As of May 23, 2025, MindsEye is set for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in just three weeks. For those unfamiliar, MindsEye can be described as a game similar to Grand Theft Auto but with a strong emphasis on science fiction, featuring a futuristic visual design. While it may seem like an ambitious undertaking, it becomes less surprising when one considers its creator, Leslie Benzies, who was formerly the president of Rockstar North in Edinburgh and the producer behind GTA III through GTA V. After his departure from Rockstar in 2015, Benzies established his own studio, Build a Rocket Boy, which remains based in Scotland. MindsEye represents his first solo project independent of the Houser Brothers’ influence. Today, I had the opportunity to experience 12 minutes of gameplay, aiming to understand what Benzies has planned and, more crucially, what technical innovations underpin MindsEye. Join me now as we explore this together – with or without commentary.
KING’S RETURN, OR FALSE START? Presented as one of the highlights of this year 2025, MindsEye represents more than just an optimistic video game title: it symbolizes the return of a key figure from Rockstar’s golden age. Leslie Benzies, for those unfamiliar, is not only a major architect in the rise of GTA but also the spiritual father of GTA Online. Except that in 2015, the partnership dissolved following a contentious split with the Houser brothers. Since then, each has pursued separate paths: Dan Houser founded Absurd Ventures, while Benzies established his own studio, Build a Rocket Boy, near Rockstar’s former offices.
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to visit their premises—an atmosphere typical of a startup but with marble floors. They presented me with two projects: the social platform Everywhere, which has since fallen silent, and the infamous MindsEye, about which we are finally going to discuss seriously. Until now, the game maintained an almost mystical silence. A month before its release, not a single official gameplay image had been released, leading many to suspect it might be a scam. However, let’s remember: Leslie Benzies was raised at Rockstar Games, and at Rockstar, nothing is shown until it’s ready; they simmer the sauce gently.
The Return of the TPS in Slippers: To address the core issue, those renowned 12 minutes of gameplay reveal that while the game does not seem completely outdated, it also fails to be particularly impressive. Graphically, it is clean but unremarkable, lacking a distinct artistic direction or visual identity—some might describe it as “generic,” which would not be entirely inaccurate. The protagonist, Jacob Diaz, portrayed by Alex Hernandez (Lincoln Clay from Mafia III), has a subdued presence; he fulfills his role without standing out. Regarding the universe, MindsEye is set in the dystopian, arid, and ultra-connected Redrock City. Surveillance, megacorporations, and omnipotent AI create a classic cyberpunk backdrop. However, this setting feels derivative of other dystopian environments seen previously. The gameplay falls short, with third-person action sequences feeling stagnant. Gunfights are functional but lack panache. Cover systems feel repetitive, and movement is somewhat stiff. Even the companion drone, intended to add strategic depth, primarily serves a decorative purpose. Car chase sequences also disappoint, appearing visually impressive yet mechanically sluggish. While the visuals may be striking, the gameplay experience feels cumbersome and lacks dynamism.
It is not bad, but rather a classic. There is no need for alarm; we are in a somewhat tired classicism rather than a total disaster. The issue lies more with the absence of rough edges than with execution quality. MindsEye presents itself as a well-crafted dish made with high-quality ingredients, yet it lacks true flavor. We were expecting an elaborate feast and instead received a decent but lukewarm plate. In 2025, action/tactical shooter games have significantly evolved. The arrival of such a conventional, unambitious proposal raises questions. However, this old-school, almost directive approach might appeal to players who are tired of sprawling open-worlds that are too demanding and time-consuming. It remains to be seen if MindsEye will transcend its somewhat overly prudent recipe before its release on June 10th. Until then, I leave you to discover the visuals for yourself. Form your own opinion, but remember that Leslie Benzies might still have a few tricks up his sleeve—or not.
For those interested in the innovative mind of Leslie Benzies, creator of MindsEye and former Rockstar Games producer, 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 insightful piece delves into Benzies’ ambitious project that merges the accessibility of a social platform with the depth and creativity of game creation tools. Explore ARCADIA, a free design tool allowing players to craft their own video games without needing coding skills, fostering an inclusive community-driven development environment. Dive into the universe of Everywhere via this link Everywhere: Leslie Benzies’ (ex-Rockstar Games) Fortnite Reveals Its Universe in Video to discover how Benzies is democratizing game creation and expanding the horizons of interactive entertainment.
