We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Lady Kayleen.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Lady Kayleen.

The post Come Enjoy Cosplay Courtesy of Lady Kayleen appeared first on COGconnected.

All ye’ with dreams of slangin’ and bangin’ unite! Drug Dealer Simulator 2 is here to rock your world like a brick (of pure Columbian bam-bam) smashing through your window. At least, that’s what it’s fantasized about doing amidst a mescaline-induced fever dream. In reality, instead of making me feel like a drug mule turned drug kingpin, Drug Dealer Simulator 2 left me with dry mouth and a pounding headache. Oh, how I long to be Tony Montana, face down in a water fountain.

To its credit, Drug Dealer Simulator 2 offers a relatively nuanced approach to starting a criminal organization. From the start, you’ll be tasked with not only manufacturing illegal goodies such as delicious reefer and beautiful black-tar heroin but also delivering them. Grow-ops and production facilities are rather involved, requiring ingredients, equipment, and TLC to ensure a quality product. This is only half the battle, however. You’ll also need to manage an ever-expanding list of clients that must be kept happy.

Deliver the Goods

The problem is that maintaining customer satisfaction quickly devolves into an overwhelming time crunch. You’re constantly tasked with setting appointments at specific times, forcing you never to be far from a particular meetup location. In turn, this creates a gameplay loop akin to a frantic juggling act – so much so that I question if Drug Dealer Simulator 2 was ever intended to be a single-player game. You can team up with a friend throughout its lengthy campaign, but I wish it didn’t feel so mandatory.

I imagine most will find the campaign more enjoyable with company. If not for the more relaxed experience it offers, then surely for breaking up the monotony of its storyline. If you’ve ever played a game or seen a movie about criminal enterprises, you’ve seen everything Drug Dealer Simulator 2 offers. It’s a routine, run-of-the-mill tale covering a rags-to-riches cliche that leaves nothing to the imagination. The world is never bereft of activities, but the narrative is deprived of creativity.

The Good Life

There’s a ton of stuff to do as you climb through the underworld ranks of Drug Dealer Simulator 2. There wasn’t a single time I found myself without some sort of task to complete. However, the vast majority of it ends up being a repetitive slog. I never had the time to simply sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Instead, Drug Dealer Simulator 2 bombarded me with a never-ending cycle of procuring supplies, developing and moving products, and weak combat. It’s like a GHB-laden Groundhog Day, but never in the fun Bill Murray kind of way.

Speaking of weak combat, Drug Dealer Simulator 2 severely struggles with mechanics. Generally speaking, it’s a nightmare to navigate. The action feels light and floaty, never offering the visceral thud I hope to find in a first-person experience. Menus are an absolute chore to work through. I lost track of how often I would select a menu option only to find nothing registered. They’re also so condensed with information and inventory that finding what you’re looking for is a pain.

Harsh Realities

Drug Dealer Simulator 2 is also decidedly ugly. There are spots peppered throughout its world that aren’t as offensive to the eyes, but generally, it looks dated. Character models are nothing more than Sears mannequins strewn about the streets. Lip-syncing and realistic animations are non-existent. And low-resolution textures are as prevalent as I’ve seen in a long time. It all makes for a rough-around-the-edges vibe that unironically feels like the worst parts of the last two decades.

I think that’s where Drug Dealer Simulator 2 fails the most. From start to finish, it feels like a wholly unpolished, underdeveloped game. There’s no denying that when compared to its predecessor, Drug Dealer Simulator 2 outshines it in almost every way. But that doesn’t mean it’s something I can necessarily recommend. If you loved the original, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the sequel. If you’ve never heard of the series and are interested in jumping in, keep your expectations in check. I see potential in Drug Dealer Simulator 2, but as of now, it’s a bust.

***PC code provided by the publisher for review***

The post Drug Dealer Simulator 2 Review – Business Isn’t Booming appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Feisty Vee.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Feisty Vee.

The post Feisty Vee’s Cosplay Gets Summer Started Right appeared first on COGconnected.

Pump the brakes on your expectations if you’re looking forward to a radically redefined F1 racing experience this year. F1 24 – while competent enough to remain relatively enjoyable – spins its tires without going anywhere. Its new handling system misses the mark the majority of the time. Only a few minor tweaks headline F1 24’s changes to game modes. The absence of a few features from F1 23 feels like a missed opportunity to expand upon previously laid groundwork. Unfortunately, all of this ultimately prevents F1 24 from being a must-have upgrade.

To its credit, F1 24 looks great. Every track from Bahrain to Suzuka to Las Vegas shines with brilliant authenticity that captures the unique spirit of each location. Weather effects remain hit-or-miss, but overall, F1 24 is excellent on the eyes. Each car is spot on to its real-life counterpart, adding to the immersion of participating in an actual race. And driver likenesses are tremendous. Every driver looks true to life without having that glassy-eyed stare that so many sports game character models suffer from.

Hear That Engine Purr

Of course, the sport of F1 isn’t just about pretty cars and beautiful locales. The sound of these multi-million dollar machines tearing up the track is as vital to the experience as anything else. In that regard, F1 24 also nails the presentation. Engines roar with glorious detail that routinely left me feeling as if I was actually sitting in on a race. Tires spinning, raindrops pelting a surface, splashes of water, and gravel kicking up all sound authentic to the point it’s tough to tell the difference between F1 24 and real life. Chatter over the radio is also fantastic, if not repetitive. As is the case every year, F1 24 delivers the auditory experience I hope to get each time I dive in.

Where F1 24 starts to show its cracks, however, is in its new handling system. Developer Codemasters has wholly altered how cars behave, and it rarely feels like it’s for the better. As a diehard wheel user, there have been moments during my time with F1 24 that I’ve proclaimed it to essentially be undrivable. Cars wobble across the track at the slightest input, and understeering/oversteering doesn’t provide the same feedback as in F1 23. It makes even the most basic corners turn into grueling tests of patience. Couple this with a conglomeration of AI that either crashes into the player without a second thought or dominates without making a single mistake, and it quickly becomes apparent that most races are impossible to win.

It wasn’t long before it became essential to turn the traction control option on. While this does take care of the issue, anyone with racing game experience will tell you that traction control is a pick-your-poison type of setting. Sure, it will prevent you from spinning out. But it also negates the ability to make nuanced manoeuvers, drastically hindering players’ ability to shave valuable seconds off their lap times. Racing games must cater to a broad audience. Yes, as in previous years, F1 24 offers a boatload of sliders to fine-tune the experience. However, none of that matters when you’re forced to use a specific variation of settings.

Tune Up the Band

At least Codemasters seem to be aware of the issue. They’ve gone on record to say that a massive patch is incoming to correct the shortcomings. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this review, F1 24 misses the mark where it matters the most—driving.

