Mind Games The Forward

for women and men

Mind Games The Forward is a woody unisex scent that mixes crisp citrus, aromatic spice, and warm woods into a sharp, confident everyday signature.

Mind Games The Forward

Mind Games The Forward

3.4 oz Perfume Extract Spray
$392.00 USD
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Mind Games The Forward
$392.00 USD

Free tracked delivery

Size

Genuine branded fragrance, new and sealed. Securely shipped from the US.

Ships from the US

Free tracked delivery, typically 3–7 business days.

Free delivery

Free standard delivery on every order. Read our shipping guide.

Genuine & sealed

100% genuine branded fragrance, new, sealed and in original packaging.

Easy returns

Unopened items may be returned under our returns policy.

Scent Dossier

Mind Games The Forward is a woody unisex fragrance with a crisp citrus start, aromatic lift, and a warm, dry base. It feels confident without getting heavy, making it a strong pick for someone who wants character but still needs flexibility. You can wear it casually, dress it up for a night out, or use it for date settings and formal plans. The overall effect is clean, spicy, and quietly commanding rather than loud.

Accords

Woody
Aromatic
Fresh Spicy
Citrus
Amber
See the Closest Scents to This Profile

A Scent For

This suits someone who wants a fragrance with presence and control instead of something soft or sugary. It fits a shopper who likes clean citrus, dry woods, and spice that feels adult without reading old-fashioned. Smart enough for formal wear and relaxed enough for casual use, it covers a lot of ground. Not the best pick if you want a cozy sweet scent or a huge room-filling statement, since it stays more measured than forceful.

Occasions

Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal

Seasons

Fall
Fall
Spring
Spring
Winter
Winter

Time

Versatile
Versatile

Sillage

Sillage
3/4
Strong

Longevity

Longevity
4/5
Long Lasting

When and Where

Fall, Spring, and Winter are where this makes the most sense, especially from daytime into evening when the woody warmth can breathe a little. It has the kind of structure that works for dinners, dressed-up social plans, and polished casual settings. Many wearers describe it as a fragrance that feels equally comfortable with a jacket or a button-down. In high summer heat, the spicy woody profile may feel a bit too assertive for very casual outdoor wear.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Bergamot
Bergamot
Pink Pepper
Pink Pepper
Pomelo
Pomelo

Middle Notes

Geranium
Geranium
Lavender
Lavender
Nutmeg
Nutmeg

Base Notes

Amber
Amber
Patchouli
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Vetiver

Deeper Detail

How it Opens

Bright bergamot and pomelo give this an energetic, clean edge right away, while pink pepper adds a crisp spicy kick that keeps it from feeling basic. The overall impression is fresh and brisk, but not watery or sporty. There is a clear sense of structure here, so even early on it comes across more put-together than playful. If you like citrus with bite and a woody backbone already showing, this starts strong.

How it develops

After the bright start settles, lavender and geranium bring an aromatic, slightly tailored feel, while nutmeg adds warmth without turning sweet. As it dries down, sandalwood softens the texture, vetiver adds a dry earthy woodiness, and patchouli gives a deeper, grounded tone rather than a sugary one. Amber rounds everything out with gentle warmth. It stays composed and steady on skin, gaining depth while keeping its clean, spicy shape.

History

Launched in 2022, The Forward sits in Mind Games' modern niche-style lineup with a unisex woody profile. Based on its note structure and accord mix, it leans toward a contemporary dress-up fragrance that still has enough freshness for broader wear. Exact positioning details are limited, but it clearly targets shoppers who want something polished, distinctive, and current rather than overly classic or overly sweet.

Perfumier

Country of Origin

United States

Year Created

2022

Our Verdict

Buy The Forward if you want a woody scent that feels crisp, grown-up, and adaptable without turning bland. Skip it if your taste runs sweet, ultra-fresh, or intentionally loud.

The Closest Scents to Mind Games The Forward

The Forward by Mind Games is known for its woody aromatic core with fresh spicy accents from bergamot, pink pepper, and pomelo. This edit explores warm, woody fragrances that share a similar foundation of aromatic freshness and amber depth. Each recommendation varies in emphasis, from earthy vetiver to sweet praline or smoky incense, offering a diverse range for those who appreciate The Forward's confident, versatile character.

Scholar's Mate shares The Forward's woody aromatic foundation with a fresh spicy character from bergamot, cardamom, and grapefruit. It differs by adding saffron and geranium in the heart, which introduce a subtle floral spiciness. The base of amber, cedar, and vetiver feels more resinous and grounded, making Scholar's Mate slightly more formal and evening oriented. Both offer versatile wear but Scholar's Mate leans deeper into warm spices.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Aromatic
Fresh Spicy
Citrus
Amber
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Work / Office
Work / Office

1 Million Royal mirrors The Forward's woody aromatic profile with bergamot, cardamom, and mandarin orange top notes. It diverges with a heart of lavender and violet leaf, adding a smoother, more floral aromatic character. The base of benzoin, cedar, and patchouli brings a sweeter, balsamic warmth compared to The Forward's amber vetiver finish. This makes 1 Million Royal more suited for casual nights out and parties.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Aromatic
Fresh Spicy
Amber
Citrus
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Party
Party

