I have used quite a few keyboards, both for work and gaming, over the last decade and the Vulcan II TKL Pro Keyboard stands out amongst the crowd. Turtle Beach has truly outdone themselves with this one. It’s extremely eye-catching, boasts incredible customization, and performs like a dream. It’s not quite perfect, but it’s pretty dang close. Let’s get into it.

The image on the box really doesn’t do the Vulcan II TKL Pro justice. It’s dynamite even before you plug it in. It comes in both black and white, though I reviewed the white version. The top of the keyboard features thin white keys and an anodized aluminum top plate. It’s got a thick white plastic base and 4 grey silicone bumpers, in addition to the 2 dual-height kickstand feet. All of this means it’s not only pretty, but also insanely sturdy. Once you plug it in, game over. You’re going to fall in love with the RGB light show. The thin keys are the perfect design choice here in order to increase the color pop below. Whether you’re looking at it from the top or from the sides, the Vulcan II TKL Pro is a stunner.

The Ultimate Desk Centerpiece

The Vulcan II TKL Pro comes with a 5”9 braided type C cord that plugs into the top left side, a quick setup guide, and a soft foam wrist rest for added comfort. This wrist rest is not detachable, but it is indeed comfortable and makes those long gaming sessions easier than ever. Unless you use the number pad frequently, you won’t even miss it. Especially since there’s still all the function keys, insert (and related) keys and a volume dial with a click to mute option. Since it’s a tenkeyless keyboard, it’s also lightweight and compact. Meaning that while it definitely looks great as the centerpiece on any desk, it can also be easily taken on-the-go as well.

It’s versatile in more ways than one however. The Vulcan II TKL Pro is also incredibly customizable. Though the thin keycaps are the perfect design here, if you’re looking to change this up the Vulcan II is compatible with 3rd party keycaps too. That’s just the beginning of the customization! While this keyboard comes with 5 preset modes which you can easily switch between at any time, the Swarm II software is the star of the show here. It might not be perfect, with a few occasional glitches and shutdowns while using it, this software allows for a ton of different key settings. You might not be used to some with your average keyboard.

Swarm II Software Shines Bright

So what exactly can this Swarm II software help you customize on the Vulcan II TKL Pro? Well, pretty much everything. It’s fantastic software and easily brings this keyboard well above its price point. The user interface is simple and the settings are easy to customize. In fact, it’ll walk you through everything the very first time you use it! You can change the RGB light settings from the default AIMO to heartbeat or custom. There are some more options too, and all of them are just a click away from being able to switch their settings as well. If bright lights aren’t for you, the brightness can be adjusted too. These light settings can also be changed all together, just the ASWD keys, just the arrow keys, or even just the function keys. It’s incredible.

But it’s not just about the lights, though that is definitely the most fun. You can also choose between actuation settings – between 0.1 to 4.0 mm. Keep in mind that the smaller the number, the more sensitive the keys are. The Vulcan II TKL Pro features analog hall effect switches so it’s extra sensitive to all keystrokes. And if you’re just beginning to use keyboard and mouse, or if you’re a frequent console gamer there’s also a controller emulator setting. You can also add macros, customize each individual key for quick keys to assist when playing particular games. Set one profile for action RPGs, and one for first-person shooters and switch between them effortlessly. There’s not a whole lot the Vulcan II TKL Pro can’t do.

If you’re expecting big oomph or a thockiness when typing, you’re going to be disappointed. The Vulcan II TKL Pro is actually one of the quietest keyboards I’ve used. Though with enough aggression I’m sure you can be as loud as you want. The concave keys offer a smooth surface and my fingers glide across it very nicely. They are a little wobbly however and can be extra sensitive. My advice is to turn the actuation settings down if you’re typing a lot with this. Or get used to having frequent typos. Even after weeks of use the keycaps are not oily at all. This keyboard is insanely responsive and quick. The lack of a number pad also makes using large mouse movements easy. The rapid trigger setting allows for extra fast and/or repeated key presses – which made writing this review a breeze.

At $150 USD ($200 CAD), scooping the Vulcan II TKL Pro keyboard is an easy decision. Sure, there are cheaper options out there but none are as comfortable, high-performing or versatile as this. In fact, the Swarm II software and all the customization options make the Vulcan II TKL Pro on par with keyboards double the price. This keyboard exudes quality from every facet. There’s nothing it really can’t do, except type numbers quickly – so maybe get a separate number pad on the cheap if you’re going to miss that. Ultimately, if you’re looking to level up your gaming experience this is absolutely the keyboard you should set your sights on.

***The product was provided by the manufacturer***

The post Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL Pro Mechanical Keyboard Review – Smart & Sexy appeared first on COGconnected.

Turtle Beach has made a name for themselves offering affordable gear that stacks up against the more costly competition. I’ve used an array of their headsets and mice over the course of my gaming career and have never once been disappointed. That’s not going to stop today. In fact, with one of their latest headsets, the Stealth 500, it’s clear that designing budget friendly headsets doesn’t have to come at the cost of quality.

Straight out of the box the new Stealth 500 is quite robust for such a small package. It comes with a short USB cable, wireless transmitter, and a quick start guide. It’s all black, with no splash of color aside from the light Turtle Beach logo and markings, yet it is insanely sleek. All the buttons and dials, as well as a seamlessly tucked mic can all be found on the left side. This flip to mute seamless mic design should be the new standard. It’s completely out of the way, so it won’t accidentally get bumped, no matter how animated you get while playing! There’s 4 buttons which include the one for power, as well ones for easy switching between wireless and Bluetooth, and switching between EQ presets. Additionally, there are two dials – one for chat volume and one for game/media volume.

Simple & Lightweight

The Stealth 500 is super lightweight. It’s a bit on the smaller side and comes fitted with a floating band for comfortability. If you have a bigger head or ears, or if you wear glasses, it’ll be a better fit without this band. Unfortunately it will come at the cost of support due to the complete lack of padding in the headband. And this is noticeable with longer gaming sessions. Thankfully, the ear cushions are a supple memory foam leatherette and offer plenty of comfort and support. The frame is well made, from good quality plastic, and without the vertical sizing option it actually seems to make this even more sturdy. It’s got plenty of “give” however, so no fear of this headset snapping.

The Stealth 500 features 40mm drivers that pack an incredible punch. There is no noticeable lag or delay in game noise or chat and they provide an engaging experience, regardless of what game you dive into. Even more so when using my favorite Turtle Beach feature: Advanced Superhuman Hearing. This makes it so much easier to isolate enemy footsteps or gunfire when playing First-Person Shooters or Action RPGs. Add the built-in EQ modes and the customizability of the Swarm II software and there’s a ton of versatility here. Each setting can be used for an array of situations, whether you’re trying out different games or music genres, or just chatting on the phone. The only real downside is the lack of bass offered when using the EQ modes. Thankfully the Swarm II software adjustments helped a bit. Not quite enough to fully enjoy bass heavy songs, but almost.

Swarm II Software is a Slam Dunk

The Swarm II software allows for convenience and customization. Here you’ll be able to toggle the Superhuman Hearing on or off, as well as adjust audio settings. These tweaks are invaluable and again ensures the Stealth 500 is extremely versatile. There’s also more EQ presets available to use! And as time goes on, this software will provide firmware updates to keep the Stealth 500 up to date and running without issue.