It was also disappointing to discover just how little has changed this time around off the track. Career mode has been given a minor overhaul. For the first time, F1 24 offers players the chance to take on the career mode as actual Formula One drivers. And it’s nice to be able to sign multi-year contracts finally. Other than that, F1 24 is identical to its predecessor. In fact, it’s missing some stuff that I found enjoyable in F1 23. For example, you’re no longer able to customize your living quarters. I understand that this sort of stuff probably isn’t too high on the priority list, but I always love it when sports games offer me the chance to live the lifestyle that being an industry professional provides.

If you’ve eagerly anticipated this year’s entry into Codemasters’ popular F1 series, I hate to say that you might be better off sticking to F1 23. Time will tell if the developers can correct the issues plaguing the handling system. I anticipate they’ll have a fix released sooner rather than later, given that even professionals like Lando Norris have admitted that F1 24 feels awkward and unrealistic. If you’re committed to jumping in this year, do so with your expectations in check. Even if Codemasters fixes F1 24’s most glaring issues, the fact still remains that this is an excessively minor update.

***A Steam key was provided for this review***

The post F1 24 Review – In Need of a Pit Stop appeared first on COGconnected.

If you missed out on Braid’s original 2008 release, do yourself a favor and don’t miss it this time around. ‘Braid, Anniversary Edition’ is a brilliant update to an already spectacular game. It does so much more than offer visual improvements and developer commentary. With steady footing amidst a field of apropos bliss, ‘Braid, Anniversary Edition’ reached through the fourth wall, making me yearn for a time long ago lost—a fitting feeling, given Braid’s heartbreaking narrative.

Braid tells the story of a man named Tim, searching for a princess. As you go from world to world, a tale of loss, obsession, time, and disappointment plays out like a beautifully crafted poem. Combined with its 2D side-scrolling aesthetic, I wouldn’t blame you if you assumed Braid to be a knockoff Super Mario game. However, its similarities with the iconic Nintendo franchise exist only on the surface. Despite the obvious influences, Braid manages to carve out a unique corner of its own, never losing sight of its true intentions.

Hook, Line, Sinker

Braid’s hook relies heavily on its time-based mechanics. Tim initially starts only being able to rewind time, though, as the player progresses, he gains the ability to do things like slow time or create clones of himself. It’s within this system that Braid challenges players to discover ways to collect puzzle pieces scattered throughout its levels. Without solving these puzzles, the whole story never becomes complete. And while some of the solutions are quickly figured out, many of them will put your thinking skills to the test in some of the most clever ways imaginable.

Equally as impressive as Braid’s writing and mechanics, its world is absolutely stunning. Filled with hand-drawn artwork from the talented duo of Mike Corriero and David Hellman, each level is brought to life with a breathtaking style that never ceases to amaze. ‘Braid, Anniversary Edition’ successfully takes what was already an incredible visual experience and turns the dial up to eleven. Everything from blades of grass to enemies to Tim himself has been painstakingly updated to create an even better version of what was already considered one of the most gorgeous games ever made. If you prefer to experience Braid in its original form, you’ll be pleased to know that a click of the right stick will instantly swap between the new and classic versions.

Pure Art

Another part of Braid that has been praised for over fifteen years is its stellar, original score. Certain sections in ‘Braid, Anniversary Edition’ retain the original tracks, but many have also been reworked to capture the mood of specific stages more effectively. Braid’s narrative devolves into darker, shadowy territory with each passing level. While the original had no issues with appropriately bottling this essence, ‘Braid, Anniversary Edition’ takes things further, delivering an even moodier, atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates its painful subject matter.

The aforementioned improvements aren’t the end of the line for ‘Braid, Anniversary Edition,’ either. A boatload of developer commentaries await players who finish the main story. These commentaries are stuffed with interesting knowledge about the difficulties in making Braid, as well as game development in general. I initially assumed I would power my way through them. Instead, I found myself clamoring for more as soon as one was finished.

Time Doesn’t Stand Still

More importantly for most, ‘Braid, Anniversary Edition’ also offers 40 brand-new levels that put my puzzle-solving abilities to the limit. Be warned, some of these aren’t for the faint of heart. However, they’re equally rewarding as discovering the solutions to the original all those years ago. It’s genuinely impressive that the playable level count has more than doubled. ‘Braid, Anniversary Edition’ is by no means a run-of-the-mill remaster, thrown together with little effort for a quick buck. It should be considered a shining example of what a modern upgrade needs to be.

‘Braid, Anniversary Edition’ is tremendous. It takes everything the original did so well and tweaks it just enough to feel fresh while maintaining its identity. Fans of the original will have a blast discovering what all is new. Newcomers will be astounded at the quality of what is often considered one of the greatest games of all time. Whether you belong to the former or the latter, do yourself a favor and don’t miss this.

***A Switch code was provided for this review***

The post Braid, Anniversary Edition Review – The Time is Right appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Anhyra.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Anhyra.

The post Anhyra’s ‘S-Tier’ Cosplay Utterly Delights appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to YuneValentine.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from YuneValentine.

The post YuneValentine Stuns With Her Cosplay appeared first on COGconnected.

Following up on the unexpected success of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Ubisoft is looking to strike while the iron is hot. The Rogue Prince of Persia is an upcoming 2D action-platforming roguelite adventure that fans of games like Guacamelee and Dead Cells won’t want to miss. Developed externally by Bordeaux-based studio Evil Empire, The Rogue Prince of Persia drips with the potential to capture the hearts of those clamoring for the next great metroidvania/roguelite experience.

While comparisons between The Lost Crown and Rogue Prince of Persia are inevitable, the latter appears to be doing everything possible to separate itself from the former. Whereas The Lost Crown opted for a hybrid 2D/3D art style, Rogue sticks to a strictly 2D perspective. The environments shown off are beautiful, capturing the spirit of the Prince of Persia series while distinguishing itself from what has come previously. The Rogue Prince of Persia isn’t The Lost Crown, nor is it trying to be classic Prince of Persia released long before The Sands of Time.

A New Classic

That said, you’ll still find most of what Prince of Persia is known for within Rogue. Mainly, traversal looks every bit as satisfying as it needs to be. Players can scale the environments in whichever way they choose – an aspect necessary to any Prince of Persia game. As with the best metroidvanias, how one navigates through the stage is essential to the experience. In this regard, The Rogue Prince of Persia appears to nail the fluidity and nuance required to engage players from start to finish.

Of course, any roguelite/metroidvania also needs to deliver a stellar combat system. Thankfully, from the small sample we were shown of The Rogue Prince of Persia, I have confidence it’ll be a blast. Naturally, this will depend on how the mechanics evolve the further through a run you get. But the action looks fast-paced and crunchy. Each strike of a weapon lands with a visceral thud. Each enemy ends up a cloud of smoke and coin. I can’t wait to see how many weapons make the final cut, but the combination of melee, ranged, and stealth attacks will indeed offer a variety of ways to tackle each situation.

