Info about Minds Beneath Us:

Official game description:
Story
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Embark on a thrilling sci-fi journey in a futuristic Asian city with MINDS BENEATH US. In a society fully automated by advanced AI, you find yourself trapped in a foreign body, alongside the subconscious of its original owner.  
As society evolves, a new industry emerges that replaces the hardware needed to operate AI-automated systems with human brains. Consequently, the most disadvantaged citizens have had no choice but to sign up one after another. Against the backdrop of this mad society, a conspiracy gradually unfolds.  
Features
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*   Players can make their own dialogue choices and shape the relationships between characters throughout the journey. The combination of dialogue choices and actions will continually affect the story.
*   Observe environments, pay attention to the dialogue, and then look for hidden clues in every scene. This way, you can even unlock new dialogue choices.
*   With hand-drawn animation and smooth camera movement, a unique cinematic experience is created.
*   The game combines 2D characters and detailed 3D environments to present the streets of a near-future Taipei.

Release date: 31 Jul, 2024

Categories: Visual Novel, Choice-based Narrative, Single-player Story, Investigative Gameplay, Moral Decision-Making, Walking Simulator


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Meaningful choices, impactful consequences (weight 0.54): Player choices have meaningful consequences, influencing character relationships and unlocking alternative paths. The game presents difficult moral dilemmas, prompting reflection on personal values and the weight of decisions. This creates a highly immersive and engaging experience for players.
- Excellent, immersive art style (weight 0.44): The game boasts a stellar art style, with detailed environments and fluid animations that enhance the overall experience. The visual presentation is cohesive and complements the story's themes, creating a captivating and immersive world. This point is consistently highlighted as a major strength of the game.
- Strong immersion, detailed world (weight 0.34): The game creates a strong sense of immersion through its rich narrative, detailed world-building, and well-developed characters. Exploring the game world and engaging with the story enhances the player's investment and creates a captivating experience. This point is frequently mentioned in reviews.
- Thought-provoking philosophical, moral themes (weight 0.33): The game explores complex philosophical and moral themes, prompting players to reflect on their own values and beliefs. The writing avoids being preachy, instead presenting multiple perspectives and leaving the weight of decisions to the player. This point highlights the game's intellectual depth and thought-provoking nature.
- Immersive world, realistic NPCs (weight 0.27): The game world feels alive and immersive due to detailed NPC interactions and world-building elements. Characters have their own stories and motivations, creating believable interactions and enhancing the overall experience. This point highlights the game's attention to detail and its ability to create a convincing world.
- Compelling cyberpunk atmosphere, visuals (weight 0.24): The game blends beautiful visuals with a disturbing dystopian backdrop, creating a compelling and immersive cyberpunk atmosphere. The game explores themes of humanity in a dehumanizing world, with well-developed characters facing personal struggles. This point highlights the game's unique aesthetic and its exploration of relevant themes.
- Well-fitting soundtrack, polished elements (weight 0.23): The game features a well-fitting soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere and complements the story. The game's elements are polished and work well together, indicating a knowledgeable development team. This point highlights the game's overall quality and attention to detail.
- Progressive themes, LGBTQ+ inclusivity (weight 0.16): The game handles LGBT themes naturally and portrays them as normal aspects of life without being forced or gratuitous. The game emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself, defending one's beliefs, and finding one's identity. This point highlights the game's progressive themes and its commitment to inclusivity.
- Relatable Taiwanese setting, culture (weight 0.15): The game's background design uses a near-future Taiwan setting, making the game world relatable and immersive for players familiar with the region. The game incorporates uniquely Taiwanese cultural references, which adds to the humor and authenticity for Taiwanese players. This point highlights the game's unique setting and its appeal to a specific audience.
- Authentic dialogue, human relationships (weight 0.12): The dialogue between characters is authentic, well-thought-out, and human, evoking a variety of emotions. The game excels in its handling of interpersonal relationships within the narrative, creating a relatable and emotionally engaging experience. This point emphasizes the game's strength in character interactions and realistic dialogue.
- Explores AI ethics, social issues (weight 0.11): The game explores social and ethical issues arising from the rapid development of AI technology, grounding it in contemporary real life. The game makes you think about the direction we're going and provokes thought and reflection. This point highlights the game's exploration of relevant themes and its ability to prompt critical thinking.
- Challenges player's sense justice (weight 0.11): The reviewer was able to influence a character to pursue a constantly changing sense of justice. The game challenges the player to consider the cost of justice and the complexities of moral choices. This point highlights the game's ability to engage players in meaningful decision-making and its exploration of complex themes.
- Relatable work environment, colleagues (weight 0.1): The reviewer enjoyed the work environment depicted in the game, finding the colleagues' minor flaws and overall good nature appealing. The game creates an immersive atmosphere where you get used to the work and feel like you've spent a day in the office. This point highlights the game's ability to create a relatable and engaging experience.
- Excellent sound design, immersive music (weight 0.1): The sound design is perfectly synchronized with the experience, enhancing immersion. The game's soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere, world-building, and story. This point highlights the game's attention to detail and its ability to create a cohesive and engaging experience.

