MindsEye
" Narrative-driven action-adventure thriller with engaging story and driving, but severe performance issues "
MindsEye Review
MindsEye has been widely criticized by players for its poor optimization, numerous bugs, and lackluster gameplay. Many users report severe performance issues including stuttering and frame drops even on high-end PCs, with complaints about the game running poorly at 4K and struggling to maintain stable framerates. The game is described as an unfinished, rushed product with broken AI, bland open world, and repetitive mission design that largely involves driving and shooting with limited variety.
Despite these technical and design flaws, the storyline and cutscenes receive some praise for being somewhat engaging and well-acted, with decent worldbuilding and atmosphere. However, the narrative pacing is criticized as rushed and convoluted, with little character development and an unsatisfying ending. The open world is considered empty and lifeless, lacking meaningful activities and features such as a police system or vehicle theft.
Overall, players feel the game had potential but was released prematurely, leaving a disappointing experience that does not justify its full price. Many recommend waiting for major patches or deep discounts before considering a purchase.
Highlights
Players appreciate the story and cutscenes for being engaging and atmospheric, with solid voice acting and cinematic presentation.
The driving mechanics are noted as surprisingly good, with responsive handling and enjoyable vehicle physics.
Graphically, some praise is given to the city design, lighting, and detailed environments visible in cutscenes, despite in-game graphical glitches.
The game also contains some interesting lore and futuristic elements that hint at a deeper world.
These aspects stand out amid an otherwise flawed gameplay experience.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on poor optimization and severe performance issues, including stuttering, frame drops, and crashes even on powerful hardware.
The AI is repeatedly described as brain dead, with enemies acting erratically or ignoring the player, and NPCs exhibiting unrealistic behavior.
Players find the gameplay repetitive and shallow, with limited mission variety, no melee or explosives, and weak combat mechanics.
The open world is empty and lifeless, lacking interactive elements, a police system, and vehicle theft mechanics.
Additionally, the game suffers from bugs, graphical glitches, and awkward controls, with many calling it an unfinished, rushed product unworthy of its full price.
Pros
- • Story and cutscenes are engaging with solid voice acting and cinematic quality.
- • Driving mechanics are responsive and enjoyable with good vehicle physics.
- • City design and lighting look impressive during cutscenes and some gameplay.
- • Some interesting lore and futuristic worldbuilding elements are present.
- • Shooting mechanics have decent gun recoil and impact for some players.
- • Atmospheric music and sound design enhance immersion in certain areas.
- • Seamless blending of missions and cutscenes provides a cinematic flow.
Cons
- • Severe performance issues with stuttering and frame drops on high-end PCs.
- • AI is non-existent or broken, with enemies and NPCs behaving unrealistically.
- • Gameplay is repetitive, shallow, and lacks mission variety or depth.
- • Open world is empty, lifeless, and lacks police or vehicle theft systems.
- • Numerous bugs, glitches, and graphical artifacts disrupt immersion.
- • Controls, especially driving on mouse and keyboard, feel awkward and clunky.
- • No melee combat or explosives, limiting combat options significantly.
Rating Criteria
MindsEye is a narrative driven, single-player action-adventure thriller set in the near-future fictional desert city of Redrock. Featuring best-in-class cinematics, high octane driving, and explosive combat from game director, Leslie Benzies.