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Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller

iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2013

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Quick resume

FBI agent Erica Reed has an uncanny talent: she can see the past and piece together how a crime unfolded. But not even this sixth sense could save her younger brother, Scott, from a brutal serial killer. Three years later, the investigation into Scott’s murder has gone cold -- but Erica’s work has only just begun.

Global score

82/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click

Pros

  • Engaging and complex story
  • Unique psychic abilities gameplay
  • Long playtime with multiple episodes
  • Atmospheric soundtrack and voice acting
  • Logical and challenging puzzles

Cons

  • Clunky character animations and graphics
  • Some bugs and glitches reported
  • Slow character movement
  • Some puzzles and story elements confusing or illogical
  • Limited player choice impact on story

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players direct investigation, choose dialogue options, and use psychic abilities to solve puzzles, indicating moderate player control."

  • Competence
    4

    "Challenging puzzles and progressive mechanics provide skill tests and feedback, requiring logical thinking and problem solving."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual detective work and story progression without player-vs-player or leaderboard elements."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long play sessions, strong engagement with story and characters, and desire to complete all episodes."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on personal investigation, no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players creatively use psychic powers and inventory items to solve puzzles, though within a structured narrative."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative-driven and cooperative in story only."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to immerse in a dark, thrilling story world, escaping real life through narrative and atmosphere."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Game introduces new mechanics and powers across episodes, encouraging players to explore new gameplay elements."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore multiple crime scenes and locations in Boston, though within a mostly linear narrative."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; players experience a fixed protagonist and story presentation without avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong supernatural elements with psychic powers and paranormal investigation integrated into a fictional thriller."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with limited social interaction or community involvement described."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills in puzzle solving and gain new psychic abilities as the story progresses."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention on puzzles and story; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Some emotional connection to characters, but limited evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; player follows narrative and solves puzzles individually."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate new psychic powers, solve cases, and progress through episodes with increasing complexity."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Game balances tension and flow with suspenseful story and puzzle-solving, though some find it intense and stressful."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Atmospheric music, comic art style, and dramatic story provide sensory and emotional stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or competitive ranking; focus is on personal story experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Highly praised narrative immersion with complex plot, character development, and emotional engagement."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players engage in logical reasoning and problem solving through puzzles and investigation mechanics."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Suspenseful and intense thriller atmosphere with horror elements and emotional highs and lows."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for time invested with long playtime and satisfying story payoff."

  • Violence
    4

    "Game contains graphic violence, gore, and serial killer themes as core narrative elements."

  • Survival
    2

    "Some puzzle sequences involve avoiding failure or death, adding mild survival tension."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026