Blue has a beautiful, varied visual style, emotionally resonant music, and a sincere — if not terribly deep — narrative. The changing and mysterious relationship of parents and children is relatable. It’s a wonderful story to experience, told via haunting, surreal images. Where A Memoir Blue collapses is in its arbitrary and often unnecessary game mechanics. I get that the main character is trying to make sense of her puzzle-like memories. Pixel hunting and awkward object manipulation don’t make me feel invested or immersed. I’d argue they work against it. A Memoir Blue could and should have been a touching short animated film.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Knight Witch
    The Knight Witch is an intriguing amalgamation of genres. Flying through stages and battling foes feels great. The unique approach to special attacks and the Metroidvania style progression work extremely well. While the narrative intrigues and includes some innovation, its presentation is simple. Regardless of this, the game is a blast and freshens up the shmup genre.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Evil Within 2
    While it didn’t scare me as much as I wanted it to, it packs plenty of tense moments and interesting situations into its somewhat inflated length and is definitely worth investigating for its atmosphere alone.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Batman: The Enemy Within - Episode 3: The Fractured Mask
    Sadly, too much of the game’s experience continues to be a passive ride, lacking in gameplay and challenge. But as they say, what a ride it is.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Days Gone
    As I said before, Days Gone feels like bad TV. It has no substance, but goddamn is it nice just to relax and follow along with the story and its hypnotizing gameplay loops. There are definitely better games out there, but without a doubt, Days Gone is a perfectly entertaining title to waste a week in.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Elex
    Elex demands a certain species of patience, a particular brand of mental acuity.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Island Time VR
    It’s got an addictive gameplay loop and a charming atmosphere.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Weaponographist
    The Weaponographist won’t be the most memorable game you will play but its strong elements do overshadow its shortcomings.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    No Straight Roads
    No Straight Roads is a wacky adventure with loveable characters. Mayday and Zuke just want to show the world that EDM isn’t the only kind of music out there – that rock is most certainly not dead. From the bright visuals to the hilarious dialogue and fun gameplay, as well as the option for couch co-op mode, it’s an easy pickup. While I, of course, had a few issues with the game, it’s all mostly forgiven with every quick and heavy whack of Mayday’s guitar.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Phantaruk
    Phantaruk is a solid game that makes a great first impression but like that annoying party guest that does not know when to leave, the longer the game goes on the less terrifying it becomes. The game mechanics stay the same throughout which cause the player’s anxiety to become numb like a dentist’s anesthetic prior to filling a cavity.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    PHOGS!
    The general vibes I got from playing Phogs! are almost identical to those I felt with Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle as I felt like anything could be around any corner and I never knew what to expect. If you’re looking for a puzzle game that will cheer you up through hard times, Phogs! will put a smile on your ‘phace’.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Monster Energy Supercross - The Official Videogame 5
    Monster Energy Supercross: The Official Videogame 5 should please fans of the series. The additions make the game more accessible than ever and is more fleshed out thanks to the new content. The main drawback is the lack of haptic feedback in relation to the track surface.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
    Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact is, at its core, a phenomenal fighting game. The fighting system is near-perfect, and easily stands beside the best triple-A modern fighters. Other than that, the game is a low-budget affair. Hunter x Hunter fans are guaranteed to be disappointed by the sparse roster and awful Story Mode. But there are more characters on the way, and because the core game is so strong, Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact could become one of the best fighting games of this generation. Hopefully, future updates will provide plenty more content, and maybe eventually bring the Story Mode Hunter x Hunter fans deserve.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Xanadu Next
    The story, especially at first, is a bit sparse, and does not necessarily hook you in right away, but the game’s fun action keep you playing long enough for the more interesting narrative aspects to kick in.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Capcom Fighting Collection
    The Capcom Fighting Collection is a reminder of a time when Capcom was the king of making fighting games. It’s great to finally have the opportunity to enjoy the entire Darkstalkers franchise. It would be a damn shame if Capcom didn’t follow this release up with a brand new Darkstalkers installment. While I would have preferred updated visuals, the gameplay for the most part still holds up today. I hope Capcom adds the ability to quick save in each game individually, as opposed to a shared quick save among all 10 games. While this collection only features a small fraction of the fighting games Capcom has released, it’s still a worthy release and I imagine most fighting fans will want to add it to their collection.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Shock Tactics
    For the most part, Shock Tactics is a solid strategy game that takes inspiration from a plethora of titles but is steeped in a unique world with Prometheus-like vibes. Its superb ability to weave gameplay and story together through its narration keeps the game going and environments have a unique look to them. Strategizing with multiple team members as they scour across the planet is addicting, and side objectives help with give the player an added challenge. More focus on exploration would have set Shock Tactics apart, but what is there is enough to warrant a playthrough.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler 0
