Mindcop News

We’re excited to share that Mindcop has been nominated at the Indie X event alongside 50 other indie game finalists!

A huge thank you to the festival organizers and the incredible community for the recognition.

The final 5 nominees and winner for each award will be announced on Twitch during the award ceremony on the 7th of November! The winner will be announced just after the gameplay livestream with developer Andre Gareis starting at 8pm UTC. We can't wait to celebrate alongside so many amazing indie projects.

Stay tuned for the big reveal and thanks everyone for your amazing support!

[h2] Wishlist NOW & Play the demo [/h2]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1517180/Mindcop/

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Detectives,

As the release of Mindcop draws near, we thought we'd share some insights and tips to help you make the most out of your investigation! 🕵️



[h3]1. Timing & Crucial Choices 🕰️ [/h3]
Mindcop combines narrative-driven gameplay with real-time puzzles, emphasizing time management.
As the Mindcop, you have a limited amount of time to solve the case, with each action costing time. The goal is to arrest the correct suspect, and how you allocate your time shapes the experience.
Instead of examining every detail or pursuing every lead, you will have to make strategic choices about where to focus your efforts. There are no mandatory tasks—mirroring a detective’s need to discern what’s important.
Each playthrough is unique, offering plenty to discover and, crucially, to overlook. So even if you don't succeed on your first try, don't hesitate to play again, your investigation may pan out differently!

[h3]2. Search for clues 🔍 [/h3]
As an aspiring detective, make sure you thoroughly explore Merrylin Crater camp, examining every nook and cranny (but keep an eye on your time limit!). Stay alert—key clues may be hiding in plain sight…
Collect intriguing evidence and stash it in Linda's trench coat, then have the lab analyze it to uncover vital information.

[h3]3. Interrogate the witnesses❓ [/h3]
Every question you ask could lead to different story paths, and your investigation might take unpredictable turns. But once you ask you can't go back, so pick your questions wisely!
Witnesses can quickly turn to suspects… but mind your words, or they will refuse to cooperate!

[h3]4. Explore the minds of your suspects 🌀 [/h3]
During suspect interrogations, the Mindcop can use his ability to Mindsurf in order to uncover secrets. This plays out as a timed match-3 puzzle where you try to surf your way to the finish line, earning time by matching bullets that enter the suspect’s mind.
If successful, you'll face three doors: Lie, Uncertainty, and Truth. Each door reveals a different aspect of the subject's psyche for you to decipher through short dialogues and unique settings, providing valuable insights for the investigation.

[h3]5. Make an arrest! 🚨 [/h3]
Detectives, you have only five days to apprehend the killer—choose wisely!
Arresting the wrong person could have dire consequences, letting the real murderer run loose and jeopardizing the Mindcop's reputation. It’s up to you to uphold his legacy!


Now that you're equipped to tackle this mystery, put your skills to the test with the Mindcop demo! And get your magnifying glass ready for the full game, launching next week on November 14th!

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[h2] Wishlist NOW & Play the demo [/h2]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1517180/Mindcop/

[h3]⭐ Follow the infamous detective on Tiktok! ⭐[/h3]
The Mindcop shares all his tips on his tiktok page, follow him!

[h2]🔎 Join our Community 🔍 [/h2]
[h3] 🔎 Mindcop Games X
💜 Dear Villagers X
💜 Dear Villagers Discord 💜 Dear Villagers Newsletter 💜 Dear Villagers YouTube 💜 Dear Villagers TikTok 💜 Dear Villagers Instagram 💜 Dear Villagers Facebook[/h3]

Detectives,

After crossing paths with the potential suspects in our last devblog, it’s time to step into the shadows and meet the gritty, fearless team spearheading this murder investigation! 🚓


[h3]🕶️ The infamous Mindcop 🕶️ [/h3]
Wherever he ventures, his legendary reputation precedes him, fueled by his extraordinary power of Mindsurf—and his impeccable sense of style! This unique ability allows him to delve into the minds of those he interrogates, effortlessly distinguishing truth from deception.
A hard-boiled detective at heart, nothing escapes his sharp vision and deductive reasoning.
Adding to his allure is the enigmatic voice behind the mustache, that of Bruce Abels, who brings an unforgettable flair to the performance.

