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Cogs

83%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
story, replayability
87% User Score Based on 659 reviews
Critic Score 60%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

PCPCAndroidAndroidiPhoneiPhonePlaystation 3Playstation 3WindowsWindowsPlayStationPlayStationLinuxLinuxMac OSMac OSMobile PlatformMobile PlatformiPadiPadPhonePhoneTabletTablet
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About

Cogs is a single-player puzzle game known for its splendid visuals and delightful soundtrack. Players build machines from sliding tiles in 50 levels across three modes: Inventor, Time Challenge, and Move Challenge. Inventor Mode introduces players to widgets used to build machines, while Time and Move Challenges offer time-based and move-limited puzzles, respectively, to test players' problem-solving skills.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Cogs screenshot
Cogs screenshot
Cogs screenshot
Cogs screenshot
Cogs screenshot
Cogs screenshot
Cogs screenshot
Cogs screenshot
Cogs screenshot

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 659 reviews
graphics41 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Cogs offers a unique twist on traditional sliding puzzles, incorporating 3D mechanics and steampunk aesthetics that enhance the gameplay experience.
  • The game features a variety of challenging puzzles that progressively increase in difficulty, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion.
  • With multiple game modes, including timed and move-limited challenges, Cogs encourages replayability and offers a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts.
  • The inclusion of a timer and move counter can create unnecessary stress, detracting from the enjoyment of solving puzzles at a leisurely pace.
  • Some players find the graphics and overall presentation to be dated, which may affect the appeal for those accustomed to modern visuals.
  • The game can become frustratingly difficult, especially in later levels, which may discourage casual players from continuing.
  • graphics
    85 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their charming steampunk aesthetic, with many reviewers noting the visuals as polished, smooth, and well-designed, contributing to an immersive experience. While some describe the graphics as dated or simplistic, they appreciate the overall presentation and the nostalgic feel it evokes. Overall, the game's visuals are considered a strong point, enhancing the puzzle-solving experience despite some critiques regarding their lack of modern polish.

    • “The lighting that pops the puzzles into 3D, the steam effects that really look authentic, the immersive sound of sliding pieces, the controls that feel like turning a physical piece over in your hands, and the menu that blends into the overall aesthetic beautifully... this game's art direction is supreme.”
    • “The presentation is superlative for a puzzle game with crisp, clean graphics and a steampunk aesthetic.”
    • “The levels are created with a lot of care, featuring beautiful graphics, cute animations, and calming music and sound effects.”
    • “Dated graphics”
    • “The UI, controls, and graphics are quite dated here in 2023, but the puzzles are still fun and interesting.”
    • “If you get it, don't complain on how the graphics look like a Windows XP game.”
  • gameplay
    59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of this puzzle game is centered around a sliding tile mechanic, enhanced by steampunk-inspired elements that add complexity and variety to the puzzles. While many players appreciate the creative integration of mechanical components and the satisfying visuals, some find the time and move limits detract from the overall experience, leading to a reliance on memorization rather than enjoyment. Overall, the game offers a mix of addictive and challenging puzzles, appealing primarily to fans of the sliding puzzle genre.

    • “If you like the sliding puzzle mechanic, this will be paradise for you.”
    • “The way everything comes together like clockwork upon completing a puzzle brings a joy that will enchant anyone who's interested in engineering and mechanical contraptions.”
    • “Cogs delivers a little over 50 sliding puzzles, most of which include an interesting mechanical quirk that makes understanding the final configuration a puzzle in itself.”
    • “Although the level of polish in visuals and audio is quite satisfying, the basic time mechanics ruin what could have been a great puzzle game.”
    • “It's very pretty and well made but offers no interesting gameplay.”
    • “The presentation is alright, but I can't recommend it fully as the core gameplay wears thin once you realize it's just sliding things around.”
  • music
    58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally described as charming, whimsical, and relaxing, fitting well with the game's aesthetic and enhancing the overall experience. However, some players find the music puzzles frustrating and repetitive, particularly those that require precise timing, which detracts from the enjoyment. Overall, while the soundtrack contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, it can become monotonous for some players.