    I don’t play Octopath games for the plot. This is more true than ever before with Octopath Traveler 0. This story spends several long hours being a gigantic bummer. It’s bad enough to mess up the pacing and sap my enthusiasm. On the other hand, the mechanical systems at work are as intricate and rewarding as they’ve ever been. I love tuning up my gigantic party, tweaking their skillsets, and unleashing them on the world at large. If it’s a little too easy at first, that’s okay. The music and the visuals are as excellent as I hoped for, and there’s a whole town to rebuild as well. Like the previous games, there’s a lot to love about Octopath 0. It all comes down to what you’re looking for.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Pool Panic
    I was impressed with its fresh and original vibe.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3
    The production value isn’t as high as I’d hoped, but the game knows what it is and every mechanic and feature works together in tandem. A supreme variety in level and mission design paired with thoughtful stealth gameplay makes this a strong entry into the shooter genre, even if the overarching narrative isn’t all that interesting.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Fire: Ungh's Quest
    Serious adventure game fans will probably be disappointed with the shallow puzzle design and the game’s short length, but someone looking for a light-hearted romp through a wacky prehistory will find something to like in Fire.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Professor Lupo and his Horrible Pets
    Professor Lupo and His Horrible Pets is anything but horrible. It is astoundingly creative with an interesting array of monsters and a touch of dark humor. The random, meaningless deaths and the sense of apathy when “running” away from monsters creates a whole new mood for the player. Some controls are questionable but you are not stuck with them as the game presents many options for movement and saving your intern’s skin. With the difficult puzzles and impressive details put into its planning, the game succeeds in providing a fun challenge suitable for anybody who is willing to die a few times to get it right.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Transformers Prime: The Game
    As far as handheld gaming is concerned, Transformers Prime: The Game makes an encouraging case for the future of Transformer games on the 3DS and other handhelds, and is easily the best of the bunch so far.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Colonists
    The Colonists wasn’t perfect nor was it the most user-friendly, but the city-building objective of the game was met and a thoroughly enjoyable experience was presented to all types of players, making this an easy game to boot up for anyone looking to strategize in an environment that moves at a comfortable pace.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Semispheres
    Eventually I would love to see a timed mode added to this to make it even more challenging.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    When Vikings Attack!
    When you consider the cross platform abilities, low price tag and just the enjoyably ridiculous nature of the game, I think it's safe to say Clever Beans did a great job for their first game out of the gate.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Call of Cthulhu
    What started off as a story that seemed to plod along quickly escalated and kept me hooked from start to finish. Despite its technical hiccups, there’s almost a certain charm to the way game looks and sounds, and those goofy animations at moments, and almost cheesy voice acting from some characters only help it further.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Rune Factory 5
    Look, I feel like I’ve been spending a lot of time here bashing Rune Factory 5, and maybe I have. But let me emphasize that I still had a lot of fun with it, and I think other players will too. I might be even a bit addicted to it, honestly. There’s just too much here to not like on many levels. But it’s just missing some finish to its technical aspects, especially the visuals and menus. And it needs some follow-through on all its great ideas to make it coalesce into one great experience. Yes, Rune Factory 5 is many games in one, for better or worse. And if you’re ok with that, you’ll have a lot of fun with it. Now, let’s just hope they fix that menu.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Beyond Blue
    If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about marine life or wanted to explore the ocean depths without fear of having to fend for yourself, this is the game for you. Not to mention Beyond Blue would be a fantastic way to get children more immersed and aware of underwater creatures. However, suppose you’re looking for a game with a bit more to offer in terms of gameplay and content. In that case, you may be better off sticking to games like Subnautica that provide the same exploration with added goals and an even higher arching narrative.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Deathsmiles
    If you want a classic arcade experience without leaving your house, then pick up Deathsmiles.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
    Big Brain Academy games ride the line between entertainment and training. You’ll churn through the content being offered in an hour, but that’s by design. A proper playthrough of this game is stretched over several months, with you improving slightly every day. Although I can’t imagine extensive research would teach you anything really new. Even a couple hours with these challenges would be enough to illuminate your weak points. Such is the central tenet here. If you’re looking for a gaming experience, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want to train that brain of yours, that’s a different story. These tools and tasks take on a whole new purpose then, one with practical ends. I’m not sure you’ll enjoy your time with Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain. But I’m certain your time playing the game will be well spent.
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