Sidd Masand
This author account hasn't been claimed yet. To claim this account, please contact the outlet owner to request access.
Writing For
COGConnected Latest Reviews
Best known for their work on Rock Band and Dance Central, developer Harmonix is now turning its attention to VR. VR is a technology that Harmonix has put a lot of faith in. In addition to releasing Harmonix Music VR (Music VR), the developer is also working on Rock Band VR for the Oculus Rift and Sing Space for Samsung VR. Music VR isn’t so much a game as it’s more of a music visualizer with a focus on letting you experience your music in a way you haven’t before. One of the best features of Music VR is that you can use your own music by plugging a USB stick into your PS4. The game also features its own soundtrack borrowing heavily from the recently released Amplitude reboot.
The last racing game I played prior to DiRT Rally was 2015’s Need for Speed title. Going into DiRT Rally, I assumed I would approach the racing the same way I did in Need for Speed. I was in for the shock of my life. DiRT Rally isn’t Need for Speed or even Forza. It’s the furthest thing from it. When I played my first race I was greeted by my co-pilot who would warn me about upcoming obstacles and turns. I didn’t think much of my co-pilot and thought I would just ignore him and navigate the track myself.
From 2007 to 2010, music games were all the rage with multiple titles being released each year from both Activision and Harmonix. 2009 alone saw the release of almost 10 Guitar Hero and Rock Band games, so it was no wonder that the genre crashed and burned the following year. Rock Band 3 was the last major release from the franchise and a lot has changed over the past 5 year years. Harmonix is now an indie studio, rock music is even less popular than it was back in 2010, and music streaming has become more popular than downloading. When Rock Band 4 was announced earlier this year, many wondered whether people still had an appetite for plastic instruments. Does Rock Band 4 feel relevant in 2015 or has it aged like Axl Rose?
Convoluted stories and top notch stealth mechanics have been staples of every Metal Gear release. My first contact with the series was back in 2002 when I saw a used copy of Metal Gear Solid 2 for sale at Blockbuster Video. At that time I knew nothing about the series other than the good reviews and TV commercials. I decided to give it a shot and I was blown away by what I experienced. Engrossing story, fun stealth mechanics and beautiful visuals hooked me instantly. The game oozed influences from one of my favourite movies of all time: the 1996 action thriller The Rock. To this day, Metal Gear Solid 2 is still one of my favourite games of all time. When I was offered the chance to review the Phantom Pain I jumped at the chance.