[h3]📱 Long-legged Linda 📱 [/h3]
The Mindcop's invaluable partner, her long trench conceals crucial clues, while her graceful limbs serve her well in a variety of situations—especially when it comes to getting the duo around faster.
After a long day of sleuthing, she’s always available for late-night discussions about the case or to help the Mindcop hone his Mindsurfing skills.
During their profound conversations, her character comes to life with the distinctive voice of Doris Milosevic.

[h3]🕵️ An iconic duo 🕵️ [/h3]
With their complementary personalities and distinctive approaches to crime-solving, Mindcop and Linda join the ranks of legendary buddy cop duos like Mulder and Scully, Starsky and Hutch, and even Dale Cooper and Diane.
Sporting a mustache or a trench coat, and an aura of effortless cool, they embody the rich legacy of cop shows, tracing a line from the gritty noir era to the explosive action of the '80s, all the way to the modern-day cynical and complex detective.
Together, they capture the essence of what makes these partnerships unforgettable.

[h3]🔎 But let's not forget the rest… 🔍 [/h3]
No investigation is complete without a stellar team of experts by your side! Fortunately, the Mindcop has an elite crew ready to tackle any challenge.
There's Marry, whose keen forensic insight cuts through the chaos like a knife; Justine, expertly navigating the Mindmobile as they rush to crack the case; Emilia, who can whip up warrants faster than a flickering shadow; and Officer Kenneth, always the first to arrive at the crime scene.
As a team, they provide unwavering support throughout the investigation, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.


And if you want to see more of the Mindcop and Linda in action, check out this brand new short! 🚨

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[h2] Wishlist NOW & Play the demo [/h2]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1517180/Mindcop/

[h3]⭐ Follow the infamous detective on Tiktok! ⭐[/h3]
The Mindcop shares all his tips on his tiktok page, follow him!

[h2]🔎 Join our Community 🔍 [/h2]
[h3] 🔎 Mindcop Games X
💜 Dear Villagers X
💜 Dear Villagers Discord 💜 Dear Villagers Newsletter 💜 Dear Villagers YouTube 💜 Dear Villagers TikTok 💜 Dear Villagers Instagram 💜 Dear Villagers Facebook[/h3]

Detectives,

As the Steam Next Fest draws to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for playing the Mindcop demo!
We’d love to hear your valuable feedback, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us! 🚨


[h2]🔎A Unique Cast of Enigmatic Characters🔍[/h2]
You may have encountered some of them while playing the demo as you patrolled the streets of Merrylin Crater Camp, searching for the elusive killer. But this small town harbors even more secrets and intriguing characters waiting to be discovered. Let's meet a few of them!


🍂 Rebecca: The tragic murder victim, a young woman who grew up and worked at Merrilyn Crater Camp. Her short life was filled with many secrets.

🐶 Sean: brash and cocky, some admire him and others despise him, but animals love him.

🏢 Josh: the savvy owner of the camp, who lives in a caravan while running and trying to revitalize the camp.

🏅 Benji: A dedicated single father facing numerous hardships, he maintains a positive outlook and is always eager to lend a helping hand.

👓 Gabriel: One of the camp's original founders, this older gentleman embodies confidence and a steadfast commitment to tradition.

🚬 Alex: A cool, chain-smoking young adult with a complex family background, she exudes an air of mystery and confidence.

🍺 Reuben: Edgy and inexperienced, he helps around at the camp and has a strong dislike for authority figures.

With those informations in hand, you are now better equipped to lead the investigation. But remember, detectives: there’s always more than meets the eye—any of them could be the killer!

