Mike's Software

WELCOME TO MIKE’S BUSINESS

Mike’s Business is having a difficult quarter.

Most of the staff are gone, nobody is entirely sure what the company does, but the work hasn't stopped. Somebody still has to deal with it... and unfortunately, that somebody is you!

Mike’s Software is a fast-paced microgame roguelite about doing whatever it takes to keep Mike's Business running.

Each round is made up of short tasks that need to be completed before the timer runs out. You might have to clear a printer jam, close viruses, sign paperwork, catch stuff, throw stuff, or deal with Mike's errands.

The instructions are usually simple. The problem is working them out quickly enough.

Complete tasks to build your score and earn revenue. Hit each round's score quota to keep the company running, then use what you've earned to improve your build for the rounds ahead.

As the run continues, the quotas get higher, the tasks get faster, and there is less time to think.

Fail to meet the quota, and Mike’s Business collapses.

COMPANY IMPROVEMENTS

Between rounds, spend the revenue you've earned on Add-Ons that change how the rest of the run plays.

Each visit to the shop offers a random selection of software. Some Add-Ons increase the points earned from certain tasks, while others add multipliers, reward particular patterns of play, or introduce useful bonuses with questionable trade-offs.

Add-Ons stay installed for the rest of the run, allowing different effects to stack together into increasingly powerful scoring combinations. You can install up to five at once, so deciding what deserves a place in your increasingly unstable software stack is part of the job.

Don't like what's on offer? Spend some revenue to refresh the shop, or take a chance on the Shareware Catalogue for another way to get your hands on new software.

Build around what you find, make the numbers go up, and hope your increasingly elaborate corporate strategy can keep pace with the quotas.

THE JOB

Mike’s Business has its hands in just about everything.

Across its subsidiaries and internal departments, you’ll be dragged between completely different jobs with very little warning.

Work ranges from mundane office jobs to carrying out special cost-saving measures, with every task treated by Mike’s Business as if it were completely routine.

If somebody somewhere can make money from it, there is a reasonable chance Mike has a business for it.