Mindcop | PC Review
If you, like me, are a fan of detective games, then you’ll definitely want to check out Mindcop. This delicious treat from Andre Gareis is a witty, challenging, and rewarding take on the genre. It trusts the player to unravel the mystery by themselves, and it’s all the better for it. I fell head over heels during my playthrough, and can’t wait to jump back in.
A Murder?!
You’re in the gumshoes of the titular detective, and there’s been a murder at Merrilyn Crater Camp. You have five days to crack the case, and you only have a certain amount of time per day to investigate. This was a huge draw for me, adding tension to the game. Each action you perform deducts a chunk of your precious time, so you must be strategic in your actions. Do you talk to an individual, search a home, or Mindsurf somebody (more on that in a bit)? Most of this plays out in a point-and-click fashion, and it adds charm to an already creative game. I appreciated that Mindcop trusts you to choose what you think the best course of action is, and doesn’t hold your hand. If you mess up and choose the wrong perpetrator, it’s all on you.
Circling back to the Mindsurf mechanic, this is a clever match-three minigame that makes the Mindcop live up to his name. You have to align bullets of the same color in a cube made of brain matter, twisting it as the projectiles come from all sides. It adds another layer of challenge which I enjoyed, but you can turn this off in the settings if it’s not your cup of tea. I’d highly recommend playing these segments, though. It allows you to upgrade each color of bullet, which opens up new avenues for Mindcop in his investigation. You also gain new insights into the individual you’re mindsurfing, as it portrays a truth, a lie, and an uncertainty. You can then use these topics in conversations with suspects.
A Unique Perspective
The animation style of Mindcop deserves applause. I absolutely adored the cartoon-inspired graphics and they really pop in black-and-white. The exaggerated emoting of the characters adds a humorous touch while also making them feel more human. The voice acting, though limited, is excellent and I loved the sound effects. Hearing the screeching of sneakers as your partner runs or the ringing of a doorbell as you go to investigate someone feels natural and immersive.
The Final Case
Mindcop is a game that wholeheartedly trusts the player. It doesn’t hold your hand, and it limits your actions to a few minutes per in-game day. If you mess up, it’s entirely your fault. This might sound harsh, but I found it refreshing. The Mindsurf minigame adds a new twist to the gameplay, while the cartoon-inspired graphics make Mindcop stand out visually. If you love whodunnit games, you need to pick this one ASAP. It’s richly rewarding, even if you fail.
To hear me talk more about Mindcop, be sure to listen to the November 22, 2024 episode of The Gaming Outsider podcast around the 1:08:39 time stamp.
This review is based on a PC copy of Mindcop provided by Jesus Fabre for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Mindcop
$14.99
Pros
- Doesn’t Hold Your Hand
- Clever Mechanics
- Beautiful Graphics
- Excellent Detective Gameplay
Cons
- May Be Too Challenging for Some
