Rhett Waselenchuk
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COGConnectedLatest Reviews
Death Stranding 2 is a massive achievement for Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions. It elevates nearly everything that made the original such a unique experience. It streamlines the majority of its systems to make them more palatable. It’s drop-dead gorgeous and introduces enough new mechanics to feel fresh while never alienating what makes the franchise so special. Death Stranding 2 is undoubtedly one of the best games of the year, and well worth the agonizing six-year wait. This is a game that will be in my rotation for hundreds of more hours. From start to finish, it blew me away. Keep on keeping on.
With its visual prowess, RoadCraft presents a promising foundation for a unique and engaging construction simulator. Its road construction mechanics and realistic environments are impressive. However, it also feels underdeveloped and lacking in customization, which previous Saber Interactive games have. In addition, clunky UI and a plethora of bugs ultimately hold RoadCraft back from realizing its full potential. While dedicated fans of road engineering and construction simulators might enjoy the game’s granular control and visual feedback, “RoadCraft” requires significant improvements and additions before it can truly compete with established players in the genre. It’s a game with a strong concept but needs a lot more work before it’s ready for prime time. The foundation is there, but the road ahead is still under construction.
Ultimately, MLB The Show 25 delivers another solid simulation baseball experience, building upon the strong foundation established by its predecessors. Does it capture the magic of being on the diamond? I think so. The improved fielding/running/hitting systems make the core gameplay loop feel fantastic. Franchise mode has seen a couple of much-appreciated additions. And Diamond Dynasty is fun again with the season system behind it. The team at San Diego Studio continues to show dedication and passion for capturing the essence of baseball. This year’s offering, while not perfect, demonstrates their commitment to evolving and improving the franchise.
It’s clear that Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection will only appeal to a tiny, very niche audience. It just so happens that I fall into that group. Poor choice of included games, an almost disrespectful lack of multiplayer, and no effort put into modernizing mechanics doesn’t exactly make for an enjoyable, user-friendly experience. Despite all of this, I’ve still had fun with it. It’s not great, but damnit, I kinda, sorta, like it.
Some of the textures and models can sometimes feel a bit rough around the edges, however. Frame rates can dip in particularly busy areas, such as during intense battles or when exploring crowded regions. These minor issues are essentially negligible and didn’t detract from my time with Pirate Yakuza. It’s a beautiful game that rewards players for taking the time to explore.
For my money, Lego Horizon Adventures is the best Lego game I’ve played. It does a great job of retelling Aloy’s story, all the while never losing sight of what makes Lego games great. At times, it’s hilarious, and other times, it’s heartwarming. Plus, it looks absolutely gorgeous. It’s also chock-full of content for players to discover, rewarding those who take the time to search every nook and cranny of its diverse set of levels. I do feel it plays things a little too safe at times. But for fans of the Lego games, it has everything one could want from a new entry into the franchise.
After a decade-long hiatus, EA Sports’ take on college football is back, baby. Naturally, I kept my expectations in check and headed into College Football 25 with deep reservations. How could I not? I won’t pretend EA Sports hasn’t had an abysmal reputation when it comes to their football games over the last ten years. Thankfully, my worries were quickly put to rest. College Football 25 is excellent, delivering an atmospheric, fast-paced take on football that does what Madden hasn’t done in a long time.
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.
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.
The adage “two steps forward, and one step back” has never rung more accurately than it does when applied to The Crew Motorfest. While the latest entry into Ivory Tower and Ubisoft’s “The Crew” franchise submits a better racing experience than its predecessors, it simultaneously abandons the identity from which the franchise was conceived. Returning fans may find a longing for the seemingly endless amount of open road in the previous two games. Though, after spending 30 or so hours with The Crew Motorfest, I can definitively say a competent racer sits beneath its hood.