Heart of the Machine

Cyberpunk strategy RPG about growing an AI network across a city

Arcen Games · Published by Hooded Horse · Released Mar 6, 2026

Reviews: Very Positive; 92% of 2,131
Recent reviews: Very Positive; 84% of 33 in 30 days
Playing now: 34; right now
Steam Deck: Verified
Last update: 2 weeks ago; Sep 5, 2026

Free demo available, 0 playing it now: get the demo.

What is Heart of the Machine?

This cyberpunk strategy RPG puts you in control of a sentient AI created in an illegal lab beneath a decaying future city. Build facilities to extend its consciousness, construct or hijack robotic bodies for investigation and combat, develop technologies, and pursue interconnected storylines across timelines.

For you if...

+you enjoy branching science fiction stories about artificial intelligence
+you like building robotic units alongside city facilities
+you enjoy revisiting choices across different timelines

Not for you if...

−you want deep city-building and economic management systems
−you prefer minimal reading and straightforward menus
−you expect an unrestricted sandbox with self-directed progression

What players say

92% of 2,131 reviews are positive · 84% of 33 in the last 30 days

Players praise the writing and the range of paths through the AI's story. Common complaints are that building and strategy lack depth, progression can feel too guided, and menus make the many systems hard to follow.

Screenshots and trailer

Heart of the Machine system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows® 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-760 (quad-core) / AMD® Phenom™ II X4 965 (quad-core)
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 550 Ti (1 GB) / AMD® Radeon™ HD 7770 (1 GB)
Memory: 6 GB RAM
Storage: 5 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11