Indie micro-studio Ancient Machine has dropped an electrifying new story trailer for its upcoming game, VICE Undercover. Set in an alternate 1985 Miami where modern technology exists decades early, this narco-thriller puts players in the heart of a dangerous double life.
Welcome to the High-Stakes World of VICE Undercover
In VICE Undercover, you’ll step into the shoes of Vida, a Colombian-American undercover cop working for the Electronic Crime Unit (ECU). Tasked with infiltrating Miami’s most powerful cartel, Vida poses as their top hacker to dismantle their operations from the inside. The catch? The cartel’s hacker mysteriously leaves his supercomputer unattended for one real-time hour every day, giving Vida just enough time to dive into the criminal underworld, complete contracts, and outmaneuver everyone around her. But in a world of lies and shifting loyalties, nothing is as it seems.
Download the Free Demo Now
Alongside the trailer reveal, Ancient Machine has launched a free demo on Steam, offering players an early look at the gripping gameplay and high-stakes narrative. The demo includes two full episodes, giving a taste of the game’s strategic challenges and intense decision-making.
The full game is set to release early next year, packing over 20 hours of content across 24 episodes. Early buzz is already building, with critics hailing VICE Undercover as a “far more involved Papers, Please!”
Gameplay That Thrills and Tests Your Wits
VICE Undercover combines the narrative intensity of a thriller with genre-bending gameplay. Using Amigo OS, a retro-inspired operating system that evokes Windows 3.1, players gain access to a range of tools, including:
- Accessing confidential databases
- Ordering hits and transferring funds
- Monitoring security cameras
- Decoding encrypted files
- Mapping crime networks
Every decision matters as you balance the demands of the cartel, the ECU, and other dangerous factions—all while the clock is ticking. One wrong move could blow your cover.
This trailer isn’t just a glimpse—it’s a statement,
said Cos Lazouras, co-founder of Ancient Machine. “VICE Undercover challenges you at every turn, keeping you questioning everything. There’s truly nothing like it.”
A Stellar Cast and Soundtrack
The trailer also reveals the game’s real-life cast, featuring Kimberly Reyes (El Final del Paraíso, Diomedes: El cacique de la Junta) as Vida and cult actor Tamer Hassan (Football Factory, Layer Cake, Batman Begins), who takes on a pivotal role in the story. Their performances breathe life into the game’s intricate plot and shocking twists.
Complementing the drama is a haunting synth-wave soundtrack featuring original music by LAU, which immerses players further into VICE Undercover’s high-stakes world.
“With over two decades in Hollywood, I know ambitious stories demand exceptional talent,” added Lazouras. “Kimberly Reyes and Tamer Hassan bring unparalleled depth to the game, elevating it to a whole new level.”
Mark Your Calendar and Join the Mission
The demo for VICE Undercover is available now on Steam, with the full release set for early 2024. This is your chance to step into the immersive world of VICE Undercover. Can you survive the lies, pressure, and danger? Only one way to find out.