Music To Your Ears

Aside from the visuals and combat, The Rogue Prince of Persia’s musical score aims to build ambiance as much as anything else. We didn’t get to hear much, but what we were shown genuinely impressed me. A heavy, driving sitar-based theme accompanied the game’s first level, flawlessly setting the stage for the high-speed thrills to come. Roguelites force players to tackle the same levels repeatedly. A score that doesn’t make one want to hit the mute button is a necessity. So far, The Rogue Prince of Persia will do the opposite.

I can’t help but wonder, however, if The Rogue Prince of Persia may arrive too soon after The Lost Crown’s release. Are people even interested in another entry into the series? Time will tell. I’m not convinced yet that it will share the same level of success as The Lost Crown. I love a good metroidvania/roguelite. As such, I undoubtedly want to see Rogue carve out a name for itself. Whether or not it manages to do that remains to be seen.

Regardless of The Rogue Prince of Persia’s fate, I’ll be there to give my take on it next month. The Rogue Prince of Persia launches into Steam early access on May 15th.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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The post The Rogue Prince of Persia Steadies its Blades on May 15th appeared first on COGconnected.

MLB The Show 24 might not be a monstrous leap forward for the franchise, but it still proves to be an excellent representation of baseball. Several baby steps do enhance the overall look and feel of this year’s entry. However, I’m not convinced that every fan of the series will agree that they’re enough to warrant an upgrade from the already stellar MLB The Show 23. As a baseball nerd, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the fresh, little details peppered throughout MLB The Show 24. However, casual players may find themselves fully content with waiting until 2025 for a more substantial improvement.

If you do decide to pull the trigger on MLB The Show 24, the expanded ‘storylines’ mode is a great place to start. Season two of the Negro League’s history is as captivating as ever. Recounting tales from some of baseball’s best – including Hank Aaron and Josh Gibson – continues to entertain and educate in ways that sports games rarely do. The attention to detail is strong, with stadiums, uniforms, player likenesses, and graphics all perfectly capturing the era.

Number 2

It was also a pleasant surprise to discover that baseball icon Derek Jeter received his own storyline to work through. Narrated by Jeter himself, you’ll be able to experience some of the most significant moments of his career. By no means am I a Yankee fan. But I had a blast reliving a handful of highlights from what I believe to be the greatest time in baseball history – the late 90s.

More important than anything, though, is that MLB The Show 24 continues to shine where it counts – on the field. San Diego Studio has once again delivered the finest sports simulation on the market. Animations are crisp and lifelike, working to provide a beautiful recreation of an actual MLB game. Batting stances, swings, dives, catches, throws, and everything else you expect to see during a baseball game are nearly flawless. On occasion, you may notice an odd-looking transition from one action to another.

But overall, MLB The Show 24 looks and feels as good as the series has ever been. Big props to the developers for finally allowing players to flip the ball directly from the glove to a teammate. It’s a small detail but one that greatly adds to immersion.

The Sights and Sounds

MLB The Show 24 doesn’t just look good, either. It sounds phenomenal. As any veteran of the series should expect, San Diego Studio has once again nailed the auditory experience of a baseball game. Balls satisfyingly crack off bats and smack into gloves as authentically as they do on TV. Crowds realistically react to situations with resounding cheers during big moments or pained groans if their team is underperforming. Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton also return to the booth to provide commentary. While you’ll undoubtedly hear lines from last year, enough has been added to prevent “commentary fatigue” in the early stages of the game’s lifecycle. Though, as is always the case, by the time 25 rolls around, I’m sure we’ll all be begging to hear new stuff.

Speaking of new stuff, the popular Diamond Dynasty mode has seen some welcomed improvements. The most important of these is the increased rarity of 99 overall cards. In previous years, it was far too easy to quickly build a team of the highest-rated players. This would leave a significant chunk of cards that never receive any playtime. In MLB The Show 24, cards with overalls in the 80s/low 90s are much more valuable. It’s a change I’ve been dying to see, as Diamond Dynasty games often end up featuring teams with opponents fielding rosters comprised of the exact same players.

You’re a Diamond

I also appreciate the idea behind “cornerstone cards.” At the beginning of each season, players will be offered the choice of a cornerstone player they’ll want to build their team around. Cornerstone cards will likely be your best player, especially in the early months of MLB The Show 24’s release. This new system encourages players to try different squads and unique approaches to the game that they otherwise may not have attempted—an utterly refreshing change of pace.

These changes to Diamond Dynasty are made to ensure longevity. Last year, players suffered a lack of motivation from being dealt overly powerful cards too early. MLB The Show 24 attempts to correct this in intelligent ways. Truthfully, that could be said for the entirety of this year’s game. Small but smart adjustments to its systems, on-field action, and game modes have me excited to play ball once again.

MLB The Show 24 doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Though, it never needed to. The Show has been an outstanding franchise for a long time. If anything, this year simply continues that tradition of excellence. The storylines are entertaining and insightful. Changes to the Diamond Dynasty mode ensure players won’t burn out in the early months of release. Most importantly, gameplay is once again a brilliant simulation of the actual sport. Kudos to San Diego Studio; it’s another homerun.

***A PS5 code was provided for this review***

The post MLB The Show 24 Review – Tradition of Excellence appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Lyz Brickley.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Lyz Brickley.

The post Lyz Brickley is a Phenomenal Cosplayer appeared first on COGconnected.

Admittedly, fans of the previous South Park games, ‘Stick of Truth‘ and ‘Fractured But Whole,’ will find themselves left wanting more when they get their hands on South Park: Snow Day. While Snow Day technically stands as a sequel to both games—continuing the story of a new kid who gets caught up in the unbridled insanity of a quaint Colorado town—it also tries to distinguish itself in ways that only work sporadically. Maybe this boils down to the fact that South Park Digital Studios LLC has looked to a different team to grab the reins for the third time in three development cycles. Snow Day sees California-based developer ‘Question’ tasked with continuing Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s beloved saga. Unfortunately, it doesn’t nearly live up to its predecessors.

The most striking difference found within Snow Day is its immediate visual distinction from ‘Stick of Truth’ and ‘Fractured But Whole.’ While those two titles looked identical to the actual show, Snow Day instead opts for a 3D look more akin to the cult-classic N64/PlayStation game from the late nineties. This change in visual style works for the most part, given that Snow Day bucks the trend of being a turn-based adventure. Instead, it’s an action-oriented king-of-the-mountain-style brawler that moves players from site to site, capturing objectives and completing quests.

