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Episode 3 Reviews!

Started by KatieHal, May 16, 2013, 08:04:17 PM

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KatieHal

A collection of reviews for Episode 3: The Oracle! As usual, this first post will have links to reviews and the scores (if given), and I'll add some updates and choice quotes in the replies as they come in.

Adventure Spiele (German) 97% and AVSN Award
Just Adventure A+
RPGFan 85%
Adventure Gamers 4/5
Plus10Damage
Gamer.no (Norwegian) 7/10
Emotional Multimedia RIde 8.5/10
FutureSack 8.5/10
DarkStation 3.5/5
Alternative Magazine Online 8.5/10
Dad's Gaming Addiction 9/10
Nerdy but Flirty A-
Mash Those Buttons 4/5
FunSponge
GameZone 8.5
Creative Gaming 8/10
RageQuit (Greek) 89/100
Entertainium 4/5
IGN Italia (Italian) 8/10
MeriStation (Spanish) 8.2
2D-X Excellence Award
Gaming Excellence 8/10
Ladebalken (German)
Gamers.de (German) 87% and a Gold Award
Leviathyn
NoobFeed
4players.de (German) 72/100
Gamers Haven News 4.1
Cross Platform Gamers
Video Game People 9/10
Game Debate 9/10
Games Panorama (German, video review) Silver Award
Game party (Dutch) 72%
Adventurespel.nl (Dutch)
Games Arena (Romanian) 8.5/10
DiehardGameFAN
Macera Ruhu (Turkish)
MMORPG Tactics: 7.3/10
1P Start 4.25/6
Capsule Computers 8.5/10
IndieStatik
Kickstart Ventures
Tech-Gaming 89%
Jay is Games
Explosion 4/5
Pop-Culture Spectrum
MiastoGier (Polish) 8.5/10
30 Lives 3.5/5
Game4Me (Dutch) 79/100
Fangirl Confessions
GamersCritic.it (Italian) 8.1
Nivel Oculto (Spanish)
Gaming Enthusiast 8/10
The Indie Shelter (Italian)
Geeky Girl Reviews 4/5
For the Love of Gaming 9/10
Digital Fix 8/10
Gameblog (French) 4/5
JTM Games
Z-Giochi (Italian) 9/10
Virtual Inn (Italian) 8/10
All-Ordi (French) 18/20
Game Reality (Finnish)
GameBoomers B+
Final Checkpoint 7.9
Atomic Gamer 8/10
Join the Adventures (Italian) 75/100
Adventure's Planet (Italian) 80
Adventure Zone (Polish) 8/10
Pop Matters 8/10
Girl Gamer 9/10
True PC Gaming
Dome.fi (Finnish) 3.5/5
Hulking Reviewer 9/10
InGamer.cz (Czech) 7/10
PC Master (Greek) 85% (print magazine)
Geek Citadel 4/5
Games4U (Spanish, also includes a video)
Hrej.cz (Czech) 8/10
Videogame.it (Italian) 4/5 (Episodes 1-3)

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

stika

awesome reviews thus far! ;D

KatieHal

Time to get some quotes up!

From the Gaming Excellence review a score of 8/10!

QuoteI'm hoping that you all have stuck with Erica Reed so far.  She's been an awesome heroine to tag along with.  I've rooted for her, felt bad for her and sincerely have wanted her to succeed.  I've been connecting with her over the course of the series and it's made the whole experience into something awesome.

Mash Those Buttons gives it a 4/5 from a reviewer who's opinions on the game as a whole have been turned around. :)

QuoteCognition: An Erica Reed Thriller Episode III: The Oracle is going to be an very difficult act to follow, although the extreme cliffhanger ending will probably help make that a little easier. This game ends on such an intense note that I was genuinely upset that the game was over, and it's left me hungry for the next one. Given all the fantastic work they did streamlining this game, I know they have the ability to make the next one even better. Their storytelling technique has grown considerably, and with the game playing more logically than almost any point-and-click adventure out there it's almost a shame to know the next chapter is the last one. It's amazing to see how far they've come since the first game, turning a series I pretty much hated into something I need to play. This chapter alone was worth all of the hassles of the other ones.

