Introduction
This article reflects personal opinions but strives to present them from a neutral perspective. Some content may contain spoilers, but I believe it won’t affect the overall experience of the game. Most spoilers are related to piecing together the storyline from in-game dialogues.
Released by BearBone Studio on July 31, 2024, on Steam, Minds Beneath Us is a narrative game set in a futuristic Taiwan with a cyberpunk twist. One of the game’s standout features is its detailed script, capable of resonating deeply with players, especially when it aligns with their personal views. For players who enjoy reading extensive text, this game is an excellent choice. Fans of games like The Walking Dead or mobile game Lifeline will find this dialogue-driven, multiple-ending gameplay intriguing and thought-provoking.
The game’s prominent feature is its exceptional storyline, which skillfully weaves a complete narrative in a cyberpunk-themed future world. The overall gameplay feels like watching a movie, evoking a sense of wonder about the future of technology. The final choice in the game, combined with the atmosphere created by the Ending BGM, is particularly immersive and poignant. Additionally, the game doesn’t require much in the way of guides or walkthroughs; most passwords and level information can be discovered through notes on the walls or by interacting with characters in the environment. This design allows players to focus more on the story itself rather than being bogged down by complex puzzles.
This game is available for purchase on Steam, currently priced at $19.99. The entire gameplay lasts approximately 12 hours. As of August 19, 2024, it has received Overwhelmingly Positive reviews.
How to play?
| Function | Key | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Move Left/Right | A / D | Use the keyboard to move the character left or right |
| Interact | E | Interact with objects or characters in the scene |
| Display Dialogue | Alt | Display the current dialogue |
| Display Thoughts | Tab | Show the current tasks or objectives |
| Run/Walk | Shift | Toggle between running and walking modes |
| Perform Interaction | Spacebar | In certain scenes, use this key for specific interactions |
| Save Mechanism | Auto-Save | The game auto-saves after triggering a story event, such as completing an interaction with a character. Typically, each segment lasts about 5 to 10 minutes. |
Although the game offers multiple choices, the main storyline converges into a single ending. There’s no need to stress over your choices; there are no wrong options, only the ones you believe are right.
Taiwanese Cultural Elements in the Game
Beyond the captivating script, the game’s art style cleverly integrates local Taiwanese features, such as iconic convenience stores, betel nut stands, noodle shops, scooter repair shops, beverage stores, and the MRT. The attention to detail extends to subway graffiti and workplace environments.
Common elements include scenes outside convenience stores where someone is playing gacha, bantering about spending money on JPGs of mobile characters, betel nut stands with the “pay if you touch” rule, decisions on how to use a men’s restroom, a long list of customizations when buying drinks, and placing a “Kuai Kuai” next to machines due to Kuai Kuai culture for good luck—these unique Taiwanese references can easily resonate with local players.
Story Overview (Contains Spoilers)
The game is set in the year 2049, a time when AI technology has deeply integrated into every aspect of human life. AI controls everything from city operations, traffic management, and entertainment to the prediction and control of daily weather. While AI applications have brought convenience, they have also led to severe societal issues. Most basic jobs have been replaced by AI, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor. People coexist with a mix of reliance on and fear of AI, leading to heightened social tensions.
In this context, a new occupation called “Calculabor” emerges to meet the growing demand for AI computing power. Calculabors offer their brains to a biotech company called Vientronics. Upon signing a contract, they connect their brains to machines, contributing their mental capabilities to enhance AI’s computational power. The working conditions for these Calculabors are harsh, often placed in high-ceilinged environments where their bodies are tightly secured by mechanical devices. Most of those who choose to become Calculabors are impoverished individuals with nowhere else to turn, yet not everyone qualifies for such work.
Players take on the role of former soldier Jason Dai, who has just left a security job and is interviewing for a new position at the Silent Factory, a facility dedicated to producing “computing power.” At the start of the game, players will visit the “Screening Division” and the “Ops Division” for training, learning how to screen suitable candidates for Calculabor work and how to integrate them into the system. These heavy and oppressive tasks gradually reveal the brutal and twisted nature of this world to the player.
Frances Cheng, Jason Dai’s girlfriend, is a key member of the protagonist group. Initially, her views are based on what she believes society needs most: a baseline of equity for all humanity. She advocates for social welfare systems and minimum security measures to ensure the lowest standard of living for everyone, regardless of gender, background, nationality, race, or belief. Frances Cheng believes that this is the true meaning of technological and social progress. Such positive accumulation can create more value for society and promote development along a positive trajectory, even if it means sacrificing the rights of a few to guarantee the minimum welfare of the majority.
However, a secret organization begins to uncover the hidden truths behind the Silent Factory, drawing Frances Cheng into their investigation. Eventually, she is injured as the upper echelons deal with the situation.
The members of this secret organization include Situ Nin, 23, and Long Sheng, who covertly investigate under the Owl Organization. In the game’s climax, the player infiltrates the Red Box Laboratory, discovering that Vientronics has been developing humanoid beings to replace Calculabors and that these entities have already been legalized. When faced with the truth about the legality of these humanoid beings and clones, the player can choose from three main endings: accept and join the Owl Organization, flee and join the Orchid Party, or destroy the Red Box Laboratory, leading to their own death.
The game’s narrative meticulously unravels, progressively delving into discussions on human nature, capital, development, and transformation.
Conclusion and Thoughts
This game excels in storytelling, character development, atmosphere, and music. It primarily explores the process of making choices, resonating with players through the emotional cues between different characters. Whether it’s the romantic relationship between Jason Dai and Frances Cheng, the interactions between 23 and Situ Nin, or the brotherly guidance between Jason Dai and Lawrence Chang, these plotlines are captivating. The game also depicts the transition from misunderstanding to reconciliation between the Screening Division and Ops Division, ultimately leading to their cooperation and actively maintaining the factory’s operations. Additionally, the competitive relationship between the senior executives Shane Yan and Yuna Hsu is filled with tension and realism. These depictions of interpersonal interactions are not only engaging but also reflect societal issues that may be encountered in the future.