The Stealth 500 offers an average battery life of 40 hours. Which is completely on par with what Turtle Beach touted. At different volume levels this can vary slightly however; though not enough to have any real impact. Which means that you can definitely play for long periods of time before setting these to charge. As long as you’re in the habit of charging them every couple of days you’ll never have to worry about these dying mid-session.

Though the Stealth 500 may not be the best headset I’ve ever used, Turtle Beach delivers high quality on a budget yet again. It’s a welcome addition to my current Xbox setup and works well with the Switch as well. The Stealth 500’s got plenty of bells and whistles, and great sound quality that makes it well worth the price point. Add its sleek design, multi-platform use, and overall adaptability and it’s a steal! At just $80 USD it’s going to be difficult to find a more well-rounded gaming headset on the market right now.

***The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox Version) was provided by the manufacturer***

The post Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Headset Review – Budget Friendly & Incredibly Versatile Cans appeared first on COGconnected.

Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album is officially out and the full 31 songs of The Anthology version are a listening experience! If you’re anything like me, The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) will be on repeat for the next month or two or 13. So while it plays in the background, and because a lot of the album is quite sad and emotional I thought some feel-good games would offer a little balance. Plus, with references to Grand Theft Auto in this latest work of art, the worlds of Taylor Swift and video games have already officially collided. Here are the 10 best relaxing games to play right now while soaking up all of the beautifully poetic lyrics of TTPD.

10) Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

There’s something so mesmerizing about swinging between buildings and kicking bad guy butt. With songs like Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me, you’ll be boppin’ around the city in quick order. Graphically, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a masterpiece, and between that and the carefully crafted combat and boss battles you’ll be grinning from ear to ear while you feast on waves of bad guys. What’s not to love about being the funny, loveable hero anyway?

9) Pokémon Legends: Arceus

For over 25 years Pokémon has been changing people’s brain chemistry. One could argue Taylor’s music has been doing the same since 2006. Combining the two seems like an easy decision here. Whether you’re searching to catch ‘em all or you’re looking to let the animation and nostalgia take you away, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the latest installment of the franchise. Jump into your Pokedex, level up your Pokémon, and take on battles before gyms were even a thought.

8) Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars is an indie RPG game that’s colorful, full of whimsy and rich story-telling. If you’re a Swiftie I’m sure you can see the parallels already. It’s a game that features amazing 16-bit characters and art, pays homage to the retro games (like Chrono Trigger) that came before it, and offers well-crafted traversal and combat mechanics. It’s the perfect game for bringing your spirits up if you’re listening to LOML.

7) Cocoon
If you’re a fan of Little Big Planet, Sack Boy, or Astro’s Playroom – games where you get to go on playful adventures, discovering new things along the way, Cocoon is absolutely going to be up your alley. It’s a short game that’s chock full of charm. The puzzles are fun, yet increase in complexity as you continue playing. This means you’ll be in the best headspace while playing this game to figure out some of the easter eggs left in Taylor Swift’s songs!

6) Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps will have you laughing and crying throughout and will absolutely melt your heart. In fact, it’s maybe a perfect representation of The Tortured Poets Department. It’s a platform-adventure Metroidvania that is absolutely stunning. Take on a new adventure as Ori in a world that comes to life with gorgeous hand-painted artwork and an emotional story. It’s hard to pick what stands out here with all the pieces of the game working so perfectly together to create a masterpiece.

5) Super Mario Bros. Wonder

At a time when we’re learning new lyrics, trying to piece together easter eggs and the storylines woven into TTPD, a good ‘ol classic is appreciated. Super Mario Bros. Wonder brings the peace of the classic and nostalgic Super Mario games while offering up new worlds, new abilities, and different playable characters. It’s just as charming and colorful as ever and is guaranteed to brighten your day.

4) Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a peaceful farming sim that will have you making friends with the locals and watering your crops until your heart’s content. If you liked Runescape or Minecraft, you’re sure to enjoy this. There’s no real restriction to how long you can play, though the game does cycle through day and night, and seasons run on a 28-day cycle. Raise animals, craft machines, go fishing, mining, etc. Rinse and repeat. It’s mindless fun that’ll suck you in through its charm and cutesy gameplay. It’s perfect when listening to TTPD on repeat throughout the day.

3) Stray

There’s an obvious and immediate connection to Taylor here. The cats, of course! Stray is a third-person cat adventure game where a stray cat must find its way back home through a colorful, yet mysterious cybercity. It’s a wonderful story about companionship and finding your way in the world. And if that isn’t exactly the type of feel-good and relaxing game you need to jump into while listening to TTPD, I don’t know what is.

2) Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Much like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is cute, wonderful, and utterly peaceful. You don’t have to think too hard about any of the gameplay mechanics here and you can fall in every aspect of the game as you create it from scratch. Make your own special paradise on a deserted island in this social sim and feel the smile on your face grow with each delightful sunset on the beach or new decoration you create for your house. Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers escapism from your heartbreak as you listen to The Tortured Poets Department.

1) Bugsnax

This enchanting and vibrant world is like Pokemon but even more whimsical and charming. Take on Snaktooth Island and discover all 100 species of Bugsnax while you search to find Elizabert who’s gone missing. Completing side quests, collecting decorations, and putting hats on your favorite snax are all just part of the fun here. What better way of lifting your spirits when you’re listening to Taylor Swift’s latest masterpieces like So Long, London, or the Manuscript?

Bonus) Madden NFL 24

Okay, so maybe this one isn’t THE MOST relaxing game but it’s no secret why it’s on the list. Travis Kelce, AKA Taylor’s boyfriend, plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Even more than that, Taylor and her dad were big football fans long before this. Jump into a quick game, and play as Travis or his brother Jason (or whoever your favorite player/team is). This is, without a doubt, the perfect game to get lost in while you listen to new tracks like The Alchemy and So High School.

Have you listened to Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department? What do you think? Are there any relaxing or feel-good games you’ll be playing while you listen? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook or X.

The post 10 Relaxing Games to Discover While Listening to Taylor Swift’s Newest Album appeared first on COGconnected.

This weekend many are gathered at their friends and families houses for an Easter feast. Many are spending time with their kids as they hunt for chocolate and other goodies left from the Easter Bunny. As a gamer, while both of these are appreciated, we also love a great ‘ol deal on some accessories this Easter weekend too. We’ve (mostly) outgrown the Easter egg hunts, and those aforementioned goodies, so what better way to enjoy and reminisce than to treat ourselves with some sweet new gear? Younger us would absolutely want that! And future us would also agree. Jump into these fantastic Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC, Mobile and Switch accessory deals right now!

Logitech G735 Wireless Gaming Headset (PC & Mobile) – $178.99 ($51.00 off)

Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless Gaming Headset (PS5, Switch, PC & Mobile) – $179.99 ($70.00 off)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming Headset (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC & Mobile) – $69.99 ($30.00 off)

Razer Basilisk Ultimate HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Mouse – $89.99 ($60.00 off)

SteelSeries Rival 650 Quantum Wireless Gaming Mouse – $59.99 ($30.00 off)

Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – $79.50 ($50.49 off)

Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard – $79.99 ($40.00 off)

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired Gaming Pro Controller (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC) – $129.99 ($20.00 off)

Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC) – $69.99 ($30.00 off)

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller – Animal Crossing (Switch) – $45.99 ($14.00 off)

Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset (128 GB) – $199.00 ($50.99 off)

Did you end up scooping up some sweet new gear like the Meta Quest 2 this Easter? Let us know in the comments below, or give us a shout on Facebook and X Make sure to check in again tomorrow as we have a list of the very best game deals on offer and don’t forget to share the wealth with your friends and fellow gamers out there!

