MindsEye: A Rocky Launch for Rockstar Alum

MindsEye, the ambitious action-adventure game from Build a Rocket Boy, led by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies, launched on June 10, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Touted as a cinematic, narrative-driven thriller set in the futuristic desert city of Redrock, the game promised a blend of high-octane driving, explosive combat, and a gripping story centered on Jacob Diaz, a former soldier unraveling the mysteries of a neural implant. With Benzies’ pedigree tied to iconic titles like Grand Theft Auto, expectations were sky-high. However, just days after release, MindsEye’s reception has been a mixed bag, marred by technical issues, divisive gameplay, and pre-launch controversies. Here’s a deep dive into how the game is performing and what fans are saying.

A Promising Premise Meets Technical Turbulence

MindsEye’s core concept—a linear, story-driven experience with a “faux-open” world reminiscent of Mafia: Definitive Edition—generated significant buzz since its 2022 teaser. The game’s narrative, exploring themes of AI, corporate espionage, and political corruption, has been a highlight for some. Fans on platforms like X have praised the “solid” story, with compelling cutscenes and high-quality character models delivering a cinematic feel. The soundtrack and, on PS5, the haptic feedback have also earned positive nods, with one player noting the game “feels like a linear GTA with a sci-fi twist.”

Yet, the shine of MindsEye’s storytelling is overshadowed by widespread technical issues. Steam reviews, currently at a “Mixed” rating (42% positive), highlight severe optimization problems, frequent crashes, and bugs ranging from stuttering to distorted character models. Players report frame rates dipping below 20 FPS, even on high-end systems or the PS5 Pro, with blurry visuals and screen tearing further souring the experience. One X user called it a “disaster” due to “horrifying glitches” across platforms, with a peak concurrent player count of just 3,302 on Steam underscoring the lackluster launch. Critics echo these sentiments, with early reviews from Game8 (46%) and Push Square (30%) slamming the game as a “broken, boring mess” and a “futuristic faceplant.”

Gameplay: Style Over Substance?

MindsEye’s gameplay, blending third-person shooting, driving, and drone-based mechanics, draws comparisons to Cyberpunk 2077, Max Payne, and GTA. However, the execution has left many fans wanting. Combat is often described as “generic” and “outdated,” with enemy AI lacking depth and encounters feeling repetitive. Driving mechanics, likened to Watch Dogs 2, have mixed feedback—some appreciate the car physics, while others find them stiff. The game’s “faux-open” world, set in the sprawling Redrock City, promises exploration through a Free Roam mode, but players criticize the lack of meaningful activities outside the linear campaign, with one streamer noting “no free roam activities” to keep players engaged.

The Build.MindsEye system, allowing players to create and share user-generated content within the game’s Everywhere platform, was a major selling point. Compared to custom Minecraft servers, this feature aims to extend the game’s longevity with community-driven content. However, at launch, it hasn’t been enough to offset the core game’s shortcomings, with some players feeling it’s a distraction from a campaign that feels “disjointed” and “semi-entertaining at best.”

Controversies and Developer Response

MindsEye’s launch was preceded by a bizarre pre-release controversy. In May 2025, Build a Rocket Boy’s co-CEO Mark Gerhard claimed negative feedback, including X comments calling the game a “broken mess,” was part of a “concerted effort” by unnamed parties—possibly linked to Benzies’ former employer, Rockstar—paying for bad press. These claims, made on Discord, stirred skepticism among fans, with some dismissing them as excuses for a lackluster preview build. The absence of pre-release review copies further fueled distrust, as critics and players alike discovered the game’s issues on launch day.

In response to the backlash, Build a Rocket Boy issued an apology, acknowledging technical issues and promising patches to address bugs and performance. The developer outlined an ambitious post-launch roadmap, including monthly updates, a multiplayer mode slated for late 2025, and additional mission packs through 2026 for Deluxe Edition owners. While some fans remain hopeful, citing the potential for a No Man’s Sky-style recovery, others are less optimistic, with one X user suggesting the game “should have taken two more years for proper polish.”

Fan Sentiment: A Divided Community

Fan reactions on X and review platforms reflect a polarized reception. Optimistic players appreciate MindsEye’s ambition, with comments like “great cutscenes & story” and “no glitches/crashes yet” after limited playtime. Others are scathing, labeling it a “massive ooof” and comparing its troubled launch to Cyberpunk 2077’s infamous debut. The game’s $59.99/£54.99 price tag (or up to $299.90 for the Deluxe Edition on PS Store) has drawn criticism, especially given its unpolished state. Some fans speculate it could end up on PS Plus or Game Pass to recover interest, though it’s not currently available on Microsoft’s subscription service.

The Road Ahead

Despite its rocky start, MindsEye has glimmers of potential. Its cinematic storytelling and unique setting resonate with some, and the promise of user-generated content and future updates could breathe new life into the game. However, Build a Rocket Boy faces an uphill battle to restore faith. The studio’s startup status and Benzies’ decision to prioritize a shorter marketing cycle may have backfired, with many feeling the game was rushed. Whether the team can deliver on its promises—fixing bugs, optimizing performance, and expanding content—will determine if MindsEye can rise above its “mediocre” label and carve out a place in 2025’s competitive gaming landscape.

For now, MindsEye stands as a cautionary tale of ambition outpacing execution. Fans of Benzies’ past work may find moments of brilliance, but the consensus is clear: this sci-fi thriller needed more time in the oven. As one player put it, “Unless they pull a miracle, this game will most likely be DOA.” Stay tuned for updates as Build a Rocket Boy works to salvage Redrock’s future.