    • “Beautiful, excellent presentation, music and animation, and the puzzles have a nice difficulty curve from casual to difficult.”
    • “A wonderful game with tranquil music, beautiful design, and a pleasant challenge.”
    • “The music is pleasantly inquisitive and upbeat.”
    • “I've had this in my Steam library for years, and although it's really well made, the repetitive music, the timers, and points system turn me off.”
    • “An amazing puzzle game, but beware of the music box levels; they will be your worst nightmare trying to synchronize the chimes just perfectly.”
    • “The music challenges that require you to play a tune are really awful.”
  • story
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that there is no overarching narrative or background. While some puzzles offer mini-stories and a thematic aesthetic, the consensus is that the lack of a cohesive storyline detracts from the overall experience.

    • “Each puzzle is kind of a mini story, some can be completed in multiple ways.”
    • “The music, art, story, gameplay.”
    • “And the storyline... well, there isn't one.”
    • “There is no story, background, or setup to the game.”
    • “There isn't a story, even though there definitely is a steampunk meets Da Vinci's Codex theme.”
  • replayability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers some replayability through score challenges and puzzle variations, appealing to players who enjoy improving their performance. However, the lack of randomized elements and reliance on reused puzzles in extra modes limit its overall replay value. While some players may return for the satisfaction of mastering puzzles, the experience can feel repetitive for others.

    • “It increased the replayability of the puzzles, while never being difficult enough to become frustrating or demoralizing.”
    • “There is some replayability if you want to beat your scores or play challenge mode.”
    • “Sadly, the sliding blocks are not randomized, so there is no replayability, and the extra game modes are simply reused puzzles.”
    • “Stars are awarded for completing the puzzle, using fewer moves (bronze, silver, gold), and fast completion times (bronze, silver, gold), which stretches replayability, albeit basic memorization.”
  • humor
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its humor, featuring a lolspeak mode that adds to its comedic appeal, making it enjoyable for a wide audience, from children to grandparents. While many find it funny and appreciate the indie developers' clever touches, some feel that the price may not fully reflect the humor offered.

    • “Also has a lolspeak mode, which is simply hilarious.”
    • “I recommend this game to everyone from young inquisitive children to old funny grandparents.”
    • “The indie devs also put in some wonderful humor if you look through the options menu.”
  • grinding
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is visually appealing and mentally engaging, but many players find it tedious and frustrating, particularly with sliding puzzles that require precise placement. While the sound design enhances the experience, the repetitive nature of the gameplay can lead to a lack of enjoyment over time.

    • “It is nicely visually presented and can intrigue the mind, but for most gamers, it will be a niche full of tedious frustration.”
    • “It is an absolutely mind-grinding puzzle production.”
    • “Not a 'binge' game, at least for me, as it can seem a little tedious after doing multiple levels.”
  • atmosphere
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game effectively creates a charming steampunk atmosphere, enhanced by smooth graphics and subtle sound effects that contribute to a calming experience. The background music complements the setting well, making it enjoyable without becoming overwhelming, while the overall ambiance strikes a balance between challenge and relaxation.

    • “The steampunk atmosphere is created well.”
    • “I find the atmosphere of this game calming.”
    • “Its atmosphere is charming with its steampunk style, and the background music is nice.”
    • “It's atmosphere is charming with its steampunk style, and the background music is nice.”
    • “Graphics are smooth and well done; sound effects are minimal and subtle, so as not to get annoying, while still adding to the atmosphere.”
    • “There is an element of challenge, but frustration is hard to come by with the atmosphere.”
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is generally praised for its smooth performance and functional design, despite its simple appearance. The inclusion of 3D elements in the puzzles adds an engaging twist while maintaining crisp visuals.

    • “It's not pretty, but it's crisp, functional, and runs smoothly.”
    • “The game looks simple but elegant, and runs smoothly. I like the 3D element to the puzzles; they make a nice shake-up.”
  • emotional
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players report a strong emotional impact from the game, with experiences ranging from frustration to deep emotional resonance, including moments that elicited laughter and tears. One user even noted it was the only game that made them cry, highlighting its ability to evoke powerful feelings.

    • “The only game that truly made me cry.”
    • “I laughed, I cried, it was better than cats!”

60%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews

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