Third Time Isn’t Always a Charm

Unfortunately, the root of Snow Day’s problems lies within this new combat system. Whereas the previous games offered variety through character builds in how you could approach situations, Snow Day mostly feels like a monotonous string of missions indistinguishable from one another. A card system in place offers different attacks, buffs, etc., but I never found it to be all that necessary. Once I had a set of cards that worked for me, I stuck with them for most of Snow Day’s short campaign. When everything was said and done, I didn’t feel any need to go back and try things with a different setup, killing potential replay value.

Speaking of its short campaign, Snow Day continues the narrative groundwork laid by the previous two entries in the series. After the events of ‘Fractured But Whole,’ the kids decide to adjust the rules of their game to prevent any single character from becoming overpowered. This is the premise upon which Snow Day is built. Shockingly, you’ll spend a mere five to six hours playing through the story – a massive departure from the first two games. With that being said, I enjoy South Park, and I still found that Matt and Trey’s signature humor was enough to warrant my time. If you’re a fan of this series, there’s much to love about Snow Day despite its glaring shortcomings.

Fun With Friends

While it isn’t necessary by any means, Snow Day does benefit from finding a team of people to play it with. A full squad of four can play through the entirety of the campaign, naturally adding to the enjoyment of its short runtime. If you prefer to spend your time solo, you’ll be pleased to find that your AI companions are surprisingly competent. They’ll effectively land attacks, revive fallen teammates, and rush over to healing posts when needed. I’ll always argue that these types of games benefit from enjoying them with friends, but I never felt handicapped if I was playing by my lonesome.

South Park: Snow Day by no means lives up to its predecessors. Still, it manages to be worthwhile for those invested in the franchise. After all, it’ll only set you back thirty bucks. Just be aware it’s not a game that will hold your attention for hours on end. Fans of the turn-based combat found in previous titles may find it jarring that Snow Day flips that formula on its head in favor of an action-oriented gameplay loop. It’s also disappointing that said action ends up being as shallow as a kiddie pool. Yet, I still enjoyed my time with these characters, even if it was over in the blink of an eye.

***A Steam code was provided for the purpose of this review***

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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The post South Park: Snow Day! Review – Disappointing Day Off appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Maid of Might.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Maid of Might.

The post The Maid of Might Wants to Blow Your Mind appeared first on COGconnected.

Skull and Bones has finally set sail after a lengthy development cycle spanning eleven years. The good news is its ability to engross me as I treaded its treacherous waters, which was a pleasant surprise. Boasting fun, engaging naval combat, and a swath of customization options, Skull and Bones sank its hooks into me within the first few hours. It undoubtedly has issues – some that are baffling given the aforementioned decade-plus of time in the oven. But Skull and Bones manages to nail down a solid gameplay loop despite its glaring omissions.

When first launching Skull and Bones, you may be fooled into thinking you’re in for a fleshed-out narrative that takes you through various highs and lows. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes apparent this isn’t the case. A weak, uninteresting plotline centered around the golden age of piracy never amounts to more than pirate hijinks. You begin as a lowly, mistreated nobody who must work through the ranks of the pirate hierarchy to become king of the seas. Though, at no point was I ever invested in my character’s arc.

A Pirate’s Life For Me

Piling atop the poorly constructed narrative is a cast of characters that rarely become more than a body to fill space. Skull and Bones lacks the necessary development in its characters ever to make one genuinely care for them. Instead, I was often left with a nagging feeling that my crew’s outcome was utterly meaningless. It doesn’t help either that many of the voice actors have difficulty maintaining their dialects, routinely weaving in and out of their accents and breaking immersion. It remains one of Skull and Bones’ biggest misses in that I found my team comedically unbearable instead of being able to develop a connection with them.

Chances are, however, that most people interested in Skull and Bones are coming along for chaotic, entertaining naval combat. This is where Skull and Bones delivers. Coordinating an attack, lining up shots, and sinking enemy ships is immensely satisfying. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Battles break down to a back-and-forth tug-of-war that tasks the player with carefully maneuvering their ship, managing speed, and honing in on enemy weak points. When everything I planned came together in a perfectly executed assault, Skull and Bones shone like a sunset over the horizon.

All That Glitters is Gold

Speaking of sunsets, Skull and Bones – for the most part – looks fantastic. No matter the time of day, the atmosphere stemming from the environmental detail is another major win for Ubisoft’s latest. However, it suffers from a massive lack of detail found in character models. While locales left a smile on my face, NPCs are tough to look at. This stark difference became more grating as my time with Skull and Bones carried on, leaving me questioning how Ubisoft thought character models that were acceptable a generation ago would suffice.

Aiding Skull and Bones’ solid combat system is its excellent use of audio. Wood splintering, blasting cannons, waves crashing, and the roar of my crew all culminated in an outstanding auditory experience that added layers of life to the experience. Some of Skull and Bones’ best moments wouldn’t have come close to being as effective without its tremendous audio production. It’s too bad that character dialogue doesn’t live up to this quality level.

Of course, plundering also takes center stage in Skull and Bones. Not only is it rewarding to knock off a formidable fleet of enemy ships, but retrieving their loot and using it to better my own vessel worked wonderfully. It isn’t that Skull and Bones reinvent the wheel with its upgrade system; it’s simply that it provides a large number of upgrades that are exciting to work towards. Ships are customizable from bow to stern, from port to starboard. New weapons, sails, hulls, crew outfits, and more offered an enticing way to personalize my experience. It was addictive to discover how upgrades would benefit my journey, rarely leaving me feeling like my efforts weren’t worthwhile.

But What’s to Come?

Bear in mind that I’m not yet convinced of the longevity of Skull and Bones. I had fun with it during my review period, but after so many hours living the pirate lifestyle, I have little reason to dive back into its waters. Once I had my fill, I was less interested in returning for more. What’s here is good, but I can’t confidently say that it’s enough. A game based on pirates that doesn’t contain a second of swashbuckling should be a crime. Given Skull and Bones ‘ limited scope, it’ll be interesting to see if Ubisoft can maintain a player base.

Skull and Bones does what it set out to do quite well. Combat is fun, the upgrade system is rewarding, the environment is engaging, and the sound design is phenomenal. But everything that it doesn’t do sticks out like a sore thumb. A next-to-non-existent narrative, repetitive one-trick missions, and a lack of anything pirate-related other than sailing a ship hurts. To its credit, I enjoyed my first twenty or so hours more than I thought I would. But it’ll take a significant, focused effort from Ubisoft to maintain interest over the years to come.

***A PS5 code was provided for this review***

The post Skull and Bones Review – Bring Me That Horizon appeared first on COGconnected.

