Peaky Blinders: Mastermind - a tribute to the Netflix series

Peaky blinders mastermind
A game as good as the series or even better? How good will Peaky Blinder Mastermond be? (Image credit: FuturLab)

Based on the Netflix series Peaky Blinders, Peaky Blinders: Mastermind will be released this summer on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Check out what we know so far about the game and the official reveal trailer.

The story of Mastermind, created in collaboration with the creator of the show, Steven Knight, serves as the prequel for the first season of Peaky Blinders. Here the Shelby family uncovers a plot to put their burgeoning criminal empire out of business.

The game's structure alludes to Tommy Shelby's ability to think through complex scenarios in his head - basically, you create, stage, and change your plans before they are put into action. In the process, Tommy has the opportunity to explore many of the series' well-known locations, including The Garrison Tavern, Charlie Strong's Yard, and Shelby Parlour. The soundtrack of the game is provided by Feverist, the art-rock band that provided the musical accompaniment for the first season of the show.

Game mechanics, tasks and more

Game director James Marsden explains the inspiration for the core mechanics of the game:

"There's a point in the show where Tommy Shelby explains that he doesn't care about the past or the future; all he cares about is a defining moment, which he calls the Soldier's Minute. We've developed our game around this idea by allowing the player to plan actions forward and backward in time and choreograph an ensemble of characters who synchronize their actions at these crucial moments. The player gets the feeling of being the smart and cultured leader that Tommy is. And we believe it will appeal to both fans of the show and players alike when he becomes the mastermind".

Peaky Blinders' story alone is the ideal material for a video game. But what can you actually do in-game?Among other things, you have the possibility to play the different characters from the series, including Tommy, Arthur, Polly, John, Ada, and Finn. The task is generally to complete missions to uncover the planned plot against the family. The game is played from a top-down perspective and involves planning, rewinding, and resetting character trajectories one after another to execute the master plan. Each member of the Shelby family has unique abilities. For example, while Arthur is limited to scuffling and door-knocking, Finn is the master of pickpocketing and can sneak up on his target. To master the challenges of the game, you must use and combine each of the many skills you'll have at your disposal.

Summary

Peaky Blinders: Mastermind could become an exciting action-tactical game. The reveal trailer will make the heart of any tactical fox beat faster. The story has the potential to captivate, the mechanics seem sophisticated and elaborate. Chances are there will also be a lot of puzzles and frustrating moments, but nobody is born a mastermind.

The game is scheduled to release this summer, but you can already make a pre-order for it on Steam. More about Peaky Blinders: Mastermind, but also the latest news of the esports and gaming scene, can be found as always on EarlyGame. There are still many more games we anticipate in 2020 but in the meantime why not have a look at some of the best multiplayer games during quarantine.

Tasho Tashev

Law graduate from Sofia University turned gaming journalist. Gaming has always been a passion of mine since I was a kid (shocker I know) so it was only a matter of time before I started writing about it. My high-school...