The post The Easter Bunny Has Some Sweet Treats, Like The Quest 2 VR Headset on Sale Now appeared first on COGconnected.

One of the truest and best parts of the Easter long weekend, for gamers anyways, is having a bit of extra time to dive into a brand new game. A title that’s been sitting on our shelf (online or otherwise) for far too long as we continue the grind of work. Now if you’re looking for a new adventure to delve into right away, or looking to add one more to that shelf, we’ve found some spectacular deals for all gamers out there. Yes, regardless of platform (with the exception of VR) we found a little Easter treat for everyone this weekend.

Port Royale 4 – Extended Edition (PS5) – $44.95 ($15.04 off)

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5) – $29.99 ($40.00 off)

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – Standard Edition (PS5, Xbox Series X|S & Switch) – $29.99 ($20.00 off)

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Limited Edition (PS5) – $39.99 ($30.00 off)

EA SPORTS FC 24 (Xbox Series X & Xbox One) – $34.88 ($35.11 off)

System Shock Remastered (Xbox Series X & Xbox One) – $39.99 ($10.00 off pre-order)

Assassin’s Creed Mirage – Launch Edition – $29.97 ($20.02 off)

Hogwarts Legacy (Switch) – $40.29 ($16.60 off)

LEGO 2K Drive (Switch) – $19.99 ($20.00 off)

Far Cry 6 – Game Of The Year Edition (PC Online Code) – $34.20 ($85.79 off)

Riders Republic Standard (PC Online Code) – $9.50 ($30.49 off)

Did you end up grabbing Prince of Persia? What about another title? Let us know in the comments below, or give us a shout on Facebook and X If you’re looking for some accessories on sale we got them straight from the Easter bunny too right here. Happy browsing!

The post Celebrate Easter Long Weekend By Scooping up Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown At $20 Off appeared first on COGconnected.

If you’re like me, the shooter genre is a quick and easy place to get lost in when you have brief snippets of free time. For the most part, they allow for a drop in type play style. This is unlike any adventure or open world RPG game and I never have to worry about where I’ve left off. There’s something super refreshing about this. Of course, if you also like the blood, gore, and quick pacing many shooter titles have to offer, there are plenty of other reasons to watch out for upcoming games. While Call of Duty is the obvious FPS most of us have our sights on for later this year, there are a few other great options set to release in 2024 as well. So what are the top 5 shooter games to watch out for this year? Let’s get into it.

5) Gray Zone Warfare (2024)

Gray Zone Warfare is an open world tactical FPS where the developers Madfinger Games are focusing on realism. Fighting against other players, as well as AI, you will have to make it through a fictional lush and colorful Southeast Asian island called Lamang. It’s been evacuated whilst you, and others, explore the environment to uncover secrets and valuables. Keep your wits, strategy, and customizable weapons, about you otherwise you might not survive! It’s very high stakes, and you’ll have to react quickly. You’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout this immersive experience. This shooter is one to keep an eye on for sure.

4) ALARA Prime (2024)

If you’re a fan of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, Rogue Company, Apex Legends or Overwatch, ALARA Prime is absolutely up your alley. It’s a free-to-play 4 v 4 v 4 tactical FPS. Players compete in three teams of 4 for control of an Uplink. One team defends while the other two attack and this switches each and every round. In order to be successful at gaining the Uplink, and the upper hand, you’ll have to choose which class, weapons, and gadgets are going to help you achieve this. Choose from 22 different gadgets that will assist with gathering intel, defence, offence or hacking/infiltration. Select your strategies wisely to secure victory. Team up with your favorite friends and take on two other teams for all the glory. It’s going to be a hell of a fun time!

3) Delta Force: Hawk Ops (Q1 2024)

TiMi, the developers of Call of Duty: Mobile and Arena of Valor, are bringing forth a reboot of the long lost series Delta Force. Delta Force: Hawk Ops is a FPS that offers both a single player campaign that’s reminiscent of the movie Black Hawk Down, and large PvP multiplayer combat. Players will jump into this tactical FPS and take on missions that require some strategy. It will showcase two multiplayer modes: one is an extraction mode akin to Warzone’s DMZ and the other is a Battlefield-esque PvP mode featuring huge maps. It looks to be this delightful balance of a futuristic atmosphere and classic frenetic combat. It’s going to be Call of Duty and Battlefield fans alike should definitely keep this one on their radar.

2) STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl (September 5, 2024)

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been delayed a few times but it doesn’t mean we can’t still be excited about it! It’s been over a decade since we got to sink our teeth into a new S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game. The wait is almost over. Just over 6 months to go. Here’s a little about the game, “Discover the vast Chornobyl Exclusion Zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies and powerful artifacts. Unveil your own epic story as you make your way to the Heart of Chornobyl” Basically, be prepared for the jump scares, the guts and the gore. Featuring a haunting environment, death clings to every surface. Grab your favorite gun and get ready to kick some monster butt! If you’re a fan of the original games, or post-apocalyptic horror games, this should absolutely be on your list of games to watch out for this year.

1) NEO Berlin 2087 (2024)

Berlin, in the year 2087, featuring a wonderful neo noir environment and aesthetic and dystopian Cyberpunk vibes. This is NEO Berlin 2087. This third-person and first-person action RPG/shooter throws you into a dark narrative. Nolan, a detective, is on a mission to find and protect the police chief’s daughter. The world around you is ravaged, whilst the rich and cyberization have taken over. How will you stack up against these advancements and the horrors of the world on this journey? It’s going to be an emotional journey with love, justice, friendship and sacrifice at the forefront. Graphically it looks pretty damn awesome too. If you’re a fan of Cyberpunk 2077, Blade Runner, or neo noir, this should be your number one shooter of 2024 to keep an eye on.

Honorable mentions: Killing Floor 3 and Luna Abyss

Are there any shooters we missed that you’re looking forward to in 2024? Let us know in the comments or hit us up on social media.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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The post Top 5 Shooter Games To Keep Your Sights on in 2024 appeared first on COGconnected.

If you played through your catalog of amazing games over this past holiday season we’ve got just the thing for you. More games! That’s right. We’ve found a bunch of fantastic games at a fraction of the cost. You can sink your teeth into one or all of them. No judgment from us…we might just do the same! Even if you haven’t played through your library of games, you can never have too many, right? With games like Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 and Street Fighter 6, there’s a little something for everyone here. Happy shopping!

Colors Live (Switch) – $38.39 ($11.60 off)

UFC 5 (Xbox Series X) – $49.99 ($20.00 off)

FC 24 – Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One) $27.99 – ($42.00 off)

Just Dance 2024 – Standard Edition (Switch Code) – $24.99 ($35.00 off)

Madden NFL 24 (PS5) – $34.99 ($35.00 off)

Mortal Kombat 1 (Xbox Series X) – $56.34 ($13.65 off)

Forza Horizon 5 – Premium Edition Code (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC) – $44.99 ($55.00 off)

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5) – $34.97 ($35.02 off)

Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Core Collection (Switch) – $19.93 ($20.06 off)

Sonic Superstars (PS5) – $34.99 ($25.00 off)

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged (Switch) – $29.70 (20.29 off) 

Hogwarts Legacy (PS5) – $41.70 ($28.29 off)

Street Fighter 6 (PS5) – $44.29 ($15.70 off)

Steam Storyteller Bundle (10 PC Games) – 86% off

Steam Strategy Bundle (7 PC Games) – 77% off

Did you end up grabbing a Star Wars Jedi: Survivor? Let us know in the comments below, or give us a shout on our various social media. Make sure to check in for more game and accessory deals and don’t forget to share the wealth with your friends and fellow gamers out there!

