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MONSTER

MindsEye

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of MindsEye
Item: MindsEye
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Single Player

AvailableJun 10, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperBuild a Rocket Boy

Overview

Play as Jacob Diaz, a former soldier fitted with The MindsEye, a mysterious neural implant that haunts him with fragmented memories of a covert mission that changed his life forever. Fight to uncover the truth in a world where AI, high-tech experimentation, and unchecked military power shape every encounter. Jacob isn’t the only one searching for answers, forces working from the shadows may be more powerful and dangerous than he ever imagined. Get ready for intense combat - on foot, behind the wheel, and in the air - where every decision can mean the difference between survival and defeat.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

MindsEye offers a visually stunning blend of cyberpunk and Vegas glam, praised for its intriguing themes of AI and corruption. However, critics largely agree that the narrative suffers from predictability, lack of depth, and poor execution, leaving players with uninteresting characters and a forgettable story. Despite its potential, the game ultimately disappoints, failing to deliver a compelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

53%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of MindsEye presents a mixed bag of opinions, with some critics acknowledging certain strengths. Several reviewers, such as GameStar and Vandal, highlight the high production values and interesting concepts, particularly the blend of cyberpunk aesthetics with Las Vegas glamour. Critics like Push Square also appreciate the decent characters and semi-entertaining plot, suggesting that there are moments of cleverness and intrigue within the narrative. Moreover, the story's exploration of themes such as artificial intelligence, political corruption, and corporate conspiracies does resonate with some reviewers, indicating that there is a foundation for an engaging narrative. However, a significant number of critics point out numerous weaknesses that detract from the overall experience. Many reviews, including those from GameSpot and But Why Tho?, describe the story as generic, predictable, and lacking depth. Critics like Digital Trends and Metro GameCentral express disappointment in the execution of themes, claiming that the narrative fails to engage meaningfully with its own ideas, resulting in uninteresting characters and a lack of emotional resonance. Additionally, issues such as pacing, character development, and tonal inconsistencies are frequently mentioned, with Game8 and Eurogamer noting that these flaws lead to a forgettable and unsatisfactory narrative experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that while MindsEye has the potential to explore intriguing themes and present a visually appealing narrative, it ultimately falls short in execution. The story is often described as lacking depth and coherence, with many reviewers, including IGN and GamingTrend, noting that it fails to deliver a compelling experience. Overall, the narrative struggles with predictability and cliché, leaving players with a sense of disappointment rather than fulfillment. Critics seem to agree that despite its promising premise, MindsEye does not fully capitalize on its ideas, resulting in a story that many found to be underwhelming.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

MindsEye receives sparse praise for its driving mechanics and the introduction of a drone, but critics overwhelmingly slam its gameplay as simplistic, linear, and repetitive. Poor gunplay, broken AI, and uninspired missions lead to a tedious experience, with many reviewers feeling it fails to meet modern action game standards, leaving it a disappointing missed opportunity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

84%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of MindsEye has received a few scattered compliments, primarily regarding its driving mechanics, which some critics, such as Push Square, noted as a highlight despite the overall dissatisfaction. Acknowledging the game’s cover-based shooting system, Digital Trends described the mechanics as "unremarkable but functional," suggesting that while they may not innovate, they serve their purpose adequately. Additionally, the introduction of a drone by Xbox Tavern was mentioned as a potential source of variety in gameplay, indicating that there are elements of the game that could appeal to players looking for some novelty, even if they are overshadowed by other shortcomings. However, the overwhelming sentiment from critics points to significant flaws in the gameplay of MindsEye. Many reviewers, including Game8 and Metro GameCentral, criticized the gameplay for being simplistic, linear, and repetitive, with a notable lack of depth in both combat and mission design. The gunplay has been described as "poor" and "unsatisfying" by several critics, including But Why Tho? and Eurogamer, while the AI has been labeled as "dumb" and "broken," leading to a frustrating experience. The missions are often characterized as generic and uninspired, with critics like GameSpot and IGN highlighting the lack of engagement and excitement, making the overall experience feel tedious. The overall consensus among critics is that MindsEye fails to deliver a compelling gameplay experience, primarily due to its linear structure and lack of innovation. Critics such as Gameliner and GamingBolt emphasized the game's restrictive design, which punishes players for deviating from set paths, leading to a sense of frustration and diminished player agency. The repetitive nature of missions and the dated mechanics have left many reviewers, including Vandal and GamingTrend, feeling that the game does not meet the expectations set by modern action titles. In summary, while there are minor positives, the gameplay of MindsEye is largely viewed as a missed opportunity, lacking the depth and engagement necessary to captivate players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

