videogamescritic
← all games
Minds Beneath Us

Minds Beneath Us

BearBoneStudio · released Jul 30, 2024

AdventureIndieRPGPCNintendo Switch

MINDS BENEATH US is an emotional sci-fi narrative game. Through the eyes of a humble individual, experience a mad world where humans are exploited as computing devices for AI. Listen to the concerns of those you meet and offer guidance. Together, face challenges and confront an uncertain destiny.

89
VGC Score
Stablehigh confidence
92%
At launch
96%
Steam all-time
82%
Press
85%
Player sentiment
96%
Recent sentiment

Screenshots & trailers

Review sentiment over time

Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.

How this score was computed

The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (OpenCritic)8226
All-time Steam reviews96%911000
Metacritic user ratings7814
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)96%91101
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 90.3, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 6,371 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 289 reviews sampled · 259 total reviews in window · weighted 245.2 up / 9.5 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (22)

Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.

  • 80
    trust 78Aug 11, 2024

    A gripping fantasy story with some of the most alive characters I've ever seen in a game.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 72Jul 31, 2024

    If you’re looking for an engaging science fiction story about identity, mind, and personal values in a society that seems to value none of the above? I would recommend this one without reservation. Good work, Minds Beneath Us. You impressed me.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 70Aug 28, 2024

    Minds Beneath Us is a truly interesting and cerebral adventure told with heart and, at times, prosaic writing. It is full of intimate character moments that make the people feel alive and fully rounded. It can be a little slow at times and sometimes quick time events come from nowhere but it's so satisfying and the story has some very well executed moments that really let it shine. If narrative adventure sounds like a delightful time then this game is the one, in a word; Recommended.

    read full review ↗
  • 95
    trust 69Aug 1, 2024

    As the release date nears, Minds Beneath Us looks poised to make a lasting impact on the adventure game genre, setting a new standard for interactive storytelling. With meticulous attention to detail, both visually and narratively, and engaging gameplay mechanics, Minds Beneath Us is a standout title for 2024. Its exploration of heavy themes through an interactive medium prompts players to reflect on our relationship with technology. It’s more than just a game; it’s an experience that encourages critical thinking about the future.

    read full review ↗
  • 88
    trust 66Aug 3, 2024

    Minds Beneath Us offers a gripping cyberpunk story with engaging characters and addictive gameplay, and while the emphasis on reading and decision-making may not be for everyone, the game’s unique approach and detailed graphics make it worth considering for fans of visual novels and cyberpunk themes.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 66Aug 9, 2024

    Minds Beneath Us tells a dark dystopian story that's filled to the brim with lore, full fledged characters and some tough decision making. This narrative cyberpunk game will keep you hooked.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 63Jul 30, 2024

    Minds Beneath Us is an excellent visual novel, telling a heart-wrenching story with a ton of unique sci-fi concepts. Fans of visual novels and great stories are in for a treat with this dystopian treat.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 62Jul 23, 2024

    With its meaningful in-game decisions and interesting premise, Minds Beneath Us offers a decent cyberpunk-themed point-and-click experience.

    read full review ↗
  • 95
    trust 62Aug 4, 2024

    Minds Beneath Us offers decent value for the money as you may return to explore all the paths and options you have not explored before. In around twelve hours, you may complete the game, or longer if you are as picky as I am and prefer to explore every inch. I am definitely putting this as one of my favorite indie games of all time, and I will keep an open mind for other projects that are of genres I usually do not invest in.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 61Aug 5, 2024

    An excellent dystopian thriller, with attention to every aspect and the audiovisual sector as valid as its engaging narrative.

    read full review ↗
  • 100
    trust 60Aug 2, 2024

    There are things I would have liked to have seen, but there is no doubt what the team at BearBoneStudio have produced is incredible. Minds Beneath Us should absolutely be the next game you buy. It provides a fresh and interesting story. One you will not be disappointed with. And that is why I am awarding Minds Beneath Us a Thumb Culture Platinum Award!

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 59Jul 30, 2024

    The game also makes us question our morals and beliefs and asks us how far we are willing to go in order to make the world a better place. It keeps you on your toes and creeps under your skin and reminds us that although the future may look bright, corruption will always lurk below.

    read full review ↗

…and 10 more tracked reviews.

Patch history