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

• For amazing videos, head over to our YouTube page HERE.
• Follow us on X HERE.
• Our Facebook page HERE.
• Our Instagram page HERE.
• Listen to our podcast on Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
• If you are a fan of cosplay, check out more of our cosplay features HERE.

The post Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is $35 off This Weekend appeared first on COGconnected.

It’s officially a new year so why not treat yourself to some new gaming gear? The saying “out with the old, in with the new” is just one reason to replace some of your accessories that might be starting to fall apart. Another might be that your gaming setup could just use a small upgrade. Although we might usually assume this upgrade will cost a pretty penny, we’ve found you a bunch of great deals to help keep this rather inexpensive. We’ve found a bunch of accessories at a variety of price points, so jump in and check them all out! Happy browsing everyone.

SanDisk 1TB microSDXC-Card – $109.99 ($40.00 off)

Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (PS5, PS4 & PC) – $119.99 ($30.00 off)

ASTRO Gaming A20 Wireless Headset (PS5, PS5, PC & Mac) – $97.59 ($22.40 off)

Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC) – $69.99 ($30.00 off)

ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Wired Headset + MixAmp Pro TR (PS5, PS4, PC & Mac) – $144.35 ($85.64 off)

SAMSUNG 24-inch Curved 1080p Gaming Monitor – $99.99 ($90.00 off)

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset (PS5, PS4, Switch & PC) – $129.99 ($50.00 off)

CORSAIR VOID RGB Wireless Gaming Headset (PS4 & PC) – $79.99 ($30.00 off)

ASUS ROG Azoth 75% Wireless DIY Custom Gaming Keyboard – $199.99 ($50.00 off)

Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard – $49.99 ($20.00 off)

Logitech G203 Wired Gaming Mouse – $29.85 ($10.14 off)

Corsair M65 RGB Elite Wired FPS & MOBA Gaming Mouse – $29.00 ($40.99 off)

ASUS ROG Gladius III Wireless AimPoint EVA-02 Edition Gaming Mouse – $99.99 ($20.00 off)

Bonus – Nintendo Switch Lite Handheld Gaming Console – Yellow – $179.99 ($27.50 off)

Did you end up scooping up some sweet new gear? Let us know in the comments below, or give us a shout on our socials! Be sure to share the wealth with your friends and fellow gamers out there too.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

• For amazing videos, head over to our YouTube page HERE.
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• If you are a fan of cosplay, check out more of our cosplay features HERE.

The post Get the Superb Corsair M65 RGB Elite Mouse at $41 off appeared first on COGconnected.

It’s officially the holiday season and that means there are just over 3 weeks left until Christmas. If you’re looking for some last-minute small gifts or stocking stuffers for the gamer in your life, we’ve got you covered. Maybe you just want to grab something for yourself. Whatever the reason there’s something here for everyone. From controllers and other accessories to clothing everything on this list is under $50.

KontrolFreek Analog Sticks

KontrolFreek analog sticks are small and extremely useful for all gamers who use a controller. If you’ve never heard of them they can greatly improve performance. Some help avoid analog stick slip, improve your aim, and allow for more precise movement! Most are less than $20, which is a steal. There are some cool ones worth checking out like the Omni and the Diablo IV Edition.

Funko Pops

Funko pops are great collectibles for any gaming setup. They also look fantastic on a display case for any streamer out there. There are tons available. Gamers, movie fanatics, and nerds all have a large variety to choose from here. Scoop up Funko pops like Lucio from Overwatch, Midas from Fortnite, or Gingerbread Foxy from Five Nights at Freddy’s to start or add to their collection this Christmas. The large majority of these are well under $20 as well so they’re likely in everyone’s budget!

Gaming Socks

These make the coziest addition to any gaming wardrobe and of course, they can be a fashion statement in and out of the house. Choose a specific game the gamer in your life plays all the time or keep it more generic. These are fun and available from a lot of different places. Check out GameStop for a 5 pack of cute Animal Crossing ones or some Xbox Series X socks. Amazon also has some good ones too.

Click through to page 2 for more stocking stuffers…

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The latest edition in the Call of Duty franchise, Modern Warfare 3, has been out for a little while now and it’s been voted by critics and players as one of the worst. In fact, it’s not exactly what those who have been long standing fans were expecting. Considering the original MW3 was some damn good COD, it makes this a bit of a hard pill to swallow. It’s not all bad though! Multiplayer definitely has some big positives. So let’s get into it. Here are the best and the worst of Modern Warfare multiplayer.

The Worst

3) Forced Crossplay for Xbox

For Xbox there’s no option to turn crossplay off. Which means Xbox players have been screwed over with Modern Warfare 3. Despite the complaints about the last couple of entries into the franchise, you’re still stuck playing against PlayStation and PC players. And we all know that it’s just not fun. There’s no real option to play a bit more casually when you’re forced to play against other platforms, specifically the PC players. And that’s just outright unfair. Hopefully Sledgehammer Games and Infinity Ward can rectify this soon. In addition to the other issues Modern Warfare 3 has, I could imagine some Xbox players passing on this one over this alone.

2) The Maps

Despite knowing we were getting no new maps at launch I’m still disappointed. What’s worse is that most of the reskins of the 2009 maps are just bland and the additional nooks don’t improve them much. They aren’t more colorful or vibrant in any way. Additionally, and I have to ask, why are we stuck with the likes of Invasion, Afghan and Derail when we could have had so many good maps from the original MW3? Thankfully there are a good handful, like Rust, Favela, Scrapyard, and Terminal. But I have to wonder if I’ve just started to like Estate because the other maps are just so subpar. Fingers crossed those left on the docket for future release are better.

1) Not a Whole Lot New

Activision recently announced that we’ll be getting 4 new multiplayer maps for Modern Warfare 3. Thank goodness! At launch however, there isn’t a whole lot that’s new. We have a couple new killstreaks (which aren’t that great) and some new guns but that’s really it. The rest of multiplayer, aside from the new class system, feels a lot like copy and paste from Modern Warfare 2. Like the developers really said, rinse and repeat this time around. Now it wouldn’t be the end of the world if they’d treated this as a whole new year of DLC. The problem is that this lack of new material comes at full price! So we’re paying a premium price for less than half the content? Not a great way to thank the fans after 20 years.

Read through to page 2 for the best of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer…

The post Three Things I Love (and Hate) About Modern Warfare 3 Multiplayer appeared first on COGconnected.

2023 has been a huge year for games. Titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Starfield, and even Hogwarts Legacy have captivated the industry completely. But what about the hidden gems that you may have missed while you were busy paying attention to the big releases? There’s a whole bunch of them we could mention but we narrowed it down to 10. So, with that, here are 10 amazing games you may have missed in 2023. These are games that scored well with critics and gamers alike but you probably haven’t even heard of them, or they just haven’t sold that well. And when they’re games this good, you might want to check them all out!

