Hi, I'm a little late for the party but I completed Episode 1 the other day. Overall I had a great experience, so first of all I want to congratulate you on a job well done! From what I could see from your Kickstarter you were on a very tight budget as well which makes it even more impressive. I also wanted to give some feedback, so here goes:
Things I liked* The music! What a composer you have, its some of the best music I've heard in a game! I also liked how he used some classical elements. By the way what is that classical piano piece he used in the morgue scene? I really recognised it but can't place it... Anyway, please dont let go of Austin
* Intriguing plot! I loved the plot twist and how some elements (like where Cordelia fits in) are left for future episodes.
* Overall strong voice acting. Especially Raleigh Holmes was spot on as Erica!
* Cognition abilites worked really well. I love how Erica just started out with post-cognition and learned more as the game progressed.
* Detective puzzles! I loved the puzzles in this episode where I felt like a detective. They make me feel smart and I want more of that
For example:
- Figuring out the combination for the safe.
- Searching the FBI database for clues on old cases.
- Searching Longmores apartment overall was enjoyable.
- Like Laura Bow, trying to make the correct conclusions at the end of an investigation.
- Finding out the date for Roberts memory.
* Good hint system. Just enough nudges to point me in the right direction.
* Beautiful background art! The graveyard was especially atmospheric.
* I really liked Erica and rooted for her! And in defense of Terence, I liked him too! It's good to have a more light hearted character in such a grim setting.
Things I didnt like* Some annoying puzzles. While most old Sierra adventures had them, I have never liked puzzles that dont make sense, puzzles which the character would never experience in "real life". If these puzzles are in the game just to increase game time then I'd prefer if you'd cut them out to create a shorter but more pleasant experience. Below are specific examples.
- Robert does not want to talk, he is hungry. Donuts don't work for him. I leave to pick up an old egg sandwich by my desk. He then tells me he's not THAT hungry. I leave again to pick up crisps for him. After that he wants the donuts!! By that time I was ready to punch him in the face
- The police office has gotten rid of all their tape recorders!! Instead I have to leave my interrogation (again!) and drive to the morgue to steal a recorder from the coroner, since she's so stiff she doesnt want to lend it for a murder investivation! It just becomes ridiculous.
- Breaking into Davies' office just like that. Although I think it fits Ericas character to do whatever is necessary to solve the case, it should have been made more clear that Davies didnt answer her phone and that breaking into her office was the only option. When I tried to call her on my phone I only got "I don't need to call her right now" which was laughable.
* The game was a little rough around the edges. With some polish it would have been an even better game. People have mentioned loading times and such. But other, smaller things also add to the game experience in my opinion. For example I felt bad that I couldn't return the lighter to John after I had borrowed it.
* Some plot holes. Why go through all the trouble of hiding the victim's identity when the killer left other clues and obviously wanted Erica to figure things out?
* Stiff faces. I guess I'm spoiled after playing games like Heavy Rain. It would be nice if you are able to improve facial animations for future games though.
Complaints aside I really enjoyed Cognition and look forward to future episodes. Keep up the good work, you've got a fan right here!