Though my time with Helldivers 2 has been sporadic – stemming from a sea of server issues – I can at least say that when it works, it is tremendous. It’s a shining example of what all developers should strive for when creating a sequel. Helldivers 2 bursts at the seams with style, offering a blisteringly fun gameplay loop that requires skill, strategy, and determination. Many will crumble at its steep difficulty curve, but if you can come to terms with that, Helldivers 2 offers one of the finest gameplay loops in a long time.

If you haven’t been caught up to speed, Helldivers 2 takes place a century after the first game’s events. Having pushed their foes to the brink of extinction, Super Earth’s elite task force, the “Helldivers,” was disbanded, ushering in an era of peace for the once war-torn planet. Eventually, the Terminids that the Helldivers valiantly fought all those years ago return to wage another destructive campaign. The Helldivers are reassembled, and away we go.

We’re Here to Shoot

If you’re looking for Shakespeare when you first launch Helldivers 2, you may want to keep your expectations in check. However, a strong narrative has no bearing on the overall quality of the experience. We aren’t here to listen to monologues and have our heartstrings pulled. We’re here to infiltrate planets, shoot aliens, and blow a bunch of stuff up. And Helldivers 2 delivers all of that and then some. Much like the first game, the story is pushed forward by the collective efforts of every player logging in to Helldivers 2. It’s as interesting a concept as it was in the original and one that truly encapsulates what PvE is all about.

First and foremost, the gunplay found within Helldivers 2 is utterly excellent. Each weapon has a distinctive feel, catering to every play style you could ever hope to have access to. If you’re into heavy artillery, you’ll feel right at home. If you prefer to stay back and pick off enemies from a distance, you absolutely can. Or, if you’re more of an all-around aficionado of up close and personal assaults, you can be precisely that. Every round fired rings out into a satisfying symphony of chaos, creating an atmosphere of combat that some of the most popular shooters of today don’t come close to emulating.

You’re In For a Hell of a Time

Just bear in mind that Helldivers 2 comes with a steep difficulty curve. Anybody should be able to tackle the easiest difficulties independently, but missions devolve into catastrophic punishment quicker than a hiccup. It gets so rough that, at times, I couldn’t fathom completing a mission without a competent four-man squad. Helldivers 2 is the new poster child for what it means to take no prisoners. I can’t help but feel like this will turn off a large portion of the audience that isn’t expecting something so blazingly aggravating, but time will tell.

When it’s time to lay your weapons down and get a little R&R, Helldivers 2 offers a solid number of customization options to encourage different playstyles. While on your ship, you can purchase upgrades paid for by the spoils of your incursions. Strategems are the key to your success, and with dozens of different options to choose from at launch, you and your squad are guaranteed to find something everyone can enjoy. I had a blast figuring out which combinations of upgrades would work best for the mission at hand. It’s not hard to imagine Helldivers 2 living and dying by how the developers handle the inclusion of new stratagems. Still, plenty’s already here to keep anyone satiated for a long time.

Growing Pains

Be forewarned, however, that even if you’re ready to go toe-to-toe with some of the most formidable foes in gaming today, you may end up waiting on “server full” screens for a long time. The success of Helldivers 2 has caught the development team at Arrowhead Game Studios off guard. More often than not, while reviewing the game, I found myself unable to log in or even launch to the main menu. With no end in sight, the server issues have become a massive pain in the ass for nearly the entire player base, and it could be some time before we have any clue as to when this will no longer be the case.

Regardless of the early-day technical issues, Helldivers 2 is an absolute blast… When it works. The high-octane, exhilarating, take-no-prisoner approach to fighting off horde after horde of enemies is utterly fantastic. Tight gunplay, excellent coop, varied and rewarding missions, and a fun upgrade system all come together to create a perfect blend of shoot-em-up chaos that I simply can’t get enough of. While server issues continue to be a considerable nuisance, I can’t help but wonder what Arrowhead Game Studios have cooking for Helldivers 2 in the years to come. Now, step forth, Cadet. The day ahead is uncertain without you.

***A Steam key was provided for the purpose of this review***

The post Helldivers 2 Review – Beautiful, Crushing Chaos appeared first on COGconnected.

I know there’s been a literal tonne of negative press surrounding the release of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (SSKtJL). The truth is, I by no means think it’s terrible. There are flashes of brilliance peppered throughout its relatively short runtime. Gorgeous cinematics and a fun, competent story anchor an otherwise forgettable gameplay loop. Forgettable possibly being an understatement. But, if you go into SSKtJL with your expectations in check, you may squeeze an experience out of it that won’t leave you hankering for a self-inflicted dirt nap.

Naturally, a game titled “Kill the Justice League” will be about hunting down and eliminating beloved members of said faction. For the most part, this is SSKtJL’s greatest strength. While the boss fights themselves with characters like Green Lantern and the Flash may fall short for some, developer Rocksteady does a fantastic job building the anticipation of challenging such daunting, seemingly insurmountable foes. To its credit, the narrative covers all the necessities in communicating the gravity of the overall situation. Each Brainiac-influenced Justice League member seemed more impossible than the last, and much of the fun came from discovering exactly how my team had even the slightest chance at besting them.

Heroic Performances

Aiding the narrative is a strong cast that delivers with conviction. Whether dropping a cheesy joke or a deathly serious monologue, most of the cast effortlessly hits their mark. A special shoutout must be given to the late, great Kevin Conroy. Conroy once again embodies Batman as no one before or after has, and it was an utter treat to experience his final performance as the Dark Knight. Especially given the subtle yet powerful alterations to his delivery now that Batman is under Brainiac’s control. Undoubtedly, the production value behind SSKtJL is everything I hoped it would be from the team behind the outstanding Batman Arkham series.

Shoot Everything in Sight, Suicide Squad!

Though, where Rocksteady decided to differ from their previous foray into the Batman universe vastly, SSKtJL plays like a run-of-the-mill 3rd-person shooter, albeit with a few stylish effects peppered throughout. What’s most baffling is that the four main protagonists – Harley Quinn, King Shark, Boomerang, and Deadshot – couldn’t be more unique from one another. Yet, other than different traversal methods, they feel indistinguishable. Everybody gets a gun, everybody gets grenades, and everybody must shoot, and shoot, and shoot until nothing remains in their way.

It’s hard not to feel like a massive opportunity to create an engaging, 4-player-combo system was haphazardly tossed aside in favor of building a game with Fortnite-esque flavor-of-the-month looter/shooter mechanics. In hindsight, Rocksteady would have been wise to simply implement their combat system from their previous Arkham games instead of trying to cater to present trends. Sure, each character can eventually unlock a finishing move or two that showcases their individuality. And everybody does have a (supremely lackluster) skilltree that allows you to experiment with different build types. But most of the time, it won’t make a lick of difference who you play as or how you choose to doll out their upgrades. This was immensely difficult to come to terms with, killing any chance SSKtJL had of offering replayability.