10) Tin Hearts

Tin Hearts is a game built upon a simple premise: move all the tiny tin soldiers from their tin box to a little red door. It is so much more than that however. Each of the puzzles become more and more complex as you progress through the story and the narrative will surely be tugging on your heartstrings throughout. Like many of the other games on this list, Tin Hearts is whimsical, charming, and incredibly fun to play. It may feel repetitive as the game progresses, but with each level the complexities build. And the way Rogue Suns puts the pieces of the story together from the beginning to end is a masterpiece.

9) Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story

If you’re a League of Legends fan (and even if you’re not) this is the game for you. Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story explores the friendship between characters Nunu and Willump in a single-player platformer adventure in the Freljord. Take a journey through a treacherous environment as you play as Nunu, who’s searching for his mother with his best friend in tow. Together Nunu and Willump tell a cute and joyful narrative that’s sure to leave a great impression long after you’ve finished it.

8) Gunbrella

It might sound a little absurd to play through a game that centers around the use of a Gunbrella, a shotgun/umbrella mix. Interestingly, it’s actually a ton of fun! You play as a woodsman seeking revenge for the murder of his loved ones. Gunbrella is a neo-noir action-adventure title from Doinksoft that’s a refreshing mix of emotional, humorous and charming. The combat and traversal pull you in, yet the pixel art style, environment, and narrative keep you hooked. Jaz had this to say about his time with Gunbrella, “You can dart through the air or underwater, zip across cables and glide in the sky like a badass Mary Poppins. [T]he game is a delight from beginning to end and a must-play for fans of Metroidvanias.”

7) Moonstone Island

Moonstone Island, from Studio Supersoft, is a life-simulation game that’s every bit as comforting as it looks. You play as an aspiring alchemist in an open world with 100 different islands to explore. Not only is this a life-simulation game, but it also sprinkles in aspects from some of your favorite games too. There’s a bit of relationship building elements, creature collecting, deck-building and farming to dive into. It features a cozy soundtrack and a cutesy pixel art style that’s sure to make you feel at home. Moonstone Island warms you the same way that the first cup of tea on a cold fall day does. And who doesn’t love that?

6) The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood

Do you like witchcraft? What about Tarot cards? Even if you didn’t say yes to both of those questions, The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood might still very well be a game for you. It tells an immersive story of Fotuna, a fortune-teller witch who’s been exiled. You’ll craft a Tarot deck and try to regain your freedom. But be careful, every decision you make makes waves within the story and yes, they will have a direct impact on what happens later on! The art style, and the story are both incredible as well. Here’s what James had to say about The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, “The game is touching, it hooked me, and creatively energized me. If you’re looking for more magic and mystery in your life, check out The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood. You won’t regret it.”

Read on through Page 2 for the top 5 awesome games of 2023 you may have missed…

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There’s just something so satisfying about being able to jump into Call of Duty and not have to worry about your kill-death ratio, permanent unlocks (though that would be nice), or win-loss ratio. That’s exactly how I feel every year when the latest Call of Duty title drops the beta. As you can imagine, my past couple of weekends were packed with the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 beta. And there’s a couple of really neat takeaways from my time spent. Of course, it’s not all good so let’s break down the best and the worst of the Modern Warfare 3 beta.

Best

3) Sense of Nostalgia

For anyone who played the original Modern Warfare 3 in 2011 this new version is going to feel like a blast from the past. Though 12 years might not seem like a long enough time to be nostalgic, in COD that means there have been 11 games in between, and that feels like forever ago! MW3 will not showcase new maps and is focused on the classic maps like Highrise, Rust and Favela. I didn’t love that idea at first but Sledgehammer and Infinity Ward have done a great job slapping some new coats of paint on each map. They feel familiar, yet vibrant and fresh. As a result, it feels like I was playing some good ‘ol classic Call of Duty and that’s very encouraging.

2) Frenetic Gameplay & Higher TTK

If we’re talking about Modern Warfare 3 feeling like a classic COD game then it’s important to mention just how fast-paced and frenetic the gameplay is. MW2 took a beat and rewarded players for their patience a bit more. In doing so, it slowed the tempo of the game and encouraged campers. Thankfully MW3 has upped the ante. Despite the pace of the game being faster, the time-to-kill has been increased so it’s not a full-on blood bath. If you use submachine guns from a distance you’re going to notice this with the extra hit markers. If you’re up close and personal, you might not even really notice. Sledgehammer and Infinity Ward have found a nice balance here. And yes, the increased TTK is much needed. It provides an extra second to deke out of the line of enemy fire or catch your breath and recuperate your health.

1) Meaningful Loadouts & Customization

Leveling up and unlocking new weapons and gear have always been the biggest reasons to play Call of Duty. MW3 takes this up a notch. There’s more customization than ever before and there’s backwards compatibility with operators, weapons and other unlockables from MW2. This brings a level of world building to Modern Warfare 3 and encourages players to try and unlock more in Modern Warfare 2 before and after the latest title drops next month.

And it’s not copy and paste on repeat, Modern Warfare 3 has changed the loadouts altogether. Power ups and perks have been replaced by specific pieces of gear, like vests, gloves and boots. If you choose a certain type of glove you can either pick up ammo from fallen enemies or reload faster. If you choose a certain vest you can either flag enemy equipment, vehicles and lethals for your team, or you can resupply lethal and tactical equipment every 25 seconds. As you can imagine, each of these heavily impacts strategy. I’m excited to see the full lineup of equipment at launch and hope that these pieces of gear will be customizable like Advanced Warfare!

The post 3 Things I Love (and Hate) About The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Beta appeared first on COGconnected.

Who doesn’t love the cool breeze and pumpkin spice lattes of fall? It’s definitely the best season of the year and what’s even better is you don’t have to feel guilty about staying inside to keep warm. But which game are you going to jump into with all this extra time inside? We’ve found a few really great deals for you to figure it all out. Whether it’s Immortals of Aveum or Atomic Heart you’ll get lost in the game while the leaves change outside. Happy hunting!

Just Dance 2023 Edition (Switch Code) – $19.93 ($40.06 off)

Immortals Fenyx Rising (PC Code) – $7.20 ($52.79 off)

Steelrising (PS5 & Xbox Series X|S) – $22.98 ($27.01 off)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One) – $49.99 ($20.00 off)

Immortals of Aveum (Xbox Series X) – $39.99 ($30.00 off)

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction (PS5) – $11.33 ($28.66 off)

A Plague Tale: Requiem – $43.95 ($16.04 off)

New Tales from the Borderlands Deluxe Edition (PS5) – $19.99 ($30.00 off)

Atomic Heart (PS5) – $48.50 ($21.49 off)

Bayonetta 3 (Switch) – $43.99 ($16.00 off)

DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS Special Edition (Switch) – $17.50 ($12.49 off)

Octopath Traveler II (Switch) – $39.99 ($20.00 off)

Did you end up picking up a new game to play? Let us know in the comments below, or give us a shout on Facebook and Twitter. If you’re looking for something else we’ve got some fantastic accessory deals that you can find right here. Don’t forget to share these great deals with your friends and fellow gamers out there!

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It’s that time of year again! You know, the one where the leaves outside change color, pumpkin spice is everywhere you look and Halloween is just a month away. Fall is the best season of the year, especially for gaming. You can lock yourself away and play your favorite games without feeling guilty about missing out on the good weather or the beach. Just in case your gaming setup needs a little extra love this fall, or you’re just looking to upgrade your keyboard that’s showing a lot of wear and tear, we’ve found some deals just for you. These deals feature Razer heavily and they will definitely make it even easier to stay inside for the next few months!

Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse – $34.99 ($15.00 off)

Razer Viper Ultimate Hyperspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse & RGB Charging Dock – $89.99 ($60.00 off)

Razer Huntsman V2 TKL Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard – $99.99 ($50.00 off)

Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard – $49.99 ($20.00 off)

Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset (PS5, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch & PC) – $49.99 ($20.00 off)

Corsair HS65 Surround Gaming Headset (PC & Mac) – $39.99 ($30.00 off)

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset (PS5, PS4, Switch & PC) – $129.99 ($50.00 off)

PowerA Wireless Nintendo Switch Controller – Legend of Zelda Sworn Protector – $38.99 ($8.00 off)

Razer Seiren Mini USB Condenser Microphone (PC) – $39.99 ($10.00 off)

Acer Nitro 27″ WQHD 2560 x 1440 PC Gaming IPS Monitor – $219.99 ($80.00 off)

Did you end up scooping up some sweet new gear? Let us know in the comments below, or give us a shout on Facebook and Twitter. Make sure to check in again tomorrow as we have a list of the very best game deals on offer and don’t forget to share the wealth with your friends and fellow gamers out there!

The post Revitalize Your Gaming Setup This Fall With Razer Accessories at $50 Off appeared first on COGconnected.

It’s been 20 years since the very first Call of Duty came out and took the world by storm. It seems that Activision would agree there’s cause for celebration. The last couple of weeks have been huge for the Call of Duty fan base. After avid speculation from the community Activision finally announced Modern Warfare III, then they dropped a short teaser trailer, and then another. Last week we learned of the release date. It’s set to be dropped on November 10th. From the progression that carries forward from Modern Warfare II and the return of Zombies, it’s going to be a dynamite addition to the COD franchise. There are a lot of other reasons to get pumped about too. Could this be the best Call of Duty we’ve seen in a long time? Maybe. Here are the top 5 things we’re most looking forward to in Modern Warfare III.

5) The Campaign

Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare II featured some gorgeous graphics and landscapes, action-packed storytelling, amazing voice acting, and kickass combat throughout. In Modern Warfare III Task Force 141 will face off against the villain who has been trying to take over the world, Vladimir Makarov. It will be a direct sequel to Modern Warfare II which is already cause for celebration. But that’s not all. Modern Warfare III is set to revolutionize the campaign by bringing players more choice than ever before. Though we’ll still get the cinematic missions from past Call of Duty games we’re going to be able to decide what to do next and how to complete open combat missions. This means you can run and gun, go in stealthily, or turn off the lights and take each mission by storm with the use of night-vision goggles! Bring on the action.

4) Longer Time To Kill

One of the biggest points of contention with the Call of Duty games is just how long it takes to kill an enemy. In some games, it feels too quick and in other games, it seems like you’re getting nothing but hit markers. At least Sledgehammer and Infinity Ward are setting our expectations here. In multiplayer core modes the time to kill, or TTK, will be increased with health going from 100 to 150. This is going to lengthen the gunfights just enough for everyone to have a chance for some real damage, or it’s going to cause some people to switch over to the hardcore modes. Overall, there’s just going to be more variety in how people play the game and how much customization is going to take place. This means there’s now a higher importance placed on which weapons, which gear, and which strategy you take into every battle.

3) Tac Stance

Since we’re on the topic of strategy and how it affects overall gameplay there’s another innovation coming to Modern Warfare III: Tac Stance. Tac Stance is going to breathe even more new life into gunfights, making them feel less procedural or repetitive. It’s a new way of holding your weapon while firing at the enemy and is set to be the balance between hip-fire and aiming down sights. In close-quarter combat, you’ll have better mobility and weapon handling, while taking a hit in the accuracy department. But by all accounts, it’ll still prove more accurate than hip-firing. This sounds like a run-and-gunner’s dream, which could also decrease the amount of camping as an added bonus. Thank goodness.

2) Increased Customization

Though Advanced Warfare may not be a fan favorite, it certainly is the best of the franchise for the level of customization. It was all about earning the best gear, one piece at a time, until you had the full exo-suit. We need to get back to that. With some of the innovations coming in Modern Warfare III, there will be a greater emphasis on customization, so maybe we finally can. We’ll be able to build and customize our loadouts with the likes of boots, tactical vests, and gloves. And Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer are promising the addition of After-Market Parts, which is an add-on to Gunsmith. This will allow players to create and customize weapons based on their preferred playstyle. Which is another big step in the right direction.

1) Map Voting Returns

When the remake of Modern Warfare came out in 2019 Infinity Ward did something that shocked, and largely pissed off, the Call of Duty community. Map voting was gone. Then Treyarch and the rest of the developers brought it back in Call of Duty: Cold War. But the return of map voting was brief and the 2 games since haven’t included the popular feature. Thankfully it’s back again with Modern Warfare III. And hopefully, it’s here to stay. While I completely understand that Infinity Ward just wanted us to play through all of the maps they worked hard to make, some are just plain awful. And as players we reserve the right to hate them, to want to skip them. Now we can once again.

What are you looking forward to with Modern Warfare III? Let us know in the comments!

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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The post Modern Warfare III – Top 5 Things We’re Excited For appeared first on COGconnected.

We’re just over halfway through 2023 and already there have been some great games to sink our teeth into. Now we already knew this year would have some bangers considering the delays we’ve been hit with over the last couple of years but who would’ve guessed there’d be so, so many? Especially after so many amazing games dropped in 2022…like Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West. There are way more great titles out in 2023 than I can even fit on this list and there’s a good variety here. All of these wonderful games and we still have the likes of Mortal Kombat 1, Alan Wake 2, Starfield, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 to go! So what are the top 10 video games of 2023 so far? Let’s take a look.

10) Have a Nice Death

Have a Nice Death is a 2D action roguelike that lets you play as Death. It’s a quick hack n’ slash cutesy and charming game. With more than 70 different weapons to earn and choose from to create havoc amongst all your employees that ruined your vacation plans, this is exactly what you need after a bad day at the office. With a ton of different quirky characters to meet along the way and the difficulty meter ramping up as you work your way through the departments, Have a Nice Death is equal parts fun and challenging. Plus, who doesn’t love a little kick-ass character to fall in love with along the way?

9) Fire Emblem Engage

Fire Emblem is a franchise that has spanned many years with a total of 17 games! The latest in the franchise is none other than Fire Emblem Engage. Here you must work together with other heroes to take down the Fell Dragon and bring peace back to Elyos. Along the way, you’ll collect Emblem Rings which will help you summon heroes like Celica or Martha and show this turn-based game who’s boss. The story may not be all that but the mechanics, intense battles, and art style are really where Fire Emblem Engage shines. Here’s what James had to say about it, “Overall, Fire Emblem Engage is an excellent entry in the franchise. You won’t want to miss this one.”

8) Dredge

Dredge is a single-player fishing adventure that will absolutely reel you in. Though it’s pretty straightforward – fish, sell your catch, upgrade your boat, rinse and repeat – there’s a whole lot more to discover in the depths of the water. You’ll gain new abilities as you find hidden treasure and complete quests along the way. But the water isn’t always so calm and serene. There’s danger everywhere you turn, especially when you go fishing at night. Dredge is colorful and its sound design is exactly what you would hope from a seafaring horror-esque experience. It’s no wonder it averages over 82% across all platforms on Metacritic!

