COGconnected's Scores

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For 4,966 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:
  1. Positive: 3,073 out of 4966
  2. Mixed: 1,709 out of 4966
  3. Negative: 184 out of 4966
4972 game reviews
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    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Ishin!
    Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a lost classic that has finally made its way to a global market. Fans of the franchise will be ecstatic to experience an Edo-period drama that features icons of the Yakuza series. Even though it is set in the 1860s, the foundation of the series is evident with each step. It’s a familiar experience that feels similar to its PS3 counterparts rather than the modern releases. The world lacks the hustle and bustle of Kamurocho and the mini-games are not as diverse. However, the card-based combat system and four fighting styles make battles a thrill. While the game may not do enough to alter the perception of those who don’t enjoy titles from the franchise, fans of the series are in for a treat with this samurai-focused epic.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Blanc
    With every new landscape and puzzle, you can feel the love that went into the development of this game. Available for both local and online play, you can enjoy this with your loved ones in the same room or from far away. Blanc is here for you to take this journey together.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Returnal
    I’ve been away from Returnal for some time, and coming back for the PC version was a happy reminder that, for a good long while, Returnal was my go-to action game. Two years later, its combination of fluid movement, engaging story, and challenging combat is still excellent. Some will still bounce off its difficulty but there are small ways to mitigate the pain. PC action game fans who missed Returnal when it was a PS5 exclusive are in for a great time.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Wild Hearts
    If the developers were hoping to launch an IP that could stand side-by-side with other monster-hunting games, they can rest easy. Wild Hearts shares some mechanics with other titles in the genre, but it’s best when staking out unique territory. Hunting Kemono alone and with others, using the Karakuri, and just enjoying the game’s satisfying loop are all a lot of fun. Best of all, Wild Hearts has the mechanical foundation and potential for endless DLC and sequels. If they can live with its slightly disappointing visuals, fans of that “other” monster-hunting game have a viable and addictive alternative in Wild Hearts.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Wanted: Dead
    Wanted: Dead successfully captures what made action games incredible in the sixth and seventh generations of consoles. Its combat options are deep and due to this, cutting up enemies never gets old. While the narrative shifts into beautiful hand-drawn anime, the voice acting and dialogue halt interest in the unremarkable narrative. However, fans of third-person action games who want a gameplay-focused experience should take stab at this one.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Souls of Chronos
    All in all, Souls of Chronos is a fun ride. It combines polished action with an unpolished translation, but the bones of the story are still engaging. It explores the cycle of poverty, betrayal, and desperation. I don’t think it will be anyone’s game of the year. But if you’re a fan of nice action and RPGs, you should check this title out.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fashion Police Squad
    Overall, this is a fun affair and an invigorating palate cleanser if you usually dwell in darker and more mature material. Also, this is a game you could play with the small fry that will only take five or six hours to complete. “Sew”, kick back, relax, and release your inner Austin Powers and have at it, with the Fashion Police Squad!
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PowerWash Simulator
    The verdict is, PowerWash Simulator belongs on Switch. It’s not an immersive world demanding you get lost in it. You’re just enjoying beautifying playgrounds and old busses. It’s something to do with your hands. As such, if you’ve been waiting to power wash some stuff, this Switch port is a great excuse to get started.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    SpellForce: Conquest of Eo
    Fans of the Spellforce franchise may balk at the absence of the usual RTS/RPG mashup mechanics. Spellforce: Conquest of Eo hops on the turn-based train, but the game is every bit as engaging as earlier entries in the series. It’s just different. Even players a little fatigued by the glut of turn-based RPGs should give it a go, as the game’s combat is accessible and fun. In all honesty, I’m personally hoping the next numbered game in the franchise returns to its roots, but this change in direction has its own pleasures.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The Pathless
    The Pathless is fun for a bit, but I didn’t find any of the detail or smoothness our reviewer loved about the PS5 version. I would recommend avoiding the Switch version over any of the other ones. It’s a game best played docked anyways. If you’re at all curious, you might enjoy The Pathless, but its presentation is far from breathtaking on the Switch.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Deliver Us Mars
