Somehow, They Didn’t Know “Cognition” Would Win…

Boston-based FBI agent Erica Reed has powers of post-cognition, which allow her to see visions of the past, and thus find clues no one else would be able to grasp.

Boston-based FBI agent Erica Reed has powers of post-cognition, which allow her to see visions of the past, and thus find clues no one else would be able to grasp. She’s desperate to find the Cain Killer, a serial killer whose murder victims include Erica’s brother, Scott. The only problem is that Erica isn’t always in control of her unusual gifts. Worse, the clues are starting to suggest that someone is aware of her secret, and she’s got to find out who it is – and if she can trust them.

Such is the tale of Cognition , the exciting mystery game for PC and Mac from Phoenix Online Studios. If Erica’s powers were pre-cognitive instead of post-cognitive, it might not have taken her creators by as much surprise when Cognition snagged not one, not two, but six of the Reader’s Choice 2013 Aggie Awards in February of this year. These awards are given based entirely on the reader votes at AdventureGamers.com, an adventure game community on the web. Cognition was honored with Best Writing (Drama), Best Story, Best Independent Adventure, Best Traditional Adventure, Best Music, and – drumroll please – Best Adventure Game of 2013.

“We were both floored and honored by the immense support of the community in the Aggie Awards this year,” said Katie Hallahan, PR Director and one of the designers of Cognition . “They’ve been with us every step of the way to make Cognition a reality and a success, starting with our Kickstarter and still going strong today!”

To celebrate the award sweep, Phoenix Online has released Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller – Game of the Year Edition . Along with all four Season One episodes of the game, it’s jam-packed with all sorts of new exclusive content, including concept art, development diaries from behind the scenes, outtakes, and a complete director’s commentary track, among other goodies. It’s being offered for $14.99 USD on Steam, GOG, Phoenix Online’s own store, and other virtual retailers; currently, in the spirit of celebration, the GOTY edition is on sale for just $9.99 USD. And if you already have the game, have no fear – it’s available to you as an update at no charge.

Mystery lovers will enjoy the beautifully depressing hand-drawn graphics of the game and the spellbinding story, which will have them chasing four different serial killers through the four episodes. Can Erica solve Scott’s murder and finally find closure? The adventure is set to an award-winning soundtrack by Austin Haynes, featuring the Scarlet Furies and a single, titled “Keep You,” by Slow Down Clown. The two-volume soundtrack is also available for purchase; the first volume is included in the GOTY edition of the game.

Congratulations to Phoenix Online and the Cognition team for their awards! Keep tabs on their next big news by following them on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.