7) Humanity

It’s no secret how much the gaming community loved Blue Twelve Studios’ cat adventure Stray last year. Humanity, from tha LTD, is a puzzle-action game that features a Shiba Inu at its core and yes it’s extremely fun! You play as a dog and command massive crowds of mindless people to complete all 90 story-mode stages. Humanity is a visual masterpiece that’s equal parts calming and rewarding. The stylish game design comes even more alive when you play it in VR. Seriously, don’t sleep on this one. After all, who doesn’t want to play as a dog helping the masses move through complex puzzles one by one? Here’s what Jaz has to say about Humanity, “Humanity is weird and wonderful. Like all great puzzlers, its premise is simple and the challenge steadily grows. THA Limited continues to innovate throughout the entirety of the game and manages to couple each triumph with jubilation.”

6) Hi-Fi Rush

If you’ve ever played a music-based game before and loved it, Hi-Fi Rush is absolutely a game for you. It’s similar to Metal: Hellsinger in its rhythm combat but in a more family-friendly way. The world comes alive with each hard-hitting combination of attacks and it’ll pull you in bit by bit. Tap or hum along with the mixtape of original music with songs from the likes of The Prodigy, The Joy Formidable, and Nine Inch Nails. Team up with colorful characters and kick some comic book-looking ass. You’re here for a fun time and a long time with Hi-Fi Rush!

Read through to page 2 for the top 5 best games of 2023 so far…

5) Resident Evil 4 Remake

The Resident Evil franchise does survival horror so incredibly well. Capcom has breathed new life into the 2005 original, revitalizing Resident Evil 4 for a slew of new and old fans alike. Resident Evil 4 features modernized gameplay, crisp detailed graphics, and a reimagined storyline, all while keeping the original spirit of the game. Will you be able to bring the President’s daughter home in one piece or will you crumble under the terror and pressure of it all? Resident Evil 4 is gruesome, horrific, and everything you want from the franchise. Jump in with two feet before you’re scared half to death!

4) Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Respawn dropped Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order four years ago and now they’re back with an even better sequel. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a follow-up story for Cal that takes place 5 years after the original, spans multiple galaxies, and is totally action-packed. It features new and interesting characters, expanded customization options, and crazy good combat and traversal. It’s also insanely gorgeous. Twist those lightsabers around and split the Empire in half! The Star Wars universe is truly at its best here. Plain and simple, it’s a damn good time and you shouldn’t miss it. Garrett says, “Jedi Survivor is the definitive Jedi video game experience.”

3) Hogwarts Legacy

Despite the controversy surrounding Hogwarts Legacy, it has done incredibly well. It has received high praise from fans and critics alike. This is showcased by its average Metacritic score of 85. It has a unique story, quirky and unique characters to fall in love with and it takes place well before all the events fans of the Wizarding World have come to know and love. With Hogwarts Legacy you will truly get to pick your own adventure in the 1800s, taking on Dark Wizards, goblins, trolls, and more along the way. And be sure to learn how to use numerous spells and the importance of Herbology and tending to magical beasts; they just might give you the upper hand in any battle. There are also a ton of little easter eggs and nods to the Harry Potter franchise as a whole. It’s honestly a bit like a love letter to the fans of the franchise. Accio Hogwarts Legacy!

2) Diablo 4

Diablo IV is an action RPG from Blizzard that offers a compelling story, badass combat, and interesting characters. It’s a stunning visual masterpiece and an addictive stroll through dark dungeons. The game design is going to hook you regardless of whether you’re a fan of the previous titles of the franchise and the sheer amount of content is going to keep you engaged until the very end. Here’s what Mark had to say about it, “Diablo IV is the true successor to the second game, returning the franchise to its dark, gothic roots with a wild, operatic narrative and bold characters…With off-the-charts production values and compelling characters and combat, Diablo IV is just about as good as the genre can get.”

1) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Unsurprisingly The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is in the top spot for the best game of 2023 so far. It’s a beautiful game that’s creative, inventive, and everything you would want from an open-world action-adventure game. This will be even more impressive if you grew up playing classic Zelda games. There’s a huge world to discover and a bunch of cool new abilities to learn while exploring Hyrule and the skies above. Breath of the Wild was an amazing game and Nintendo has managed to make a sequel of equal proportions! Back in 2017, we gave Breath of the Wild a rare score of 100 and we’ve done the same with Tears of the Kingdom. If that doesn’t convince you this is a must-buy I’m not sure what will.

What do you think about our list? Which ones have you played this year? Are there any other games you thought should’ve made the list? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!

The post Top 10 Games of 2023… So Far appeared first on COGconnected.

Just a couple of weeks ago, at the PlayStation Showcase, the release date for Assassin’s Creed Mirage was announced. With the date came some new details about the game and a new trailer. Still, Ubisoft wasn’t about to ignore one of its Flagship franchises out of its big presentation. So during the Ubisoft Forward today they showcased the game even more.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set to return to its roots. The rooftop combat, stealth-forward gameplay hasn’t been the focus of the last three games in Origins, Odyssey and Valhalla but it’s back in full force in Assassin’s Creed Mirage! Check out Basim (the hero of this latest franchise entry) in both the gameplay and story trailers below.

Here’s a brief overview of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, straight from the game’s website. “In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, you are Basim, a cunning street thief with nightmarish visions seeking answers and justice. Join an ancient organization and come to understand a new creed – one that will change Basim’s fate in ways he never could have imagined.”

The latest in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is set to launch on PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Will you be joining the fun? What do you think about the new trailers? Let us know in the comments below or chat with us on Facebook or Twitter!

The post Assassin’s Creed Mirage Is Absolutely Gorgeous in New Story & Gameplay Trailers appeared first on COGconnected.

Back in January of this year Ubisoft announced The Crew Motorfest. Though they didn’t give us a release date at the time, except to say it would release sometime this year, we’ve received one now. During the Ubisoft Forward earlier today they announced that it would be coming out this fall.

The Crew first dropped in 2014, followed by The Crew 2 in 2018. If you didn’t play either of those, or if you missed the announcement for this third title of the franchise here’s what the game’s website has to say. “Get ready to experience the ultimate driving adventure on one of the world’s most breathtaking islands: O’ahu, the jewel of the Hawaiian archipelago. Do everything on your own or with other players: join high-speed street races through the bustling city of Honolulu, test your off-road skills on the ashy slopes of a volcano, master the perfect curve on the tracks. When you’re ready to relax, kick back on the sunny beaches behind the wheel of your favorite supercar, or bring a buggy to explore the hidden paths of the luxurious rainforest.”

So what’s the official release date? September 14th, 2023! And if you’re looking to see The Crew Motorfest in action Ubisoft also dropped a slick new trailer. Just when you didn’t think car games could get any more beautiful a new trailer showcases how untrue that is. Get ready to be amazed because seriously, The Crew Motorfest looks incredible. Check out the trailer for yourself below.

There will be a closed beta happening between July 21st and July 23rd. You can register for it now. The Crew Motorfest will be available to play for the Xbox Series X|S, PS5 or PC. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter!

The post The Crew Motorfest Release Date Announced at Ubisoft Forward 2023 appeared first on COGconnected.