The Power of Monotony

Though, even if each character felt unique, I’m hard-pressed to ever play SSKtJL again due to its unbearable mission structure. Easily the most egregious of its shortcomings, I saw everything SSKtJL had to show me within the first thirty minutes of gameplay. Even with a few deviances in objectives, each mission feeds into the next like a repetitive, monotonous haze. Whether you’re defending a moving vehicle, saving civilians, or defeating enemies in a specified way, every mission is excruciatingly similar to what came before. Even boss fights, with the exception of Batman’s, felt so underwhelming that I couldn’t possibly imagine ever doing them a second time.

It isn’t just a lack of objectives that hurts the minute-to-minute gameplay, either. The never-ending waves of bland, poorly developed AI prove to be just as much of a back-breaker. SSKtJL has many technical issues, but its brainless enemies stick out like a sore thumb. Often, I would find myself standing a few meters away from my opponents, only to find them staring back at me as if they were statues. In addition, I’d often see things like my characters performing their finishing moves on invisible enemies. And let’s not forget the now infamous bug that was completing the entire game for some upon logging into it for the first time. It’s baffling that no one at Rocksteady caught wind of these pronounced shortcomings. Then again, maybe I should have expected this from a game that slowly gets dull, bland, and downright boring from the 30-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League drips with potential but never lives up to the Rocksteady pedigree. I had fun with its story, at times being genuinely left on the edge of my seat with what could happen next. Most of the performances – Kevin Conroy being the best of the bunch – also kept me engaged and entertained with the narrative. But the endlessly unambitious gameplay loop grates on me like nails on a chalkboard. Envisioning this as a live-service game with years of life ahead of it is impossible. Undoubtedly, some will squeeze enjoyment out of it. From my perspective, it’ll be interesting to see if Rocksteady can ever make Suicide Squad feel more entertaining than a bullet to the head.

***A PS5 code was provided by the publisher***

The post Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Review – Left Lifeless appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Nadyasonika.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Nadyasonika.

The post Nadyasonika Stuns With Her Cosplay Recreations appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Crystal Graziano.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Crystal Graziano.

The post Crystal Graziano Can Become Anyone appeared first on COGconnected.

Has another year already come and gone? It seems like I was here just yesterday, roasting a plethora of bullshit over an open fire. I think it’s even safe to say that the speed at which time is passing can get f*cked. 2023 was full of peaks and valleys. It was arguably the best year for gaming in a decade. Though, things can’t possibly be good all the time. Every now and then, you get a kick in the groin with your ice cream—or divorce papers handed to you by your wife’s boyfriend. But I digress.

The following is a list of everything from the past year that encompasses the lowest points of the gaming industry. Come along as we cover everything from 2023 that can totally get f*cked.

9. Forced Crossplay in Call of Duty

Boy, this was a genius idea. Who thought forcing console players to wade through a knee-deep pool of PC player sweat would be sweet? Clearly, an individual both sick in the head and frustrated with their love life. You’d have to be a sadist to enjoy forcing crossplay in games. Though, I suppose you could be a masochist and still derive a sick sense of pleasure from it. In fact, inflicting self-punishment is probably why you’re reading this article. Take a stroll through the park. Try yoga. Start one of those lame-ass stamp collections. But, for the love of God, stop contributing to this nonsense.

8. Microtransactions

Speaking of things you need to stop contributing to, number nine on our list of things that can totally get f*cked is microtransactions. Stand up, walk to the bathroom mirror, and slowly repeat the mantra, “I will not waste money on microtransactions this year.” Do that roughly 7500 times. It’s unacceptable how invasive microtransactions have become. Too many games have become pay-to-win shitshows that reward those players with the fattest wallets and not the most skill. What happened to the good old days of making someone cry simply because you’re better than them? You never know what you have ’til it’s gone…

7. The Day Before

If you were a victim of “The Day Before,” my condolences go out to you and your family. For years, The Day Before firmly sat at the top of many hopefuls’ most-wanted lists, becoming the most wish-listed game on Steam during development. But, as time passed, The Day Before started to feel like it was too good to be true. An unsettling air grew around the game each time new information was released. By the time The Day Before landed in December 2023, most had written it off as a complete scam.

Sure enough, it was. The Day Before launched and was quickly regarded as the equivalent of video game manure. It was so bad developers Fntastic pulled the plug on all future support mere days after launch. Though, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single soul that doesn’t believe this was Fntastic’s plan all along. They got their pre-order payments and made off like thieves in the night. Anyone involved in The Day Before’s creation should be ashamed of themselves, and I hope Santa brought you gonorrhea for Christmas.

6. Forced Online-Only for Single-Player Games

What is this crap? For Pete’s peppers, why in the hell would I ever need to remain connected to an online server during a single-player campaign?! I’m convinced Lucifer himself is influencing these decisions. Who else would ever think forcing this hot garbage upon people was a logical idea? The next time I’m disconnected from a game I’m playing solo, I’m putting my head through the wall. Though, let’s be honest; I’m probably the one who should get f*cked for continuing to play Diablo IV.

Continue on to page 2 for more.

The post List of Things From 2023 That Can Totally Get F*cked appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Danielle DeNicola.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Danielle DeNicola.

The post Danielle DeNicola is a Can’t-Miss Cosplayer appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to Kinpatsu.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from Kinpatsu.

The post Cosplayer Kinpatsu Has Us Feeling Thankful appeared first on COGconnected.

I’d wager that folks who have never invested in a good keyboard don’t realize the world of difference one can make. I understand it can be daunting to figure out which keyboard may be right for you, but it’s a process I’ve come to embrace as essential to maximize one’s productivity. If you’re sitting at your desk for hours every day and have yet to take the plunge into a high-end keyboard, I implore you to do so. If you don’t know where to start, the Das Keyboard 6 Professional (DK6) is a fantastic option worth every penny of its price tag.

Foregoing style in favor of substance, the DK6 is a sturdy, well-built, low-profile keyboard. It may not be as eye-catching as high-end gaming equivalents, but that never was the intention. The DK6 is made for professionals who require an excellent typing experience without needing extra bells and whistles. On this front, the DK6 wholeheartedly succeeds. Keystrokes feel natural and responsive, largely thanks to the superb Cherry MX switches delivering satisfying, tactile feedback that’s been blissful to work with.

Flawless Input

In addition, aiding each keystroke is flawlessly implemented full-NKRO. Over the last few weeks, I’ve tried my best to get the DK6 to drop a keypress, but it simply doesn’t happen. Whether using the DK6 to play games or write thousands of words, I’ve yet to see even the most minor hiccups in its performance. I feel comfortable saying this is a piece of hardware that everyone could use, even those who demand the highest level of accuracy out of their keyboards.