MindsEye boasts stunning visuals and character models powered by Unreal Engine 5, earning praise for its high-quality cutscenes and atmospheric design. However, technical shortcomings like poor optimization, blurriness, and inconsistent performance mar the experience. Critics argue that despite its visual potential, the game suffers from a lack of polish and creative depth, ultimately falling short of its ambitious goals.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of MindsEye have garnered a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers, particularly those who played on different platforms. Critics like GameSpot and GamingBolt have highlighted the impressive character models and the high-fidelity visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, especially in cutscenes. GameStar also commended the professional camera work and stylish presentation, suggesting that the game showcases strong visual potential. Additionally, But Why Tho? noted the nearly photo-realistic world design, which indicates that there are moments where the visual design shines, particularly in character animations and atmospheric lighting. However, a significant number of reviewers pointed out various shortcomings that mar the overall visual experience. Digital Trends and Metro GameCentral criticized the game for its poor optimization, citing issues such as asset pop-in, distracting blurriness, and low frame rates. Push Square echoed these sentiments, mentioning that while cutscenes are visually impressive, the gameplay visuals are plagued by blurriness and optimization problems. Furthermore, The Jimquisition described the visual design as generic and uninspired, while Xbox Tavern noted performance struggles that lead to choppy framerates, indicating a lack of polish and consistency across the board. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while MindsEye possesses a strong visual foundation with moments of aesthetic appeal, it is ultimately hindered by technical issues and a lack of creative depth. Reviewers like GamesRadar+ and IGN emphasized that the visuals, although capable of impressing, often feel wasted due to performance problems and a shallow art direction. The mixed feedback indicates that while there is potential in the game's visual design, it remains unfulfilled due to inconsistent execution and optimization challenges, leaving many critics feeling that the game falls short of its ambitious goals.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"MindsEye" boasts a thumping sci-fi soundtrack praised by some, enhancing its cinematic cutscenes; however, the majority of critics slam the overall sound design, citing poor voice acting and lackluster sound effects that detract from the experience. While moments of auditory brilliance exist, the game ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and impactful audio experience, leaving many disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

55%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions regarding the sound design and music of "MindsEye" reveal a mixed bag of sentiments, with some critics highlighting positive aspects. Digital Trends praises the game for its "thumping sci-fi soundtrack" that effectively complements its cinematic cutscenes, suggesting that the music contributes positively to the overall atmosphere. Similarly, GamingTrend lauds the soundtrack as a standout feature, awarding it a perfect score for its driving beats that enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, Critical Hits acknowledges the soundtrack and voice acting as good, indicating that while they may not be the game's strongest points, they still offer a satisfactory audio experience. On the other hand, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the sound design, particularly regarding the quality of sound effects and voice acting. Game8 criticizes the audio design heavily, labeling the voice acting as poor and the sound effects as below expectations for a AAA title. The Jimquisition echoes this sentiment, describing the weapon sounds as lacking impact and feeling "toy-like," which detracts from the overall audio experience. But Why Tho? also notes inconsistencies in the sound design, with weapon sounds failing to deliver the expected quality. GameSpot and GamingBolt further emphasize the muted and forgettable nature of the sound design, indicating that it contributes to a bland combat experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards disappointment in the sound design and music of "MindsEye." While some reviewers, like Digital Trends and GamingTrend, appreciate the soundtrack for its atmospheric qualities, the majority, including Game8, The Jimquisition, and IGN, highlight significant shortcomings in sound effects and voice acting. This dichotomy suggests that while the game has moments of auditory brilliance, particularly in its music, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and impactful audio experience, leaving many players wanting more from a title with such cinematic aspirations.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