FunSponge has also had a change of heart about Cognition!

QuoteIt's no secret that we didn't get along too well last time around, but it's a complicated relationship. ... "So can the third instalment turn things around?" you ask, peering out from under your detective hat. Firstly, that's a nice hat. Secondly, yes it can.

Gamezone gives it an 8.5, and says:

QuoteCognition: An Erica Reed Thriller from Phoenix Online Studios has given adventure-game fans a solid experience since it launched last October, with each episode expanding on the titular FBI agent's growing psionic powers and ironing out the problems with its sometimes frustrating puzzle design. Episode 3: The Oracle (5-6 hours long) removes more of these wrinkles, but it also elevates the drama in a tight, well-controlled setting, and that makes it the best chapter so far.

And from 2D-X, our third Excellence Award!

QuoteThe early stages of Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller Episode 3: The Oracle don't lead you to believe that the unfolding mystery will continue to grow in intensity, but plot twist after plot twist reveals a story where each new shock is greater than the last. Phoenix Online Studios goes above and beyond to keep players on the edge of their seats for the entirety of their playthrough. If you've followed Cognition from the first episode, expect a big payoff as the story elements begin to come to a head in the penultimate entry of this point-and-click adventure series.

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

br305893

I couldn't agree more with all of these reviews. Awesome job you guys!
"You Can Feel Good About Hood"

KatieHal


Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

First up, some of our non-English reviews!

From 4players.de, in German, a 72/100.

MeriStation, a Spanish review site, gives Ep 3 an 8.2.

IGN Italia comes in with an 8/10!

And from Greece, Rage Quit gives us an 89/100!

Back on reviews I can reliably pull quotes from (sorry, Google Translate, you're good but still flawed, NoobFeed says:

Quotethe story has grown so intense that now I want to know what happens next. There are many unanswered questions and unsolved mysteries to attend to. Each episode adding more and more of these questions and mysteries that makes Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller a remarkable game. I can't wait for the next episode and anyone who loves thrilling adventure shouldn't miss playing this series.

Leviathyn has joined the crowd as well!

Quote... the story, characters, and visuals keep me engaged in The Oracle enough to finish the episode and play it again with 20/20 hindsight. You may need to have a feel of the previous two episodes, but Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller is worth playing if only to appreciate good story and good old point & click adventure gaming.

From Dad's Gaming Addiction says 9/10!

QuoteOverall, I was very pleased with this episode.  It even addressed that odd vision Erica's been having on a regular basis, but in a way I didn't expect.  We also discover who's who for the most part and the actual mastermind behind this whole series of events.  There's a cliffhanger at the end of this episode that will no doubt tie into the final episode, so expect to scream expletives when the credits start to roll.  Quite frankly, it's an episode you won't want to miss.

And FutureSack gives it an 8.5! :)

QuoteThe music itself is again quite atmospheric in suspenseful or creepy sequences, but some piano notes seem too trying on the heart strings to evoke sympathetic emotions in the player, which is actually unnecessary considering the overall good quality of the script and the dialogues.

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

Gamers Haven News gives it a 4.1!

Quote...what really makes this episode stand out is how personal the story feels with the way it handles Erica's internal dialogue and the lack of characters she actually meets in this eerie tower. The strong point of Cognition has always been about the powers, and the game steps it up a notch by unrevealing the dealings being made through- not just watching cut-scenes, but cleverly placing the player inside the body of the murderer as they have this tennis-like back-and-forth method of solving events and puzzles.

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

#7
The Cross Platform Gamers review is in!

QuoteEpisode 3 ... feels like a slow ascent up a roller coast hill before speeding down  full tilt into madness. If you follow the series you'll enjoy the big reveals, but ultimately will want to know how everything turns out. Unfortunately, for this answers we'll just have to wait for episode 4.

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

Video Game People gives Episode 3 a 9/10!

QuoteThe third episode 'The Oracle' is one of the best episode in this series with a very good plot twist with more power and devastating effect. ... I found the story telling, puzzles, soundtrack and voice acting to be a two thumbs up for the game. The game hooks you up and it will leave you hanging until you learn what's next[.]

