Mainlining similar games & best alternatives
Mainlining
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
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Autonomy3
"Players have freedom to explore various leads and choose evidence to submit, but gameplay is linear and puzzle solutions are somewhat fixed."
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Competence3
"Game offers challenging puzzles and investigative tasks that require skillful deduction and information gathering."
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Competition-4
"Focus is on individual investigation and puzzle solving without player-vs-player or leaderboard elements."
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Continuation-2
"Game is relatively short with limited replay value; some players finish in a few hours and do not return often."
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Cooperation2
"Players interact with in-game team members via chat windows, simulating cooperation within the story context."
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Creativity1
"Some freedom in how to approach cases and which evidence to use, but mostly follows predefined structures."
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Domination-5
"No elements of exerting control or superiority over other players; gameplay is single-player and investigative."
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Escapism3
"Players use the game as a distraction and immersive experience in a fictional hacking world."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or external pressure."
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Experimenting2
"Players try different leads and evidence combinations to solve puzzles, though within a linear framework."
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Exploration3
"Game encourages discovery of new websites, files, and clues to progress through cases."
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Expression-3
"Limited customization; players mostly interact with fixed UI and predefined characters."
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Fantasy3
"Game presents a fictional dystopian hacking scenario with imaginative elements and story twists."
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Fellowship-3
"Minimal social interaction; gameplay is single-player with limited community or multiplayer features."
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Growth3
"Players develop investigative skills and learn to interpret clues and use in-game tools effectively."
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Health-5
"Game involves sedentary play with no physical activity or health-related features."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention to solve puzzles; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."
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Intimacy-4
"Limited emotional or close social connections; interactions are scripted and impersonal."
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Leadership-4
"Player acts individually without leading or managing others; cooperation is simulated but not directed."
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Progression3
"Players accumulate evidence, unlock new tools and progress through a linear case-based story."
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Relaxation2
"Game provides a moderately relaxing experience with some tension from puzzle challenges."
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Sensation2
"Pixel art and ambient music provide sensory enjoyment, though not highly stimulating or intense."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems; achievements and progress are personal and private."
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Story4
"Strong narrative focus with engaging plot, character interactions, and unfolding mystery."
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Strategy3
"Requires logical reasoning, planning, and problem-solving to piece together clues and solve cases."
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Thrill2
"Some suspense and tension from investigation and puzzle solving, but overall controlled experience."
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Value1
"Generally considered good value especially on sale; some players note short length but satisfying content."
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Violence-5
"No combat or destruction; gameplay focuses on investigation and puzzle solving."
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Survival-4
"No survival or resource management elements; stable and low-risk gameplay environment."
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Last update: 06/03/2026