Description
Please Note: You’re buying a digital item, delivered to you instantly after purchase, if you don’t see it in your e-mail’s inbox please check your SPAM/Junk Folder. You’re buying a Steam game activation key, for which you will need to have a free Steam account and you will need to have the Steam game client installed on your computer. You can install the Steam game client from: https://store.steampowered.com/about/
Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller is an engaging four-part episodic point-and-click adventure game available on Steam, developed by Phoenix Online Studios. Here’s a detailed description of the game:
Storyline:
The narrative centers around FBI agent Erica Reed, who possesses a unique post-cognitive ability, allowing her to see the past of objects she touches. The story begins with the unresolved murder of her younger brother, Scott, by a serial killer. Three years after this tragic event, with the investigation into Scott’s murder having gone cold, Erica finds herself drawn into a new case that eerily connects back to her past. A new serial killer is at large in Boston, leaving deliberate clues that only Erica, with her special abilities, can interpret. This leads her on a path that not only seeks justice for her brother but also confronts her with the demons of her past.
Gameplay Mechanics:
Point-and-Click Interaction: Players navigate through environments by clicking to interact with objects, characters, and solve puzzles. The game emphasizes investigation and puzzle-solving, making use of Erica’s powers to aid in these tasks.
Cognitive Powers: Erica’s abilities are central to gameplay:
Post-Cognition: Allows Erica to see how crimes unfolded by touching related objects.
Regression: Helps in piecing together fragmented memories of other characters.
Projection: Provides insights into what might happen if certain actions are taken, enhancing puzzle-solving.
Puzzle Design: The puzzles are deeply integrated into the storytelling, often requiring logical deduction or the use of Erica’s abilities. They range from traditional point-and-click puzzles to more innovative ones that utilize her cognitive skills.
Episodic Structure: The game is divided into four episodes, each unveiling more about the overarching plot and character development. Each episode introduces new gameplay elements or enhances Erica’s abilities, providing a fresh experience while maintaining narrative continuity.
Visuals and Audio:
Art Style: The game adopts a comic book-like aesthetic, with vibrant art direction that complements the dark, suspenseful mood of the narrative. Motion comic cutscenes add depth to storytelling.
Voice Acting: Generally well-received, with standout performances, particularly by Raleigh Holmes as Erica Reed, contributing significantly to character immersion.
Music: Composed by Austin Haynes, the soundtrack is evocative, enhancing the game’s atmosphere with themes of melancholy and tension suitable for a thriller.
Reception and Awards:
Cognition has been highly praised for its narrative depth and character development, with particular acclaim for how it leverages Erica’s psychic abilities in gameplay. It won six 2013 Reader’s Choice Aggie Awards, including Game of the Year, highlighting its impact and popularity within the adventure gaming community.
Technical Aspects: While the game has been commended for its storytelling and mechanics, some users have reported minor technical issues like graphical glitches or animation stiffness, which have largely been addressed in updates.
Community and Extras:
The Steam version includes achievements and trading cards, adding layers of engagement for players. The Game of the Year Edition, which came later, added director’s commentary, concept art, storyboards, and outtakes, enriching the experience for fans.
The game supports multiple languages, including English, Italian, and German, broadening its appeal.
Conclusion:
For those who enjoy deep narrative-driven games with innovative puzzle mechanics and a strong female protagonist, “Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller” offers a compelling experience. It’s particularly recommended for fans of detective stories, adventure games with a supernatural twist, or anyone interested in a story about personal redemption and the pursuit of justice.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
WindowsmacOS
MINIMUM:
OS: XP/Vista/7
Processor: 2.0 GHz
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Graphics: ATI or NVidia with 512 MB RAM**
Storage: 7 GB available space
Additional Notes: ** – Not recommended for play on Intel systems with integrated/shared video memory
RECOMMENDED:
OS: XP/Vista/7
Processor: 2.0 GHz
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: ATI or NVidia with 1 GB RAM**
Storage: 7 GB available space
Additional Notes: ** – Not recommended for play on Intel systems with integrated/shared video memory
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.