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

A few more reviews are in!

Game Debate gives the episode a 9/10!

QuoteCognition Episode Three: The Oracle is an enthralling entry in the series, which successfully shakes up the core gameplay and ties together all kinds of plot threads from the previous episodes. We can't wait to play through the final entry, but get the feeling that when the final credits roll, it'll be a bittersweet triumph.

A video review in German from Games Panorama gives it a Silver Award. :)

Game party gives Episode 3 a 72%.

A Dutch review from Adventurespel.nl goes over the previous episodes as well as the latest.

And finally, from Games Arena, an 8.5/10!

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

RPGFan loved the art, music, and story and gives the episode an 85%, calling it our best one yet!

QuoteI found myself replaying several key scenes from the finale just to hear certain tracks again, and along with the sharp writing, I was totally absorbed. The moments it took me to solve the episode's final puzzle were filled with an escalating sense of disbelief and the realization that I was one hundred percent on board with the story and totally caught up in the drama.

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

We've got a new review in from DiehardGameFAN:

QuoteThey've taken Erica's abilities and amped up what they can do this time around tying things up nicely with what will lead in to the fourth part, leaving the player on a great cliffhanger that is very fitting for how the episode plays out. The over-arching case details prove to be enlightening and driving for the plot giving the player some much needed backstory for the events that are unfolding and what Erica is involved in. This is the best entry into the Cognition series so far[.]

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

A fantastic review from Adventure Gamers gives Episode 3 a 4/5, and makes me wish I could quote the whole thing!

QuoteOf course, nothing is ever quite as it seems—as two disparate timelines meld together and the past collides with the future, the game's final 15 minutes unravel in a genuinely breathtaking sequence where the actual truth appears to finally be clear, and the stage is set for the final episode.  The series is now 3 for 3 in executing brilliant final scenes with intense cliffhangers, and never have I been more entranced by the series than this last sequence and its revelations, with a shocking final moment of violence that is sure to have immediate ramifications in the concluding chapter. And though it appears the evil is fully identified and all that's left is the pursuit, I have no trouble believing Phoenix might have at least one more trick up their sleeve.

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal


Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

1P Start says 4.25/6!

Quote...the brilliant writing still shines through. It's still full of drama and insight in what drives the killer. They manage to convey sympathy for what seems to be a disillusioned and desperate killer rather than a mindless psychopath. Raleigh Holmes continues to charm us with her cocky and energetic portrayal of Erica Reed, and all other actors keep on giving it all they've got. The artwork by Art Director Romano Molenaar continues to impress with its storytelling features in the fantastic cut scenes

And on MMORPG Tactics a 7.3/10. :)

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

Guyra

Of what I remember from the playtest, these reviews looks to be spot on, and you deserve it! I'm currently downloading the game, and will say my piece when I'm done - expect nice words! :D

stika

I hope you enjoy the game, Guyra :D

KatieHal


Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

Capsule Computers has posted their review--8.5 out of 10!

QuotePumping out the adrenaline in climatic cliffhangers is what Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller is constructed to do. In every contraption that must be completed in a timely fashion, I felt that life was dangling in my fingertips – and virtually was! Phoenix Online Studios continues this streak in Episode 3: The Oracle and chose to emphasize the thought process of these killings exclusively. By tapping into the mind of a killer, I felt disturbed and yet intrigued to know the answers to "why?".

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!

KatieHal

IndieStatik has their review (and bits of an interview) in for Episode 3 and is really liking the improvements!

QuoteThe addition of the super-spoilery [Oracle] to the character roster adds a ton of depth to the game's winding story, helping to reveal much about the true enemies of Erica Reed and a deep conspiracy within the FBI that may have prevented every major death in the series. On top of that, every good feature of the game has been added to and improved – the psychic investigation elements and memory puzzles are quick and clever, the dialogue is snappier and less cheesy, and the jokes even play off the tension better.

Whatever Phoenix Online is doing to improve their titles, its working on a fundamentally sound level that's driving Cognition to what I'm hoping will be an amazing conclusion.

Katie Hallahan
~Designer, PR Director~

"Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix." Christina Baldwin

I have a blog!