Presented as one of the major titles of this year 2025, MindsEye marks a unique anticipation: the return of Leslie Benzies, former President of Rockstar North studios and producer of all GTA games up to and including number 5. Now leading Build a Rocket Boy studio, his game is set to release next June. While details about the gameplay have remained somewhat elusive until now, 9 minutes of gameplay were recently revealed. However, behind its cinematic presentation and undeniable technical prowess, the game also presents design choices that raise questions, particularly in terms of gameplay.
The MindsEye universe, set in the desert metropolis of Redrock City, embodies the hallmarks of a classic cyberpunk dystopia: pervasive surveillance, all-powerful corporations, and omnipresent AI. Visually, the work appears competent but lacks a distinct artistic approach; some might describe it as generic. Beneath this surface, the atmosphere is a blend of familiar references, yet the gameplay falls short. The third-person action phases are mediocre, with animations reminiscent of older styles. Cover systems, shootouts, and movements follow a standardized TPS (third-person shooter) format without any standout features. Even the drone companion, meant to introduce a tactical element, acts merely as a passive assistant, far from the promise of strategic AI support. Car chase sequences are visually robust but lack tension and responsiveness, reinforcing the impression of a polished yet unremarkable product, akin to high-performance vehicles in Watch Dogs. This is not intended as praise…
The story, centered on Jacob Diaz and his enigmatic neural implant, progresses with gravity but struggles to avoid the genre’s clichés: memory loss, a shadowy military history, and a global conspiracy. Despite these elements being well-suited for an engaging interactive thriller, the game fails to offer the subversion or narrative disruption that could elevate it above its peers. Of course, it is premature to judge the game based on just a few minutes of gameplay, but initial impressions are not particularly striking. We will have to wait until June 10th to see if the final version manages to overcome these limitations and provides something more than conventional gameplay seen repeatedly in similar titles.
For those intrigued by Leslie Benzies’ innovative spirit and eager to explore new horizons in gaming, be sure to check out “Everywhere: Leslie Benzies’ (ex-Rockstar Games) Fortnite Reveals Its Universe in Video” by Marcus Thompson, published on September 21, 2023. This fascinating piece delves into the ambitious world-game project that seeks to democratize game creation with its user-friendly ARCADIA design tool. With diverse biomes and interconnected worlds waiting to be discovered, EVERYWHERE invites players to join a vibrant community of creators. Dive into this exciting new venture at Everywhere: Leslie Benzies’ (ex-Rockstar Games) Fortnite Reveals Its Universe in Video.
