Vice Undercover immerses players in a meticulously crafted alternate reality, centered around the fictional ‘Amigo OS’, combining aesthetics from vintage operating systems like Windows 3.1 and early Apple interfaces. Each mechanic is designed to evoke the paranoia surrounding undercover work in a gripping narrative set amidst the complicated drug wars of the 1980s.

“Paranoia is one of the core emotions we were going for… the moral ambiguity of what you’re doing, and sort of questioning what is right and wrong,” stated Cos Lazouras, co-CEO of Ancient Machine.

In the game, you take on the role of an undercover cop with limited time each day to infiltrate a cartel’s computer system. Blending elements of synthwave and neo-noir, the title encourages exploration and deep engagement with the narrative, essential for web historians and true crime enthusiasts.

As you navigate through Amigo OS, the game cleverly integrates modern conveniences into its nostalgic framework, ensuring players enjoy the theme without excessive frustration. The creative team has prioritized storytelling over complicated mechanics, aiming for an authentic feel of what it was like to operate undercover in that tumultuous era.

The developers, Lazouras and Puig, embrace a fully self-funded approach to this project, consciously disregarding traditional publishing pressures to maintain the game’s integrity. They have created a compelling and timely experience, using their background in AAA development to balance ambition and production without losing sight of the essence of the narrative.

Expect Vice Undercover to launch on Steam in the summer of 2025.