Common complaints:
- Rushed, unsatisfying ending; unresolved plots (weight 0.96): Many reviewers found the ending rushed, incomplete, and unsatisfying, with numerous plot threads left unresolved. Choices often felt inconsequential, failing to deliver meaningful consequences or branching narratives. This led to a sense of anticlimactic disappointment and a desire for more closure.
- Excessive, inconsequential dialogue (weight 0.79): The game relies heavily on dialogue, which can become tedious due to its excessive length and lack of impact on the plot.  Many reviewers felt there was too much unnecessary text, leading to player fatigue and a desire to skip through conversations. This is exacerbated by the lack of voice acting.
- Weak gameplay; repetitive QTEs (weight 0.75): The game lacks meaningful gameplay mechanics beyond dialogue choices, with limited exploration, puzzle elements, or action sequences.  Quick Time Events (QTEs) are often repetitive and poorly implemented, failing to create tension or strategic depth, which may disappoint players seeking more interactive experiences.
- Rushed pacing in later chapters (weight 0.7): The game's pacing feels rushed in the later chapters, leading to a decline in quality and a sense of incompleteness. Reviewers felt that the story was too short and that the game tried to cover too much ground without sufficient development.
- Technical issues; typos, bugs, translation (weight 0.55): Reviewers noted numerous technical issues, including typos, grammatical errors, and translation problems, which detracted from immersion.  The game also suffers from a lack of optimization, limited resolution support, and occasional bugs, impacting the overall experience.
- One-dimensional characters; shallow interactions (weight 0.39): Some reviewers felt that the characters were one-dimensional and that the dialogue responses lacked tonal variation, resulting in characters with similar personalities.  NPC interactions often felt superficial and did not significantly impact the game's progression.
- Strong emotional reactions to characters (weight 0.34): Some reviewers expressed strong emotional reactions to specific characters and choices, particularly regarding the character Fang. These reactions, while personal, highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, even if those feelings are negative.
- Faceless characters; lack visual connection (weight 0.11): The game lacks character faces or portraits, making it difficult to connect with the characters emotionally and remember who is who. This design choice, while potentially meaningful, detracts from the overall presentation and immersion.
- MBU plotline unresolved/underdeveloped (weight 0.11): The MBU plotline, a key element introduced early in the game, is not fully explored or resolved, leaving many questions unanswered. Reviewers expressed disappointment that the nature and significance of MBU remained vague, diminishing the overall impact of the story.
- Problematic character development/behavior (weight 0.06): Some reviewers found certain characters, such as Situ Ning and Zhang Longsheng, to be inconsistent, annoying, or poorly developed. These characters' actions and motivations sometimes felt illogical or frustrating, detracting from the overall narrative.
- Preachy philosophical/political messaging (weight 0.02): The game is criticized for its heavy-handed philosophical and political messaging, which some reviewers found preachy and unrealistic. The game's portrayal of societal issues and its appeal to certain ideologies may not resonate with all players.
- Niche appeal; limited audience (weight 0.02): Some reviewers noted that the game is niche and may not appeal to a broad audience due to its genre, themes, or gameplay style. These reviewers often expressed personal preferences that differed from the game's core elements.

