Jaz Sagoo
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COGConnected Latest Reviews
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a remarkable game that builds on and develops the foundations of the original. Similar to its predecessor, it tells an emotive, personal story that instantly immerses you. The scope expands as you journey farther afield. Gameplay improvements elevate the adventure, introducing greater puzzle variety and tense cinematic sequences that complement one another perfectly. Though relatively short, it’s a stunning journey that will resonate long after the credits roll.
Resident Evil Requiem amalgamates its two entities into a cohesive, demonic monster, resulting in one of the series’ most complete entries to date. From its tense, immersive exploration that highlights vulnerability to its visceral combat that revels in brutality, it delivers a nightmare that feels both refined and feral. A masterpiece in horror, and an early Game of the Year contender.
God of War: Sons of Sparta is a well-designed, albeit conventional, Metroidvania. Combat encounters are enthralling, especially as the game progresses and enemies unleash varied attacks that demand specific methods of evasion. New abilities expand your offensive arsenal, adding further layers to each encounter. While the platforming and puzzles benefit from tight, thoughtful design, the art direction is competent but uninspiring. Although a strong outing for Kratos, this entry doesn’t quite reach the mythic heights of the series.
BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is an excellent roguelike adventure that faithfully translates the tactical, frenetic combat of the main series into an immersive side-scrolling experience. Each character feels distinct, with unique abilities that encourage experimentation with the game’s multi-layered systems, resulting in builds that differ from run to run. While the complex narrative doesn’t fully land and some systems aren’t clearly explained, the moment-to-moment action is superb and will quickly get its hooks in you.
Cairn accurately captures the thrill and intensity of scaling a mountain. Each tentative step communicates the danger of the climb, forcing you to constantly readjust and take calculated risks to succeed. Aava’s flexibility benefits the gameplay, though it can look awkward in execution. While the game’s visuals and overall design are wonderful, performance issues, such as regular framerate drops and odd bugs, occasionally hinder the experience. Even though there are a few kinks in the equipment, this is a great ascent for those seeking a truly unique adventure.
BrokenLore: Unfollow is a creepy exploration of the effects of psychological scars. The atmosphere smothers you, allowing only brief gasps of breath while solving puzzles. At its best when scouring environments, the game falters in its execution of stealth and combat segments. Although it lacks polish, this short, sharp adventure still manages to leave a lasting impression that will echo in the silence long after you step away.
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a beautiful Metroidvania that features wonderful platforming segments alongside challenging encounters. The world encourages exploration, with each route rewarding you, further incentivising you to venture into the unknown. Although the game follows conventions, it delivers a fascinating adventure that fans of the genre will adore.
Code Violet falls short of its inspirations. Although the concise adventure has some strong moments, with some great interior environments, it fails to create menacing enemies that evoke fear in the player. Bugs hinder the experience, often leading to clumsy moments that break the immersion. Unfortunately, fans of Dino Crisis will have to keep waiting for that spiritual successor they’ve been hoping for.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road perfectly blends JRPG mechanics with football to deliver a unique and refreshing experience. The story is beautifully presented, featuring high-quality cutscenes and an excellent soundtrack that enhances its emotional beats. While the main campaign does suffer from some pacing issues, it remains a strong tale with a satisfying conclusion. Add in a wide range of modes, and you’re left with an excellent package that’s absolutely bursting with content. A fantastic return to the pitch, Victory Road captures the heart of the series while pushing it forward.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is one of the best beat ’em ups to date. The inclusion of a secondary character elevates the combat, letting you juggle enemies and rack up massive combos with ease. Each hero feels distinctive, with bespoke movement and attacks that make experimenting with different team combinations a thrill. While the campaign is short, it encourages replaying levels to complete challenges and unlock extra content. Paired with its stunning presentation, the game stands as one of the genre’s finest modern examples.