Minds Beneath Us, a narrative-driven sci-fi adventure, is, hands down, one of the best games of 2024. Frequent visitors will tire of this statement, but this year (once again) has been one of the best in gaming, notably for indie titles.
In this game by BearBoneStudio, you play Jason Dai, an ex-military man keen on getting hired at his partner’s place of work—an A.I. farm where disadvantaged citizens power the internet with their minds, for lack of a shorter description. Set in a fairly distant future, A.I. has been integrated into society in the same way the internet keeps us 21st-century folk continually ‘connected’, but obviously through different methods.
Jason applies for one role in Ops, though the hiring manager puts him into Screening, too, giving players a choice on where their morales lie. Without dissecting it on much of a deep level or making too many comparisons, there’s a bit of Papers, Please involved, and lots and lots of decision-making that matter as, eventually, you uncover hidden truths and opposing mindsets.
Minds Beneath Us Review: Mindfulness
Everything in Minds Beneath Us counts. From the magazine racks to database entries of candidates applying to the farm, all the data plays a part in the bigger picture. On the Steam page, this is categorised as a clicker(!?), though it is more in line with a point-and-click adventure with the narrative depth of a visual novel.
Controlling your character is via the mouse and keyboard. The WASD and E move and interact with focal points, while the mouse cursor can dance about looking for points of interest. Unlike the aforementioned point and click, hovering over items is meaningful, deliberate, and meticulously shapes the world-building.
Perhaps you’ll come here because of the cyberpunk references and seek out an evil corporation and its associated corruption: check. Minds Beneath Us will not only test your observation skills but also question your morals and motivations and, at times, pull on your heartstrings. After all, there are two of you to consider. Wait, what?
The data ghost reference is the secondary character that occupies Jason. Like our current level of A.I., it is continually learning and interacting with the space that Jason’s ‘shell’ occupies. He’s still part of the experience as there’s a slight fourth wall breakage where the A.I. comments on seeing thoughts over his head. In one amusing scene, Jason claims to know an NPC as their name is above their head, causing much confusion for the other person. “Have we met?!”.
Me, Myself And A.I.
Additionally, there are Persona 5 moments in an interrogation room where the two interact with one another, adding another dimension to the storytelling. Many of these interactions are time-limited, so you have to respond reasonably quickly. When your actions matter, you’re more likely to pay attention to conversations, in-game lore, and the data uncovered. While all of these micro-interactions play an important part, one chapter shapes the eventual ending of the tale, but that’s for you to discover.
Aside from the sci-fi aspects and thought-provoking events, Minds Beneath Us is an elegant-looking game. The hand-drawn animations are exquisite and very much tailored to the actions you take. Nuances in movements and the faceless characters work hand-in-hand to create a thoroughly engaging setting. Oh, and the lighting? Chef’s kiss.
Not everything is silver-lined. Having so many dialogue paths means that there are moments that feel clunky, such as the opening chapter, where Jason’s partner asks him to find an item. Eventually, she says where it’s located and, upon retrieving it, acts surprised. You’re amazing! How’d you know to look back there? Erm…
Also, the letter ‘l’ in the game’s font is awful. It looks like a hockey stick and stands out like a sore thumb. There, I said it.
Minds Beneath Us Review Summary
Not one to salivate on cyberpunk or dystopian futures, Minds Beneath Us makes me want to hit the ‘skip intro’ bit on life and head to a world where these majestical artefacts exist. TLDR: Minds Beneath Us is an alluring world where paying attention pays off, and you care about your actions. It’s one of my favourite games of 2024.