[hr][/hr]

[h2]🌲A visit to Merrylin Crater Camp🌲[/h2]
A key element of Mindcop is its captivating setting, brimming with mystery and atmosphere.


Merrylin Crater Camp is a remote tourist destination nestled among dense woods, at the foot of the imposing Merrylin Crater mountain. The quaint town features just a hostel, a bar, and a gift shop, with staff residing in the few private houses along the road or in caravans. At the heart of the town lies a massive volcanic rock known as Bombo, the main attraction for visitors.

It’s up to you, detective, to explore this peculiar little town and uncover its secrets!

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[h2] Wishlist NOW & Play the demo [/h2]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1517180/Mindcop/

[h3]⭐ Follow the infamous detective on Tiktok! ⭐[/h3]
The Mindcop shares all his tips on his tiktok page, follow him!

[h2]🔎 Join our Community 🔍 [/h2]
[h3] 🔎 Mindcop Games X
💜 Dear Villagers X
💜 Dear Villagers Discord 💜 Dear Villagers Newsletter 💜 Dear Villagers YouTube 💜 Dear Villagers TikTok 💜 Dear Villagers Instagram 💜 Dear Villagers Facebook[/h3]

Detectives, step into the shadowy world of Mindcop and uncover the secrets that bring this gripping murder mystery to life.

[h2]🔎Crafting the Detective Experience🔍[/h2]
Mindcop is Andre Gareis' first commercial game project, in development since 2018. The goal was to create a detective game that empowers players to make their own choices, allowing them to truly embody the role of a detective rather than just observing a character in that role.

The solo-dev wanted to tell a compelling story while creating a small, immersive world filled with fleshed-out characters.

To enhance the detective experience, many clues are included, some of which can be easily missed. This design choice is intentional, as it encourages players to discern what is truly important in solving the mystery, reflecting the real challenges detectives face in their work.

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[h2]🧠The Influences behind Mindcop🧠[/h2]
Mindcop draws major inspiration from the iconic Twin Peaks TV show, alongside Hunie Pop as a unique video game influence. A vision emerged to transform it into a detective game—replacing anime characters with suspects and dates with interrogations.

Additional influences encompass Ace Attorney, Obra Dinn, Outer Wilds, Detective Grimoire, and point-and-click games in general, especially the challenges they often present.

While not a primary inspiration, Agatha Christie's novels have also left their mark on Andre Gareis, who listened to several of them during development. Lastly, Detective Conan deserves mention, as it sparked a lasting passion for crime fiction from an early age.

[hr][/hr]



[h2]🕵️‍♀️A Gallery of Characters🕵️‍♀️[/h2]
The goal was to craft a classic murder case, opting for a serious mystery that avoids an overly grim tone. Striking a balance is essential, which influenced key decisions throughout development.

The cast of suspects is intentionally grounded, reflecting the gravity of the crime rather than the vibrant characters found in games like Ace Attorney. In contrast, detectives Mindcop and Linda bring a touch of extravagance and an unfazed attitude toward the murder, lightening the mood without diminishing the story’s weight.

Mindcop embodies the quintessential confident detective, serving as a stand-in for players, encouraging them to draw their own conclusions. Linda adds depth to their dynamic, reminiscent of iconic cop duos.


[h2] Wishlist NOW & Play the demo [/h2]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1517180/Mindcop/

[h3]⭐ Follow the infamous detective on Tiktok! ⭐[/h3]
The Mindcop shares all his tips on his tiktok page, follow him!

[h2]🔎 Join our Community 🔍 [/h2]
[h3] 🔎 Mindcop Games X
💜 Dear Villagers X
💜 Dear Villagers Discord 💜 Dear Villagers Newsletter 💜 Dear Villagers YouTube 💜 Dear Villagers TikTok 💜 Dear Villagers Instagram 💜 Dear Villagers Facebook[/h3]