I mentioned that the DK6 maintains a low-key design, but that isn’t to say it’s rough on the eyes. Its simplicity is something that I think works to its advantage. The DK6 is touted as being able to stand the test of time. I see no reason why that won’t be the case. Weighing in at 2.89 lbs and featuring a strong aluminum enclosure, the DK6 feels like the most premium keyboard I’ve ever had the chance to review. Its laser-etched keycaps are backlit with solid white lighting that remains bright without being distracting. Admittedly, I thought I might miss having customizable LED-lit keycaps. The DK6 doesn’t offer this in any way. But it wasn’t long before I found myself enjoying the DK6 so much that fancy colors under my fingertips became meaningless.

Beautiful Simplicity

One thing I do miss from my old keyboard, however, is the option for wireless connectivity. The DK6 offers no such functionality; instead, it connects with a lengthy USB-C cable. It’s nice no longer having to remind myself to keep my keyboard charged. Depending on an individual’s setup, having to deal with hardwired cable may not be ideal. Given that the DK6 also provides users with a 2-port USB-C superspeed hub, it isn’t difficult to see why it’s designed to remain plugged into a tower at all times.

The Das Keyboard 6 Professional has been one of my favorite upgrades of the year. It’s an outstanding keyboard that doesn’t concern itself with gimmicks. Instead, it does better than most what keyboards need to do. It gets me excited to write by providing an excellent typing experience. And much like the name suggests, it looks professional without being a gaudy eyesore. The Cherry MX blue switches are supremely satisfying, but most importantly, have held up flawlessly under all stress tests. This is a keyboard worth your attention and one I’ll be using for years to come.

***The Das Keyboard 6 Professional was provided for the purpose of this review***

The post Das Keyboard 6 Professional Review – Stroke of Genius appeared first on COGconnected.

While fans of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series await its newest entry – Infinite Wealth – coming early next year, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has a few tricks up its sleeve beforehand. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (Gaiden) was initially planned as additional content for Infinite Wealth but has since become a standalone experience. Though it may come across as glorified DLC due to its length, make no mistake: Gaiden is a game all Yakuza diehards should check out.

Following up on the ending of Yakuza 6, Kiryu has been in hiding since being forced to fake his death. To remain in the shadows, Kiryu signed a pact with the Daidoji faction, now working as an agent under the alias “Joryu.” Gaiden kicks off with Kiryu having already spent a significant amount of time with the Daidojis. Most importantly, it provides an exciting and ultimately satisfying explanation as to where the long-running protagonist of the Yakuza series disappeared after the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Keeping It Tight

Depending on how much side content you wish to tackle, Gaiden’s runtime will range from 10-20 hours. This might be a shock to some who have come to expect the Yakuza titles to be 50+ hour behemoths. I found this to be rather refreshing, however. Gaiden tells a tight, competent story that doesn’t get bogged down as much as its predecessors. With that said, you can still expect plenty of the series’ signature twists, turns, wit, and humor to make up the heart of Gaiden.

Gaiden’s presentation isn’t the only similarity it shares with Yakuza games of the past. At this point, if you’ve played even one game from the franchise, you’ve essentially played them all. However, fans who loved the change to a turn-based combat system in Like a Dragon may be disappointed to find Gaiden goes back to its action roots. But it’s essential to bear in mind that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio wanted to tell a more condensed story than usual. Slowing the action down to a methodical turn-based system would fly in the face of this philosophy.

Patience Is a Virtue

The good news is that the action is as rewarding as ever before. Admittedly, Gaiden’s combat starts as a rather mundane exercise involving simple button taps to defeat your foes. It’s when given several hours and a handful of cash that the heat indeed gets turned up. Combat is hard-hitting and every bit as slick as you would come to expect from the series. Two different fighting styles and a boatload of maneuvers ensure you’ll have a method for taking down each enemy type. It’s just that having Kiryu reach his full capabilities can be a bit of a drag.

Where Gaiden does hit a home run right from the jump is in its striking visuals. Whether in Osaka, Yokohama, or (my favorite) the Castle, locations are gorgeous, dense, and fun to explore. All districts bustle with side activities, such as cabaret clubs, karaoke, racing, arcades, etc. As is often the case with the Yakuza franchise, exploring every nook proves to be a major selling point of Gaiden. Sure, none of the three locations are comparatively large when standing shoulder to shoulder with games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or The Witcher 3. But they always come across as more than the sum of their parts due to how painstakingly detailed from top to bottom they are.

Undercooked

Unfortunately, other portions of Gaiden didn’t receive the same love and care as the environments. Gaiden suffers from a few issues. Most notably, it has an excessive problem with the physics engine. Far too often did I see enemies bouncing around after being defeated or objects flying across the screen. There’s also a ton of pop-in and clipping that’s hard to ignore. Studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama advised that Gaiden’s entire development cycle was only six months. I can’t help but feel it needed some more time in the oven. Admittedly, however, despite its setbacks, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Gaiden.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name doesn’t reinvent the wheel by any means. For Yakuza/Like Dragon fans, it’ll be a familiar, albeit enjoyable experience. It has a few shortcomings – the most egregious being a painfully slow first few hours. But once it gets going, Gaiden packs a punch. One that’s sure to keep you satiated until Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth drops.

***A PS5 code was provided by the publisher***

The post Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Review – Hard Hitting Familiarity appeared first on COGconnected.

To say I’ve been excited ever since development team Teyon announced RoboCop: Rogue City would be an understatement. The original 1987 RoboCop is an all-time classic, filled to the brim with over-the-top action. Sure, it also has its fair share of campy acting and cheesy dialogue. But like so many movies from the 80s, that’s part of RoboCop’s charm. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of RoboCop: Rogue City. Instead of being a fun throwback to the past, Rogue City is the epitome of what it means to be stuck in a bygone era.

Rogue City tells an original story set between the events of the second and third films. Peter Weller – who played RoboCop throughout the initial trilogy – thankfully returns to reprise his role as Alex Murphy. I credit Teyon for bringing Weller back, as his performance is easily the highlight of Rogue City. Weller has effortlessly slipped back into the character. So much so that he ended up being the single driving force in pushing me through Rogue City’s 20+ hour runtime. And thank God he did, as the narrative nearly put me to sleep on more than one occasion.

In fact, it’s almost ridiculous how by-the-numbers Rogue City’s script is. Old Detroit is (naturally) a cesspool of crime, drugs, and murder. At the heart of it all is a generic, dime-a-dozen villain who’s hellbent on continuing to see the city burn. I’m not saying a game based on RoboCop needs to be Shakespeare. There’s no reason a script with a bit more nuance couldn’t have been written, however. As in the films, RoboCop struggles with fleeting memories of his past. These do work to add some depth to the plot, but they’re more often than not drowned out by the exhaustively mundane events that surround Murphy.

