Peaky Blinders: Mastermind Reviews
In truth, I probably had high expectations, as did most fans of the show. I was expecting maybe more action scenes, bigger maps or more sophistication and variety in mission completion. Unfortunately, Peaky Blinders: Mastermind didn't deliver anything I was looking forward to. So the only positives for me are the enjoyable play with time and being set in the world of Peaky Blinders. Honestly, if you want a quality RTS in a similar style, reach for Desperados 3 instead - you'll definitely get more fun.
Review in Czech | Read full review
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind is a strategy game that requires very little strategy for much of its short running time. While it does eventually present a little more challenge in the closing chapters, the hum-drum narrative and bargain-basement cut-scenes won't provide you with much incentive to persevere through the duller moments which make up most of the game. If you're a massive fan of the show waiting for the next season, then you're probably better off just forming your own gang while talking in a comedy Brummie accent.
The player in this TV series tie-in game is more like a frustrated foot soldier than a gangland kingpin
Whether you watched and loved Peaky Blinders or not, stay away from this game as it is one of the worst adopted video games of at least this generation.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Red Right Bland
If you’re a big Peaky Blinders fan and need to know what happens, then this will be an essential purchase for you. However, as someone who had no prior interest, this didn’t really click. As a game, it is a passable entry into the puzzle genre, but the license didn’t do much to add to the experience. You’ll probably know early on if this is the title for you.
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind's gorgeous aesthetic and solid puzzling are no match for its lack of depth, emotion, and substance.
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind is an average game at best. It features interesting puzzles and a decent enough art style, but the story feels shallow, offering nothing major to draw you in. It does feel like Peaky Blinders at face value and the puzzles, with the time-travel mechanics allowing you to create the perfect plan, makes you feel like you are part of one of Tommy Shelby's schemes, but this is still mostly superficial. It's short and inoffensive but, at the same time, it doesn't do anything to make it feel more than 'average'.
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind is built upon a highly inventive central concept and smartly dressed in an authentic audio/visual package that accurately captures the dangerous world of The Shelby Family. The inventiveness of this core element is not captilised upon, however, which results in very repetitive and robotic gameplay. Die-hard Peaky Blinders fans might find a few hours of entertainment but, overall, Mastermind is a missed opportunity.
While I’m glad that some publishers are still keeping the licensed title flame alive (an Achilles’ heel of mine), a source of inspiration like Peaky Blinders deserved a much better product than what we ended up getting.
It’s the Year of Our Lord 1919, and things are changing around the industrial backstreets of Birmingham. The streets of Small Heath are about to run red with blood, sweat, and tears. The Shelby family means business, and they are gonna take what they want. Remember “This place is under new management, by order of the Peaky Blinders”.
Even with its clever premise, Peaky Blinders: Mastermind's campaign doesn't feel all that consequential yet it remains somewhat enjoyable.
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind is quite an okay example of a game being made out of a television show. That being said I don’t think there’s a world where it could’ve been anymore than that. It’s a good introduction to the tactics genre and has some neat levels, but that’s about it. It’s decent, that’s all.
Without any concrete information as to when we can expect the next season of Peaky Blinders, Peaky Blinders: Mastermind might end up being a nice distraction from the limbo we’ve all been left in.
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind is a puzzle game with interesting mechanics, which pays dearly for choosing to remain faithful to the structure of the TV series, only to reveal its potential in the final stages - just like Thomas Shelby usually does with his opponents, ironically.
Review in Italian | Read full review
A flawed attempt to adapt the show, that struggles when it comes to storytelling but has the makings of a great heist game.
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind is a puzzle game with unique ideas that takes far too long to fully implement them.
Peaky Blinders isn't a big hit, but it makes you enjoy couple of hours of your time, especially if you like Peaky Blinders Netflix show.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
The game gives us an opportunity to think like Tommy Shelby, yet gives us a real challenge only in it's final missions.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Even with its budget price, it's somewhat difficult to recommend Mastermind given its brevity and few technical issues. I expect Peaky Blinders fans will most enjoy Mastermind as a gritty snapshot at pre-series Birmingham that expands on their favourite television family. I'd even go so far as to give it a cautious thumbs up for those who enjoy working up a mental sweat.