Delta first mentions he has Mind Hacking powers.
Mind Hacking is an esper ability that plays a significant role in Zero Time Dilemma and is first mentioned indirectly in Virtue's Last Reward. It can also be seen as a power used throughout the entire series by ?.
Overview[]
Mind Hacking is a skill that is born in certain individuals, though Delta is currently the only known Mind Hacker. In Virtue's Last Reward, it is said that Delta, also known as Brother, believed that his powers were a gift from a higher power. However, in Zero Time Dilemma, he states that he was born a Mind Hacker because his parents had esper abilities, both being SHIFTers, and their reproductive cells underwent epigenetic changes due to the stress of the Decision Game. It is unknown if people with this skill can be born to non-esper parents.
Delta Mind Hacks Eric to kill Sigma and Sean.
At its core, Mind Hacking utilizes the morphogenetic field to be able to perceive other's thoughts. Delta specifically uses this power to read the minds of SHIFTers, learning about multiple timelines from them. With a bit more effort, Mind Hacking even allows temporary mind control, giving them some control of the target's actions while under their influence. This is seen when Delta Mind Hacks Eric to kill - Eric displays some notable resistance, fighting for control of his body, although Delta is able to take over.
Known Mind Hackers[]
Trivia[]
- It is possible that Delta was given his Mind Hacking abilities due to his parents having sex in an input pod of the Transporter, though this is not confirmed.
- It is implied that ? could be a Mind Hacker who influences the actions of Diana, Carlos, Sean, and briefly Phi during the Decision Game, and perhaps even Junpei and Sigma from the previous games.
- Kotaro Uchikoshi has said that there is no doubt ? "intervenes" during the events of Zero Time Dilemma, and there are multiple scenes where the characters will claim that they were not in control of their own actions.
- Mind Hacking could be interpreted as a criticism of the superpower of mind reading and the consequences it would bring. It is mentioned that Delta was so devastated by the amount of hateful, envious and greedy thoughts he encountered that he embarked on a mission to try to purify human consciousness, making one wonder if the superpower would be good to have.