    After a rocky start, Deliver Us the Moon ended up being an adventure game success, and Deliver Us Mars will not disappoint fans of the first game. It tells an interesting and sometimes surprising story and delivers an awe-inspiring Red Planet. Some unrefined mechanics and gamified puzzles carry over from its predecessor, but overall Deliver Us Mars is a genuine step forward for the franchise.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Inkulinati
    I didn’t know if I would recommend Inkulinati when I was first playing it. But it grew on me. You will quickly see a lot of what the game has to offer. There aren’t that many things to unlock. There’s not really a campaign. You can do a one on one battle or a roguelike tower a la classic arcade fighting games. You will see all that the game has to offer pretty quickly. But I wasn’t counting on how strong the actual strategy game is. This is the first release from Yaza Games, but they seem like a team with some fresh ideas and the vision to implement them. Daedalic Entertainment publishes a lot of novel strategy titles that fail to hold your attention for long. Inkulinati earns its place in your library with its depth.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Marvel's Midnight Suns - The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
    The Good, the Bad and the Undead is just the first of four planned DLC add-ons, and it’s a great start. Deadpool doesn’t change up the main game, but the addition of a new enemy type and a host of new cards is a great way to bring lapsed players back to Midnight Suns. Anyone who enjoys Deadpool’s sense of ironic humor will enjoy this DLC. It makes an already engaging game just a little better.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion
    Jurassic World Evolution 2 continues to evolve into a first-rate sim. The Dominion Malta expansion does something more than just adding stuff, though it does that, too. The Dinosaur Exchange adds an interesting ethical element to the mix, and the tie-ins to the movie bring a little blockbuster shine to the game as well.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    SEASON: A letter to the future
    Season: A Letter to the Future is a delightful snapshot of a world on the precipice of a devastating event. Due to this, there is a somber atmosphere that resides throughout your trip. Recording scenarios through your camera, audio device, and journal builds further understanding of the narrative; however, these three components don’t evolve which makes the gameplay quite repetitive. Although each encounter is distinct and their story is well told, the conclusion stumbles. Despite that, fans of narrative-driven titles should hitch a ride on this unique trip.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Raiden IV x Mikado Remix
    Raiden IV x MIKADO remix is a tough sell. It’s a no-brainer for hardcore shmup fans. There’s tons of content, and score junkies will get a lot out of it. But to non-hardcore fans, it will be a very generic experience. It doesn’t have unique visuals or gameplay elements. It also lacks the wow factor of a crazy bullet hell shooter. Everything about Raiden IV x MIKADO remix is well-crafted, but it doesn’t focus on being unique at all.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Dead Space
    Dead Space is a cult classic that is considered one of the greatest horror games in the medium. Some may argue that the game didn’t require a remake, however, Motive Studios are faithful in its approach and improves on the original. Although the visual update makes each step a disquieting nightmare, the enhancements made to the combat and narrative are what make the real difference. While the game carefully follows the path laid by the original, the number of refinements makes this the definitive version.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Lone Ruin
    The initial weapon selection is refreshing, yes. I also love the color palette used throughout the game. But beyond that, this is a bog standard roguelite. Random assortments of enemies attack with increasing ferocity. The bosses require practice and experimentation to master. Your success is determined by repetition and fortuitous reward drops at the end of every stage. Honestly, the short runtime might be an upside, depending on what you’re looking for. Roguelite players may find Lone Ruin rather disappointing. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a short, arcade-style experience, maybe give this game a shot.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    One Piece Odyssey
    One Piece Odyssey is first and foremost made for longtime followers of the manga and anime. That said, there is enough backstory and information to keep the casual gamer engaged. One Piece Odyssey is a robust, well-made JRPG that’s faithful to the core audience but fun for almost any turn-based action fan. Aside from the somewhat annoying, patchwork pacing and occasionally repetitive backtracking, One Piece Odyssey’s combat and oddball characters are fun to spend time with.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Forspoken
    Forspoken feels like a test that was turned in with answers missing, returned with a big red "Finish Your Work" inked at the top. So much of the game feels like unrealized potential, a big, messy first draft. There are too many mechanics, there's too much story, too much empty world, and too little chance for surprise or discovery. However, I can't say I didn't enjoy a lot of my time with Forspoken. When the combat clicks, it can be a lot of fun. Forspoken is ambitious, and there are hints of a winning formula. I hope the developers keep chipping away at what doesn't work. It would be a shame if Forspoken is forsaken.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Persona 3 Portable