So Ubisoft announced Skull and Bones way back in 2017 and since then it’s been nothing but delays. While fans may have been waiting for a new release date or some more gameplay the Ubisoft Forward wasn’t for naught. During the Ubisoft Forward they dropped a new trailer complete with a catchy sea shanty.

Okay, so it wasn’t just a trailer with a sea shanty. There is some good news that came at the end of it. A closed beta is happening between August 25th and August 28th. Registration for the beta is open now. This could very well be indicative of a release date being on the horizon should the beta go well. It’s understandable that Ubisoft wouldn’t want to give fans false hope in a new release date that could lead to another delay. You can check out the new sea shanty trailer below.

If you haven’t been paying attention to Skull and Bones since the first announcement here’s what the game’s website says, “At the end of the 17th century, tales of a legendary heist attracted young outcasts from all over the world. In search of untold fortunes, ordinary men and women headed far from home. Armed with only their instincts to survive, they risked it all for a chance to attain immeasurable riches.”

Skull and Bones will be available to play on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Epic Games and Ubisoft Connect. Will you be playing the beta? Let us know in the comments below or let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

The post Skull and Bones Drops a Trailer Full of Sea Shanties appeared first on COGconnected.

A couple of years ago we got our first look at Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Since then it’s been delayed a couple of times. During today’s Ubisoft Forward they showcased its wicked gameplay and dropped a new release date! The best part? It’s this year!

Quite a bit of what has been shown over the last couple of days has either had no release date or has been forecasted to come out next year. But not Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. It’s set to release on December 7th, 2023! And to prove that this wasn’t just a date Ubisoft had thrown out they also gave us a heaping serving of gameplay. Given that it’s an open-world shooter the gameplay definitely has a similar feel to Far Cry. You can check the gameplay and another trailer released today below.

Here’s a snippet from the game’s website, “Abducted by the human militaristic corporation known as the RDA, you, a Na’vi, were trained and molded to serve their purpose. Fifteen years later, you are free, but find yourself a stranger in your birthplace. Reconnect with your lost heritage, discover what it truly means to be Na’vi, and join other clans to protect Pandora from the RDA.”

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora will drop on December 7th, 2023 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Amazon Luna. Are you excited to jump into the game? What do you think about the gameplay? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter!

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Yesterday Star Wars: Outlaws was officially announced during the Xbox Games Showcase. Today Ubisoft followed that up with the first ever gameplay trailer for the game. And it wasn’t a short teaser either, fans got to see more than 10 whole minutes of gameplay!

Star Wars: Outlaws looks incredible after our first glimpse at some of its gameplay. In the 10 and a half minute video from the Ubisoft Forward it showcased combat, space dogfights and an over-arching look at the massive open-world environment. It’s definitely going to be a sweet adventure into the Star Wars universe! You can check out the trailer below:

Here’s what the Ubisoft website has to say about the game so far, “Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, a scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.”

Star Wars: Outlaws does not yet have a release date but it is set to drop in 2024 on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5. What do you think about what you’ve seen so far? Let us know in the comments below or chat with us on Facebook or Twitter!

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Earlier today Bethesda treated fans to a 45 minute presentation on Starfield. During this we learned quite a bit about the highly-anticipated space RPG, and got a look at some amazing new gameplay. Spoiler alert, it’s set to be a huge universe!

During the Starfield Direct we learned about the game’s massive scale, there will be over 1000 planets! Additionally Bethesda gave us a ton of information about what to expect from the combat, space travel and exploration, outpost building, character and ship creation and customization and more! If you want the full lowdown, check it out right here. Check out the new gameplay trailer below:

Here are some of the highlights:

• Starfield will be huge. There will be over 1000 planets to visit. Not all planets will have crazy game-changing quests to complete but the galaxy will be packed with resources to collect and things to see!
• Players will be able to fly through space in their own customizable ships. There’s a very flexible ship crafting system available. So much so that you can create an Optimus Prime looking ship.
• Combat and space battles will require strategy. Bethesda wants these encounters to feel “exciting and dangerous” while also giving players control of the power allocation system (boost power for faster ships or sacrificing systems to keep shields intact).
• There’s a ton of customization and options available for weaponry.
• Players will be able to choose from 40 preset templates for their character creation. Further customization available to make an even more unique character.
• Character creation doesn’t just include physical appearance. Players will get to choose their background and traits. Backgrounds give a backstory and three skills. (A few included are Beast Hunter, Bouncer, Cyber Runner, Pilgrim, Ronin and Gangster.) Traits come with both advantages and disadvantages so choose wisely!
• Skills can be earned through gameplay and completing challenges will level up their rank. With higher ranks come improved skills.
• There are 5 skill categories: Physical, Social, Combat, Science and Tech

Starfield is set to release on September 6th. Are you excited about just how much we know about Starfield now? Does this info make you want to play it even more? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter.

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Payday 3, from Starbreeze Studios, was on full display at today’s Xbox Games Showcase. It received a new trailer and an official release date. Both of these are great news for Payday fans everywhere, even more so as it’s been an entire decade since Payday 2.

The brand new trailer showcased the classic co-op FPS gameplay known to the franchise. What’s even better is that we won’t have to wait too long to sink our teeth into the Payday 3. It’s officially making its way to us on September 21, 2023! And good news for Xbox Game Pass owners. Payday 3 will be available day one on Game Pass. Check out the trailer below:

If you’re unfamiliar with the franchise, or if you haven’t read much about the third game in the series here’s a little snippet from Steam: “Step out of retirement back into the life of crime in the shoes of the Payday Gang, the envy of their peers and the nightmare of law-enforcement wherever they go. Several years after the crew’s reign of terror over Washington DC has ended, they assemble once again to deal with the threat that roused them out of early retirement.”

What do you think about the new trailer and the release date? Let us know in the comments below or chat with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Back in 2020 Avowed was officially announced. Now, 3 years later, at the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase it has received a brand new trailer. It’s set to be Obsidian Entertainment’s new major hit and that’s exciting all on its own.

Avowed is a new role-playing game that will take place in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity (the world of Eora). We got a look at this, as well as some of its gameplay, monsters and even a little kickass combat in the new trailer. Best to check it out below.

But it wasn’t just the trailer Xbox blessed us with, they also gave us a release window for Avowed. I mean, it’s a little loose, being that it’s set to release sometime in 2024…we’ll still take it though! Here’s what the game’s website has to say about it: “Explore the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. As an envoy of Aedyr, you are sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague with a secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save the island and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them apart?”

Avowed will release on Xbox Series X|S and PC. What are you thoughts about the latest game from Obsidian? Let us know in the comments or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter.

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Today was the Xbox Games Showcase and boy was there some big news on the Fable front. Despite being announced by Xbox back a couple years ago it’s been eerily quiet about the Fable reboot. Xbox has been teasing us a bit about it over the last couple of weeks but now we’ve gotten an actual look at it!

During the big Xbox Games Showcase a new trailer was dropped. Playground Games is looking to reboot the entire franchise and it all looks pretty good. It’s set to launch day one on Xbox Game Pass too. That said, no actual release date was announced. Check out the trailer from the show below:

The reboot of the beloved franchise will be the first main entry since Fable 3 back in 2010 (not counting the spin off Fable: The Journey). There’s no additional information available on the Xbox website but it will be releasing on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Are you all excited to see more Fable? Do you have any predictions on a release window? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter!

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