Gameplay feedback:
- Narrative-focused, simple mechanics (weight 0.35): The game is primarily a narrative-driven experience, resembling a visual novel with elements of a walking simulator. Gameplay focuses on dialogue choices, QTEs, and light exploration to advance the story and influence character relationships. The mechanics are simple, emphasizing player immersion and moral decision-making within the cyberpunk setting.
- Cyberpunk setting, corporate dominance (weight 0.32): Set in a near-future Taiwan with a strong cyberpunk atmosphere, the game explores themes of corporate dominance, social inequality, and the impact of AI on society. Players navigate complex choices and moral dilemmas within this dystopian world, often questioning the effectiveness of resistance against powerful corporations. The game realistically portrays the struggles of individuals in a society controlled by technology and capital.
- Unique consciousness (MBU) mechanic (weight 0.28): The player embodies a unique consciousness (MBU) inhabiting the body of the protagonist, allowing for a sense of detachment and freedom in making choices. This mechanic enables players to separate themselves from the character's pre-established identity and make decisions based on their own values. The narrative explores themes of identity and self-determination through this unique perspective.
- Simple, frequent Quick Time Events (weight 0.23): The game incorporates Quick Time Events (QTEs) primarily during combat or tense moments. These QTEs are generally simple, often involving only a few buttons, and are designed to enhance immersion without being overly challenging. While some reviewers find them acceptable, others suggest they could be improved or removed entirely.
- 2D sidescroller, limited movement (weight 0.02): The game features a 2D side-scrolling perspective with limited character movement. Some reviewers describe the gameplay as a "walking and elevator simulator," highlighting the repetitive nature of traversing the environment. This minimalist approach focuses attention on the narrative and dialogue choices.
- Human brains as computing power (weight 0.02): The game's setting is reminiscent of the artificial brains in Psycho-Pass, but presented in a more explicit manner. The game explores the theme of using human brains as computing power in a dystopian setting, where it's a tool for employment and a last hope for the lower class.

Performance notes:
- Good graphics, repetitive environments (weight 0.04): The game features well-designed graphics with a futuristic sci-fi style, fluid animations, and well-done colors and textures. However, other reviewers noted that the game suffers from repetitive environments. The positive feedback on visual quality is somewhat offset by concerns about repetitive environments.
- Optimization and crashing issues (weight 0.04): Some reviewers have reported that the game suffers from poor optimization, leading to high GPU usage even in simple scenes. One reviewer experienced repeated crashes with the Unity engine. This can impact the player experience, especially for those with lower-end hardware.
- Runs well on Steam Deck/older PCs (weight 0.02): Multiple reviewers have confirmed that the game runs well on Steam Deck and older PCs without requiring significant tinkering or high-end hardware. This makes the game accessible to a wider audience. This point is important for players considering playing on these platforms.
- Solid translation quality (weight 0): The game features a solid translation from Chinese to English, preserving emotional nuances in dialogue with only minor typos. This is important for players who rely on accurate and well-written translations to fully engage with the story and characters.
- Limited by budget constraints (weight 0): Due to budget constraints, the game suffers from characters lacking faces, repetitive environments, and minimal animations or staging. This limits the game's visual appeal and immersion.
- Lacks manual save functionality (weight 0): The game lacks manual save functionality. This can be frustrating for players who want more control over their progress and may lead to lost progress if the game crashes or encounters an issue.
- Black screen during elevator rides (weight 0): The game features a black screen during elevator rides, which breaks immersion. This is a minor but noticeable issue that detracts from the overall player experience.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended, must-play title (weight 0.74): Reviewers frequently describe the game as a must-play title, a masterpiece, or a hidden gem, particularly within the visual novel and indie game genres. They praise its unique qualities and recommend it to a wide audience, indicating a strong positive reception.
- Desire for sequel or DLC (weight 0.71): Many reviewers expressed strong interest in seeing a sequel or DLC to expand upon the game's world, characters, and unresolved plot points. This indicates a high level of engagement and satisfaction with the existing content, as well as a desire for more.
- High scores and positive ratings (weight 0.61): Many reviewers gave the game high scores, including perfect scores, indicating a strong positive overall impression. These scores reflect satisfaction with various aspects of the game, such as the storyline, character development, and atmosphere.
- Support the development team (weight 0.56): Reviewers express a desire to support the development team and their future projects, indicating appreciation for their work and a hope for their continued success. This support is often linked to the game's quality and the team's dedication.
- Overrated, doesn't meet expectations (weight 0.51): Some reviewers felt the game was overrated or did not live up to the hype, leading to disappointment. These reviewers suggest that the game may not be for everyone and that expectations should be managed.
- Thought-provoking, philosophical themes (weight 0.22): The game is praised for its thought-provoking themes, philosophical depth, and exploration of complex social issues. Reviewers felt the game prompted introspection and reflection on the impact of technology and choices on humanity.
- Excellent cyberpunk story/setting (weight 0.17): The game is highly recommended for fans of the cyberpunk genre, often being compared favorably to other popular cyberpunk works like Cyberpunk 2077, Detroit: Become Human, and VA-11 Hall-A. Reviewers appreciate its unique blend of cyberpunk themes, dystopian settings, and morally complex choices.
- Disappointing or incomplete ending (weight 0.05): Some reviewers expressed disappointment with the game's ending, feeling it was abrupt, unsatisfying, or incomplete. These reviewers felt that the game was more like an introductory chapter or demo than a complete story.
- Personal game of the year (weight 0.04): Some reviewers consider the game to be their personal indie game or narrative game of the year, even surpassing other highly anticipated titles. This indicates a strong personal connection and appreciation for the game's unique qualities.
- Suggestions for improvement/future projects (weight 0.04): Some reviewers offered suggestions for improving the game or the studio's future projects, such as enhancing the game's visual style, finding a publisher, or focusing on specific themes. These suggestions indicate a desire to see the game and the studio reach their full potential.
- Support Taiwanese game development (weight 0.03): Reviewers express pride and support for the game's Taiwanese origin, highlighting the quality of Taiwanese game development. Some reviewers mentioned that the game is a gem in Chinese-language games.
- Mixed opinions on ending's message (weight 0.02): Reviewers had varying opinions on the game's ending, with some finding it complete and realistic, while others felt it undermined the choices made throughout the game. Some reviewers suggested alternative approaches to the ending that might have been more effective.