This fragrance shares The Forward's woody citrus opening with bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon. It differs by focusing intensely on vetiver, supported by geranium and Sichuan pepper in the heart, creating a more earthy, peppery character. The base of amberwood and olibanum adds a smoky resinous quality. Terre d'Hermes Eau Intense Vetiver is lighter in sillage and more daytime oriented, emphasizing freshness over The Forward's amber warmth.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Citrus
Aromatic
Fresh Spicy
Earthy
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Work / Office
Work / Office

Vetiver Extraordinaire aligns with The Forward's woody aromatic family and citrus top notes of bergamot and bitter orange. It stands apart with a complex heart of cedar, clove, pink pepper, sandalwood, and vetiver, delivering a multifaceted spicy woody experience. The base of musk and oakmoss adds a mossy, earthy depth. This scent is more vetiver forward and earthy, while The Forward balances amber and patchouli for a warmer finish.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Aromatic
Earthy
Fresh Spicy
Citrus
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Evening Out
Evening Out
Work / Office
Work / Office
Byredo Gypsy Water

Byredo Gypsy Water

for women and men
$308.00

Gypsy Water shares The Forward's woody aromatic structure with bergamot, pepper, and lemon top notes. It differs by incorporating juniper, pine needles, and orris in the heart, lending a fresh, forest like character. The base of amber, sandalwood, and vanilla is softer and slightly sweeter than The Forward's patchouli vetiver combination. Gypsy Water feels more casual and ethereal, with a lighter sillage and longevity, suitable for everyday wear.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Aromatic
Citrus
Vanilla
Amber
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Travel
Travel
Work / Office
Work / Office
Diptyque Vetyverio

Diptyque Vetyverio

for women and men
$190.00

Vetyverio echoes The Forward's woody citrus opening with bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, and mandarin orange. It introduces a floral heart of clove, geranium, rose, and ylang ylang, adding a bright, spicy floral dimension absent in The Forward. The base of musk, nutmeg, and vetiver provides a soft, powdery finish. Vetyverio is more floral and lighter in sillage, making it a daytime option compared to The Forward's versatile evening wear.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Aromatic
Citrus
Floral
Fresh Spicy
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Travel
Travel
Work / Office
Work / Office

Haltane shares The Forward's woody aromatic profile with bergamot, clary sage, and lavender top notes. It differs with a heart of praline and saffron, introducing a sweet, gourmand spiciness. The base of agarwood, cedarwood, musk, patchouli, and vetiver is darker and more luxurious. Haltane is richer and more nocturnal, suited for formal evenings, while The Forward maintains a brighter, more versatile character.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Aromatic
Warm Spicy
Sweet
Amber
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Date Night
Date Night

Grey Vetiver shares The Forward's woody citrus foundation with grapefruit, orange blossom, and sage top notes. It differs by focusing on vetiver with nutmeg, orris root, and pimento in the heart, creating a clean, earthy spiciness. The base of moss and oakmoss adds a green, slightly bitter edge. Grey Vetiver is more vetiver dominant and office friendly, with lighter sillage, compared to The Forward's richer amber patchouli base.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Citrus
Aromatic
Fresh Spicy
Earthy
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Work / Office
Work / Office
Travel
Travel
Tom Ford Bois Marocain

Tom Ford Bois Marocain

for women and men
$363.00

Bois Marocain aligns with The Forward's woody aromatic structure and bergamot, pink pepper top notes. It introduces a heart of incense, pepper, and thuja, which adds a smoky, resinous character. The base of patchouli, Virginia cedar, and vetiver is dry and woody. Bois Marocain is more smoky and earthy, with a unisex appeal, while The Forward is slightly sweeter with amber and sandalwood.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Aromatic
Fresh Spicy
Smoky
Earthy
Casual
Casual
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Xerjoff 17/17 Stone Label Richwood

Xerjoff 17/17 Stone Label Richwood

for women and men
$481.00

Richwood shares The Forward's woody citrus opening with bergamot, grapefruit, and tangerine. It differs with a heart of black currant, damask rose, and geranium, introducing a fruity floral nuance. The base of labdanum, musk, patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla is richer and more opulent. Richwood is more luxurious and formal, while The Forward is more straightforward and versatile in its woody aromatic profile.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Citrus
Aromatic
Musky
Amber
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Travel
Travel
Mind Games Prodigy

Mind Games Prodigy

for men
$491.00

Prodigy shares The Forward's bergamot, pink pepper, and saffron top notes, creating a similar fresh spicy opening. It differs with a heart of cedar, rose, and suede, adding a leathery floral character. The base of amber, musk, patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla is sweeter and more sensual. Prodigy is darker and more evening focused, while The Forward maintains a balanced versatility with a brighter aromatic profile.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Amber
Warm Spicy
Musky
Leather
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Date Night
Date Night

Original Vetiver mirrors The Forward's woody citrus top notes with bergamot, ginger, and mandarin orange. It diverges with a heart of iris, sandalwood, and vetiver, creating a cleaner, more floral vetiver profile. The base of ambergris and musk is soft and slightly salty. Original Vetiver is lighter and more daytime oriented, while The Forward has a deeper amber patchouli base for greater warmth and longevity.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Citrus
Fresh
Aromatic
Musky
Everyday
Everyday
Work / Office
Work / Office
Casual
Casual
Travel
Travel