MindsEye's voice acting is polarizing; some critics praise its campy charm and standout performances, like Alex Hernandez as Jacob Diaz, enhancing emotional engagement. However, others slam it for poor dialogue and awkward delivery, which detracts from immersion. The consensus is mixed—while some enjoy the quirky tone, many find it cringeworthy and lacking emotional depth. Players' experiences will vary widely based on their taste for camp versus quality.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in MindsEye has received a mix of opinions, with several critics highlighting some positive aspects. Digital Trends praised the voice acting as "campy and enjoyable," suggesting that the cast embraced the game's tone, which added a layer of charm to the experience. Similarly, GamingBolt noted that Alex Hernandez delivered a standout performance as Jacob Diaz, effectively carrying the emotional weight of the story. Critics like GamingTrend also mentioned that the voice acting performances were solid and contributed positively to the overall experience. This indicates that, for some players, the voice acting can enhance the narrative and emotional engagement within the game. On the other hand, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting in MindsEye. Game8 described it as "hard to listen to," pointing out cringeworthy dialogue and poor delivery, which can detract from immersion. But Why Tho? echoed this sentiment, stating that the voice acting lacked emotional weight during critical story moments, suggesting a failure to engage players during pivotal scenes. Additionally, Multiplayer.it described the voice acting as "embarrassing" due to poorly written dialogues, which further detracts from the overall experience. GameSpot also highlighted issues with awkward line deliveries that disrupt the flow of conversations, indicating a lack of consistency in quality. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in MindsEye is divided. While some critics, like Digital Trends and GamingBolt, found merit in the performances and the charm they brought to the game, others, such as Game8 and Multiplayer.it, expressed significant dissatisfaction with the quality of the dialogue and delivery. This dichotomy suggests that the voice acting may resonate differently with players, depending on their expectations and tolerance for campiness versus emotional depth. Ultimately, while there are strong performances that shine through, the inconsistent quality and some poorly executed elements leave a mixed impression on the overall voice acting experience in MindsEye.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

MindsEye is plagued by severe technical issues across most platforms, especially on PS5 and Xbox Series X, where crashes and poor performance dominate reviews. While PC players may experience some stability with robust hardware, the overall consensus is disappointment. Critics agree the game feels unfinished and requires extensive polish before it can be recommended.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

89%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of MindsEye across various gaming platforms, it is important to first highlight the few positives that emerged from the reviews. On PC, GameSpot noted that the game is mostly stable, despite occasional stuttering, which suggests that some players may have a satisfactory experience if their hardware is robust enough. Additionally, Guardian mentioned that they encountered only minor issues on an older PC, indicating that performance may vary based on individual setups. However, across the board, the positives are overshadowed by the overwhelming consensus on the game's shortcomings. The negatives for MindsEye are pronounced, particularly on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Critics such as Digital Trends and Game8 reported significant technical issues, including poor framerates, crashes, and a lack of optimization that severely detracts from the gameplay experience. Gameliner described it as one of the worst performing games on the PS5, while Metro GameCentral pointed out issues like stuttering performance and broken AI. Similarly, on Xbox Series X, But Why Tho? and Xbox Tavern highlighted severe technical problems, including crashes and instability. On PC, while some reviews like that of GamingBolt noted generally smooth performance, many others, including IGN and Vandal, pointed out significant performance issues, including frame drops and glitches that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms is that MindsEye suffers from a plethora of technical issues that hinder its playability. The overwhelming majority of reviews indicate that the game feels unfinished, with significant performance problems that vary in severity depending on the platform. While there are isolated instances of stable performance, particularly on PC, the general sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment. Critics like Push Square and GamingTrend emphasize that the game requires substantial polish and optimization before it can be recommended to players. As it stands, MindsEye is viewed as a title that, despite its potential, is marred by technical shortcomings that need urgent attention.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