Atrocity Exhibition

Having some of the most mediocre acting I’ve ever seen in a game also does the writing no favors. As mentioned, Peter Weller is solid. However, everyone else ranges from subpar to downright awful. Murphy’s partner from the films – Anne Lewis – is back, but her voice actress is so atrocious I wish she weren’t here at all. 95% of the dialogue sounds like it was recorded with standards from 15-20 years ago. 2023 has seen games like Final Fantasy 16, Spider-Man 2, and Baldur’s Gate 3. The bar has been set higher than ever before. Quite frankly, the performances in Rogue City are unacceptable.

It should also come as no surprise that Rogue City’s character models are equally as unimpressive to the eyes. RoboCop looks excellent, but everyone else looks like a mannequin pulled from a Sears department store. Accompanied by stiff, awkward animations, there were times I legitimately had to remind myself that I wasn’t playing a game from 2005. Old Detroit looks fine. At least most of the time. Rogue City does offer some nice lighting effects. But far too much of the city is indistinguishable from one location to another.

Gory Goodness

Rogue City looks its best, however, when engaging in combat. The moment-to-moment gunplay isn’t anything to write home about, but enemies do explode in a satisfying mess of blood and chunks. This is, by far, where Rogue City best captures the carnage fans of the movies have come to love. There’s something inherently gratifying about working your way through a seemingly endless number of bad guys, painting the walls red as you do. Plus, making use of objects in the environment, like computers, dumpsters, and motorcycles to clean house, is something you don’t get to experience every day.

Unfortunately, as you blast your way through stage after stage, it’ll be impossible to miss Rogue City’s technical shortcomings. Roaming the streets reveals a mess of pop-in issues. Audio bugs and lip sync issues occur far too often. And I’m not sure how many times I would have my crosshair directly on an enemy or explosive, only to shoot right through them. Coupling these with a baffling number of loading screens, there were far too many moments I found Rogue City to be an unpolished slog. I wanted to like this game. I hate that I have to tell you that the truth is, I don’t.

System Malfunction

If you’re a diehard fan of the RoboCop franchise, you may find merit in RoboCop: Rogue City. Regardless of my disappointment with it, I can’t deny that it’s the best RoboCop game we’ve seen. Just keep in mind that isn’t exactly saying much. A weak narrative, archaic character models, generally horrific voice acting, and a slew of technical issues hold Rogue City back from being the game I desperately wanted it to be. Admittedly, shootouts can be fun, but I’m not convinced that alone saves what otherwise feels like a letdown. Much like RoboCop’s enemies, approach with caution.

***A Steam code was provided by the publisher***

The post RoboCop: Rogue City Review – RoboFlop appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re so happy to once again bring you the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. In previous iterations, we’ve showcased the brilliant Raisor Cosplay, the beautiful Sailor Virgo, and some incredible holiday-themed recreations. We’ve even posted coverage on the best cosplay couples! This week, we turn our attention to April Gloria.

Without further ado, here’s the work of this wonderful cosplayer!

Continue on to page 2 for more from April Gloria.

The post April Gloria is an Utterly Gorgeous and Talented Cosplayer appeared first on COGconnected.

I’ve been pretty stiff with the EA Sports NHL franchise over the last few years. But, in my defense, lack of innovation combined with what’s touted as “simulation” hockey never truly replicating the sport is a tough sell. For years, all I’ve wanted from the NHL series is a decently authentic representation of how hockey should feel. And with each passing entry, the likelihood of this has felt more and more like a pipedream. Thankfully, NHL 24 has taken a few critical strides in the right direction, and in the process, has made me excited to drop the puck again.

Making Them Pay

By far, the most significant thing NHL 24 has going for it is its new momentum system. Players are now rewarded for sustaining pressure in the attacking zone with a boost to their stamina, accuracy, and ability to move the puck. Conversely, defenders are negatively impacted when trying to fight through these situations. They become less likely to break up passes. They struggle with knocking the puck loose. And their goalie has a more challenging time stopping shots.

All of this culminates in NHL 24 – finally – providing you with the tools to cycle the puck in the attacking zone. In years past, whether you were on a powerplay or at even strength, the AI would constantly rush the puck without consequence. It made it impossible to set up and create realistic scoring chances. And it forced players to implement the same old boring strategies to counter the opponent’s endless supply of stamina and aggressiveness. But it looks like these days might finally be in the rearview mirror.

What a Thrill

It’s been genuinely thrilling to experience a proper forecheck in NHL 24. In fact, without a doubt, it’s the most pleasant surprise I’ve gotten from the series in a decade. The new momentum system is arguably the most important change EA Sports has ever made to the NHL franchise. It’s rejuvenated my love for a game I used to spend countless hours on. Though it may not be perfect, it delivers a massive improvement to the flow of each play. Even when NHL 24 doesn’t quite hit the mark in other areas.

One of the new things found in NHL 24 that feels lackluster is the new physics system. Specifically, it’s made hitting much more of a chore than it used to be. Trying to throw the body with the analog stick rarely results in the contact I’m trying to make. Hits often miss their mark, ending up as more of a glancing blow than they do a body check. The new “Total Control’ layout didn’t solve this, either. Total Control allows many complicated moves performed with the right stick to be utilized via button presses. However, hitting with this control scheme often turned my player into a human missile, locking him into a specific animation. Naturally, this leaves lanes wide open to be exploited. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

Control Woes

The last of the changes to NHL 24’s on-ice action comes in the way of Vision Passing. You can now hold a shoulder button to pull up a visual representation of who you can pass the puck to. In theory, it might sound like a good idea, but in practice, it’s way too slow for the speed at which a hockey game moves. Far too many times, I took a hit when scanning each player for their corresponding pass button. And it wasn’t long before I abandoned this method of puck movement entirely.

When you’re ready to step off the ice, you’ll find NHL 24 severely mundane. It was probably to be expected, but one of the only changes you’ll notice is located in Hockey Ultimate Team. EA Sports has (expectedly) only made adjustments to the mode in which real money can be spent to progress further, relegating everything else to wallow in familiarity for another year. EA has done away with the hockey bags that reward players with random goodies, instead opting for an utterly uninspired battle pass system. Whether or not the NHL community prefers this remains to be seen. Personally, previewing each piece of ho-hum gear before acquiring them has killed my motivation to keep coming back to HUT.

Bright Future

Regardless of the mediocre upgrades to NHL 24’s game modes, I must admit, the on-ice action is a big step forward for the franchise. The new hitting and passing systems need work, but the changes in how momentum affects the moment-to-moment gameplay have injected new life into the series. At the end of the day, I find myself wanting to step back out onto the ice. And that’s more than I can say for how I’ve felt over the last several years.

***A PS5 code was provided by the publisher***

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