Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller
Released Sep 2013
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.
82% positive · 817 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $14.99 IndieGala Steam key $14.99
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Evaluation
Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller is a completed four-episode adventure game that originally launched in 2013. The developer, Phoenix Online Studios, subsequently released a Game of the Year Edition on July 31, 2014, which added bonus content including director commentary, concept art, videos, and outtakes — all of which are now bundled into the current store listing. The final developer update to the game was a German language translation released on November 11, 2014. Both soundtrack DLC volumes also shipped on July 31, 2014. All DLC is released, and no unreleased content is listed. The store description explicitly describes the current version as including "everything in the original game, plus brand new director commentary for all 4 episodes and exclusive content." There have been no developer communications of any kind since November 11, 2014, and no future content has ever been announced. The game launched as a self-contained four-part story and has been fully delivered.
Evidence
Developer released the Game of the Year Edition, adding director commentary, concept art, videos, outtakes, bug fixes, and the first soundtrack volume as a celebration of the game's Aggie Award wins.
Store description states the edition includes everything from the original game plus all bonus content — framing the game as a complete package.
Content
2 of 2 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Phoenix Online Publishing
Achievements
59
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Single-player
About this game
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.
Jump into Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller, the exciting four-part series that brings Erica face to face with the deranged demons of her past. A serial killer is loose in Boston -- one who seems to be leaving deliberate clues that only Erica, with her unique post-cognitive abilities, can uncover. Is she finally on her way to solving Scott’s murder? Or, blinded by vengeance, is she falling into a trap that could cost Erica her life? And how does this new killer know her secret?
Winner of six 2013 Reader’s Choice Aggie Awards, including Game of the Year, this edition of Cognition includes everything in the original game, plus brand new director commentary for all 4 episodes and exclusive content including concept art, storyboards, outtakes and other behind-the-scenes material about the development!
Developed by Phoenix Online Studios (makers of the King’s Quest spin-off The Silver Lining), with contributions from veteran game designer Jane Jensen (Gabriel Knight, Gray Matter) and comic book artist Romano Molenaar (Batman, X-Men, The Darkness), Cognition is a thrilling adventure that grips you and won’t let go.
Jump into Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller, the exciting four-part series that brings Erica face to face with the deranged demons of her past. A serial killer is loose in Boston -- one who seems to be leaving deliberate clues that only Erica, with her unique post-cognitive abilities, can uncover. Is she finally on her way to solving Scott’s murder? Or, blinded by vengeance, is she falling into a trap that could cost Erica her life? And how does this new killer know her secret?
Winner of six 2013 Reader’s Choice Aggie Awards, including Game of the Year, this edition of Cognition includes everything in the original game, plus brand new director commentary for all 4 episodes and exclusive content including concept art, storyboards, outtakes and other behind-the-scenes material about the development!
Developed by Phoenix Online Studios (makers of the King’s Quest spin-off The Silver Lining), with contributions from veteran game designer Jane Jensen (Gabriel Knight, Gray Matter) and comic book artist Romano Molenaar (Batman, X-Men, The Darkness), Cognition is a thrilling adventure that grips you and won’t let go.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 28, 2026
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