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Cogs

Cogs Game Cover
83%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
story, replayability
87% User Score Based on 666 reviews
Critic Score 60%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

Playstation 3LinuxPCTabletAndroidMac OSPhoneiPadMobile PlatformiPhoneWindowsPlayStation
Cogs Game Cover

About

Cogs is a single player casual puzzle game. It was developed by https://lazy8studios.com and was released on April 14, 2009. It received neutral reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

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.

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87%
Audience ScoreBased on 666 reviews
graphics40 positive mentions
replayability3 negative mentions

  • Cogs offers a unique twist on traditional sliding puzzles, incorporating 3D mechanics and a steampunk aesthetic that enhances the gameplay experience.
  • The game features a variety of puzzles that increase in difficulty, providing a satisfying challenge for players who enjoy problem-solving.
  • The sound design and visuals are well-crafted, creating an engaging atmosphere that makes solving puzzles feel rewarding.
  • The inclusion of a timer and move counter can create unnecessary stress, detracting from the enjoyment of solving puzzles at a leisurely pace.
  • Some puzzles can become frustratingly difficult, leading to a sense of being stuck and requiring memorization of solutions to progress.
  • The game may feel repetitive for players who are not fans of sliding puzzles, as the core mechanics do not significantly change throughout.
  • graphics
    81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally described as charming and well-executed, featuring a polished steampunk aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. While some users note that the visuals can feel dated or simplistic, many appreciate the smooth animations and clean design that contribute to a nostalgic yet enjoyable puzzle-solving atmosphere. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, complementing the gameplay rather than overshadowing it.

    • “The lighting that pops the puzzles into 3D, the steam effects that really look authentic, the immersive sound of sliding pieces, and the menu that blends beautifully into the overall aesthetic... this game's art direction is supreme.”
    • “There's a beautiful steampunk aesthetic, down to the menus, and every piece glides with a purposeful elegance.”
    • “The presentation is superlative for a puzzle game with crisp, clean graphics and a steampunk aesthetic.”
    • “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
    60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of this puzzle game is centered around a unique twist on classic sliding tile mechanics, incorporating mechanical elements that enhance the challenge and satisfaction of solving puzzles. While the game offers a visually appealing presentation and a variety of puzzles, some players find the time constraints and memorization aspects detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, it appeals to fans of mechanical puzzles, providing a mix of creativity and complexity, though it may not resonate with everyone due to its reliance on sliding mechanics.

    • “This is a puzzle game that turns sliding tiles into mechanical challenges, making every solution deeply satisfying and visually polished.”
    • “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.”
    • “If you enjoy brain-twisting mechanical puzzles, Cogs will keep you entertained for a good while.”
    • “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
    57 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, leading to mixed feelings about their inclusion. Overall, while the soundtrack contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, it can become a point of contention for players engaged in music-related challenges.

    • “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
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game lacks a traditional narrative or background, focusing instead on gameplay mechanics with no overarching story. However, players note that each puzzle can be seen as a mini-story, offering various solutions within a steampunk aesthetic. Overall, the emphasis is on the challenge of the puzzles rather than a cohesive storyline.

    • “Each puzzle is kind of a mini story; some can be completed in multiple ways.”
    • “There isn't a story, even though there definitely is a steampunk meets Da Vinci's Codex theme.”
    • “The music, art, story, and gameplay all come together to create an immersive experience.”
    • “Don’t expect a story or fancy presentation here; it’s just you, the tiles, and your stubborn will to make the machine work.”
    • “There is no story, background, or setup to the game.”
    • “Cogs was a surprise; it was a steampunk puzzle game that had no story, yet each puzzle gets harder and harder.”
  • replayability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers some replayability through score challenges and puzzle variations, encouraging players to improve 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 enjoyment of beating their scores, the experience can feel repetitive.

    • “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.”
  • 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 exceptionally well.”
    • “I find the atmosphere of this game to be calming.”
    • “Its atmosphere is charming with its steampunk style, and the background music is delightful.”
    • “Still, the steampunk atmosphere is created well.”
    • “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.”
  • humor
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features a humorous lolspeak mode that many players find hilarious, appealing to a wide audience from children to older adults. While the humor is generally well-received, some users feel that the overall experience may not justify its price. Additionally, the indie developers have included clever humor throughout the options menu, enhancing the game's charm.

    • “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.”
  • 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!”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is noted for its smooth performance and functional design, despite its simplistic appearance. The integration of 3D elements into the puzzles adds an engaging twist, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “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.”
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60%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

Cogs is a casual puzzle game.

Cogs is available on PC, Mac OS, Phone, iPad and others.

Cogs was released on April 14, 2009.

Cogs was developed by https://lazy8studios.com.

Cogs has received neutral reviews from players and neutral reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its story.

Cogs is a single player game.

Similar games include The Pedestrian, The Bridge, A Virus Named TOM, Cats Organized Neatly, LYNE and others.