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Mainlining

Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2017

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Quick resume

After MI7 has been hacked, your primary goal is to bring a cyber-criminal network to justice. Played entirely from your computer's desktop, Mainlining is a thrilling point and click hacking adventure that features a gripping narrative which will have you hooked from the very first case.

Global score

77/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Simulator

Pros

  • Engaging investigative gameplay
  • Strong narrative and characters
  • Unique pixel art style
  • Immersive hacking simulation
  • Challenging but accessible puzzles

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Limited replay value
  • Some ui and bug issues
  • Linear progression
  • Lack of deep social interaction

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have freedom to explore various leads and choose evidence to submit, but gameplay is linear and puzzle solutions are somewhat fixed."

  • Competence
    3

    "Game offers challenging puzzles and investigative tasks that require skillful deduction and information gathering."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual investigation and puzzle solving without player-vs-player or leaderboard elements."

  • Continuation
    -2

    "Game is relatively short with limited replay value; some players finish in a few hours and do not return often."

  • Cooperation
    2

    "Players interact with in-game team members via chat windows, simulating cooperation within the story context."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Some freedom in how to approach cases and which evidence to use, but mostly follows predefined structures."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over other players; gameplay is single-player and investigative."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a distraction and immersive experience in a fictional hacking world."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players try different leads and evidence combinations to solve puzzles, though within a linear framework."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Game encourages discovery of new websites, files, and clues to progress through cases."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; players mostly interact with fixed UI and predefined characters."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game presents a fictional dystopian hacking scenario with imaginative elements and story twists."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Minimal social interaction; gameplay is single-player with limited community or multiplayer features."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop investigative skills and learn to interpret clues and use in-game tools effectively."

  • Health
    -5

    "Game involves sedentary play with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited emotional or close social connections; interactions are scripted and impersonal."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "Player acts individually without leading or managing others; cooperation is simulated but not directed."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players accumulate evidence, unlock new tools and progress through a linear case-based story."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Game provides a moderately relaxing experience with some tension from puzzle challenges."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Pixel art and ambient music provide sensory enjoyment, though not highly stimulating or intense."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements and progress are personal and private."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative focus with engaging plot, character interactions, and unfolding mystery."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires logical reasoning, planning, and problem-solving to piece together clues and solve cases."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and tension from investigation and puzzle solving, but overall controlled experience."

  • Value
    1

    "Generally considered good value especially on sale; some players note short length but satisfying content."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destruction; gameplay focuses on investigation and puzzle solving."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No survival or resource management elements; stable and low-risk gameplay environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026