MindShift - Detective Game Prototype

MindShift - Detective Game Prototype

WARNING: Prototype is created for PC gameplay, not website. Fullscreen is required for readability.

Overview of Concept

MindShift is a narrative-driven detective mystery where the player investigates several murders by exploring contradictory perspectives of multiple witnesses, entering their memories to uncover lies and reveal the truth.

Developed in Unity for PC, it delivers a cinematic experience where observation, deduction, and cross-examination are key to identifying the real killer.

Unlike traditional detective games that rely on explicit guidance or objective markers, MindShift emphasizes player-driven deduction. Information is deliberately incomplete and subjective, requiring players to actively compare details, reason logically, and draw their own conclusions. The core mechanic revolves around entering “memory environments,” which are distorted reconstructions of events as remembered by each suspect. These memories may contain omissions, exaggerations, or fabricated elements, especially in the  case of unreliable or guilty witnesses.

The investigation progresses organically as clues unlock new dialogue options and testimony memories, gradually revealing a clearer picture of what truly happened. Once all relevant evidence has been gathered and all investigative paths explored, the player is given the opportunity to accuse one of the suspects. The game concludes with one of two possible endings—successfully closing the case or failing due to an incorrect accusation—reinforcing the central theme that truth is built through perspective, attention, and interpretation.

While the full concept of the game envisions multiple cases and environments, each presenting distinct characters and dilemmas, the current prototype focuses on a sorority house murder, serving as the first complete investigation scenario and the foundation for future levels.

More Info:

Game Download (Github) - https://github.com/Smurfix7/MindShift

Credits:

Ricardo Dias (aka Smurfix7) - https://github.com/Smurfix7

Marta Ruano