Other player notes:
- Explores deep philosophical, social themes (weight 0.13): The game explores complex philosophical and social themes within a cyberpunk setting, prompting players to reflect on morality, technology, and societal issues. It delves into topics like justice, exploitation, and the impact of technology on humanity, presenting thought-provoking scenarios and challenging players to consider different perspectives. The game avoids easy answers, mirroring the complexities of real-world dilemmas.
- Taiwanese setting, cultural references (weight 0.05): The game is set in a near-future Taiwan and incorporates Taiwanese cultural elements, slang, and references, creating a relatable and authentic atmosphere for local players. It also offers a unique perspective on social and political issues relevant to Taiwan, including corporate exploitation and the challenges of democracy. Some of the cultural references and humor may be lost on non-Taiwanese players.
- Small development team, good value (weight 0.03): The game was developed by a small team, with reviewers expressing surprise at the quality of the game given the team's size and resources. The game's price is considered fair for the amount of content it offers, making it a worthwhile purchase. It is the first game made by the studio.
- Text-heavy, requires strong English (weight 0.03): The game is heavily dialogue-driven and contains a large amount of text, requiring players to engage in a lot of reading. A good understanding of English is necessary to fully appreciate the story and the concepts it presents. This may pose a barrier for non-English speakers.
- Unique faceless character art style (weight 0.02): The game features a distinctive art style with faceless 2D characters and detailed 3D environments. While the lack of facial expressions may make it harder to connect with the characters for some players, it encourages focus on the plot and allows for imaginative interpretation. The game's scene design is generally well-received.
- Comparisons to Cyberpunk 2077 (weight 0.01): Some reviewers drew comparisons between the game and Cyberpunk 2077. One reviewer felt like an observer rather than being immersed in the protagonist's perspective. Another reviewer compared the experience to watching a movie or a role-playing stream.
- MBU concept, not fully explained (weight 0.01): The game introduces the concept of MBU (Memory Bank Unit) early on, but doesn't fully explain it. The MBU serves as a plot device to explain the player's role and the nature of consciousness within the game world. Some reviewers found the MBU concept intriguing, while others felt its lack of explanation was not a significant issue.
- Disturbing content, trigger warning (weight 0.01): The game contains potentially disturbing content, including flashing imagery, violence, and mentions of sensitive topics like torture and human trafficking. The game's tone is described as oppressive and uncomfortable, reflecting the harsh realities of its dystopian setting. A trigger warning may be necessary for some players.
- Subjective, idiosyncratic observations (weight 0.01): This cluster contains subjective and idiosyncratic observations, such as the reviewer noting the game title is a pun, suspecting the game is a questionnaire collecting data, and feeling monitored because a character shares their father's name. These points are not broadly applicable or constructive.

Emotions:
No emotions}