    A game about depression, starring depressed characters, is an acquired taste compared to other titles in the series. At the same time, Persona 3 Portable has more bite than either of its successors. All in all, I would recommend Persona 3 Portable to anyone interested in an old and troubled classic. But Atlus, please add the animated cutscenes back for the next remake.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Persona 4 Golden
    Persona 4 Golden is not a perfect game. Some of the choices made during social links come off as a little questionable for international audiences. And the graphics are nearly as dated as Persona 3 Portable’s. However, it’s still an iconic game that brought the JRPG formula firmly into the modern day. It’s not my favorite Persona game, but I can firmly recommend it to just about anyone. If you have a Switch, now’s your excuse to play Persona 4 Golden.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise
    If you loved playing MH: World you will most definitely fall in love with MH: Rise, too. All the great stuff you know and love is still in Rise with some smaller tweaks and additions. I had a good time and it was worth waiting for the graphically improved version. My only gripes are that Rise is too easy compared to World (especially the story), yet High-Rank defense missions are imbalanced for solo players, and it doesn’t look as graphically pleasing as World.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Engage
    While Engage didn't win me over with its story, the mechanics are a different matter. I'm pleased that level grinding is being sidestepped in such a clever manner, though I still miss it. I loved how intense the battles are, every single time. Even with the Time Crystal, the stakes feel terribly high. Sure, the narrative feels more cliché than I'm used to. I wish it wasn't a good vs evil fetch quest. But the character bonds still tell a compelling tale all on their own. And though I didn't love the side content this time around, I'm still happy there's so much of it available. Overall, Fire Emblem Engage is an excellent entry in the franchise. You won't want to miss this one.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider
    I loved Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider, but it won’t be for everyone. It’s a must-play for 2D action platform veterans. Especially those that value speedrunning. The 80s inspirations hit all the right nostalgia buttons for me. It might look a little generic on the surface, but anyone who gives Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider their time, will find a tight action platformer, with lots of unique nuance. If you’re at all curious, don’t hesitate to pick it up.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Maskmaker
    You can see the growth of InnerspaceVR as a game developer from Fisherman to Maskmaker. Hopefully, with their next project, they will fine-tune their approach and create a game that is both artistically and gameplay-wise, satisfying. If you are patient and OK with playing a slower-paced game, Maskmaker is definitely worth a look.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Bendy and the Dark Revival
    Joey Drew Studios has created a memorable nightmare world of maniacal ‘toons and the dark side of creativity. While its combat and mechanics don’t reach the same level as its setting and narrative, Bendy and the Dark Revival is a must-play for fans of the first game, and an effective introduction to a singular franchise for everyone else.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Paper Cut Mansion
    Paper Cut Mansion is a fun, if simplified, roguelite that benefits from a charming art style. The game opens with a warning that the adventure is themed around horror but it’s really hard to be scared of violent paper cutouts. Getting around each floor of the house can be a little disorienting because there is no map or landmarks to get your bearings. That confusion wears away the longer you play, however. There are a lot of familiar modular elements that become more noticeable with each playthrough. With its procedurally generated level design, a staggering number of endings, and creative artistic spark, Paper Cut Mansion is fun and can be enjoyed in short bursts.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sports Story
    Sports Story pales in comparison to its predecessor. The plot fails to capture the whimsy which engulfs the original. While I understand Sidebar Games’ decision to go large with its narrative, in doing so, it removes the simplicity which makes Golf Story so unforgettable. Although it expands its gameplay with a number of new sporting activities, the success of these varies. Combining this with the volume of performance issues and bugs means this swing is a whiff rather than a hit.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ixion
    It probably sounds frustrating. And it is. I walked away a few times in disgust. But as is clear from the tone of this review, I always came back. That counts more than anything else. That’s the most important thing. I liked spending time in Ixion’s world, in Ixion’s story. I like space disaster stories. Eventually, I was happy to bump myself down to the ‘story’ difficulty, because I didn’t want to miss out. I like looking at it, and I like listening to it. I plan to return to Ixion, to once again embrace sweet failure.
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