MindsEye struggles with replay value, despite some potential from user-generated content tools. Critics agree that the game suffers from repetitive missions, lack of meaningful side content, and technical issues, making it unengaging and overly long. While a few see promise for community creativity, the overall sentiment is clear: the game fails to incentivize players to return after the initial playthrough, leading to a disappointing experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

82%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In examining the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of MindsEye, there are a few positive aspects worth noting. Some reviewers, such as Guardian and GamingBolt, highlight the inclusion of user-generated content tools, which theoretically could provide a platform for community engagement and creativity. This aspect suggests a glimmer of potential for replayability, especially for dedicated fans who may find enjoyment in creating and sharing their own content. However, this potential is often overshadowed by the overall gameplay experience, which many critics found lacking. The overwhelming sentiment among critics is that MindsEye suffers from significant drawbacks that severely limit its replay value. Digital Trends, Game8, and Push Square all point out the absence of meaningful side content and the repetitive nature of missions, which fail to incentivize players to return after completing the main story. Metro GameCentral emphasizes that the game feels overly long without offering a continuation of the story, while GameSpot and Eurogamer echo the sentiment that the side missions are poorly designed and unengaging. This consensus suggests that the linear design and technical issues further detract from the game's appeal, making it difficult for players to find reasons to revisit. Overall, the critics largely agree that MindsEye has low replay value, with many citing a lack of engaging content and meaningful exploration. While some potential exists through user-generated content, as noted by critics like GamingTrend and Vandal, the general consensus is that the game does not provide enough incentive for players to return after the initial playthrough. The critiques highlight a significant disconnect between the game's ambitions and its execution, ultimately leading to a disappointing experience for those seeking long-term engagement.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

78%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding "MindsEye" from various critics reflects a mix of appreciation for its potential and significant disappointment with its execution. Some reviewers, such as GamingBolt and GamingTrend, highlight the game's impressive visuals and soundtrack, suggesting that it possesses artistic merit and ambition. Critics like Critical Hits and GameStar also acknowledge the game's potential, noting that it could have been more engaging had it been better developed. There are mentions of intriguing concepts and story elements that hint at a deeper narrative, which some believe could resonate with players if the game were refined. However, the negatives overwhelmingly overshadow the positives. Many critics, including Metro GameCentral and The Jimquisition, label "MindsEye" as one of the worst games of the modern era, citing its poor execution and lack of engaging gameplay. Game8 and Eurogamer emphasize the game's significant flaws, such as technical issues, unrefined mechanics, and a lack of coherent ideas, which hinder the overall experience. Critics like Push Square and But Why Tho? describe it as a "broken and boring" game, indicating that despite any potential, the execution is fundamentally flawed. The consensus is that the game feels rushed and unfinished, leading to a disappointing experience for players. Overall, the critics converge on a consensus that "MindsEye" is a dismal failure in its current state, with many recommending it only under specific circumstances, such as a sale or after significant patches. The game is seen as a cautionary tale of development missteps, with reviewers like IGN and Multiplayer.it highlighting its overly ambitious nature that ultimately fails to deliver on its promises. While there are glimmers of creativity and potential, the overwhelming sentiment is that "MindsEye" is not worth playing in its present form, as it lacks the depth and polish needed for a compelling gaming experience.

TL;DR

"MindsEye" garners mixed reviews, praised for its visuals and ambition but ultimately slammed for poor execution and gameplay. Critics call it a dismal failure, riddled with technical flaws and a lack of engaging content. Despite some intriguing concepts, it feels rushed and unfinished, making it a cautionary tale of overreach in game development. Best approached only on sale or after significant updates.

MONSTER

Reviews

43 reviews found

GameStar

Jun 12, 2025