Just got back from a closed preview session of MindsEye, and I'm still buzzing from what I experienced. As someone who's sunk over 500 hours into Cyberpunk 2077 since its rocky 2020 launch and subsequent redemption arc, I've been desperately seeking that next neo-noir fix. Let me tell you - Build a Rocket Boy's upcoming thriller might just be the answer to my cyberpunk prayers.

Night City spoiled us. It really did. That sprawling, neon-drenched metropolis set a bar so high that I've spent years trying to find anything that captures that same dystopian magic. Sure, there are sci-fi games aplenty, but true cyberpunk experiences with AAA production values? Those are rarer than a honest corpo in Night City.

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The Cyberpunk Drought

We all know CD Projekt Red is working on Project Orion (the Cyberpunk sequel), but let's be real - we're looking at 2028 at the earliest. CDPR's fully committed to The Witcher 4 right now, which itself won't drop until late 2026 or 2027. I've been counting the days, checking forums, and subscribing to every rumor channel possible. The wait is excruciating!

That's why MindsEye caught my attention during Sony's State of Play last month. This isn't just any studio either - Build a Rocket Boy is helmed by Leslie Benzies, the former Rockstar North president who shepherded the GTA series from GTA 3 through GTA 5. When I heard that IO Interactive (the Hitman masterminds) were publishing, I immediately marked my calendar for Summer 2025.

My MindsEye Preview Experience

The demo I played puts you in the boots of Jacob Diaz, an ex-soldier haunted by fragmented memories of a mission gone catastrophically wrong. Sound familiar? There are definite parallels to V's journey, but MindsEye carves its own path.

The neural implant technology (the titular "MindsEye") reminds me of Cyberpunk's braindance tech, but with a psychological thriller twist. No Johnny Silverhand here - instead, Diaz's implant contains corrupted memory fragments that you'll piece together throughout the story.

What struck me most was how MindsEye balances its sci-fi elements. It's more grounded than Cyberpunk 2077 but still packs:

  • Murderous robots that made me jump out of my seat

  • Cyborg enemies with terrifying augmentations

  • Corporate overlords that blur the line between business and government

  • AI systems with questionable ethics and intentions

The gameplay feels like the lovechild of Cyberpunk 2077 and GTA. The third-person cover shooting is tight and responsive. I found myself ducking behind futuristic barriers while my drone companion (which you can customize!) provided tactical support. Vehicle sequences feel weighty and impactful - clearly Benzies brought his GTA expertise to the table.

The Themes That Hit Home

What resonated most with me were the thematic parallels to Cyberpunk 2077. MindsEye doesn't shy away from exploring:

  1. The corrupting influence of unchecked corporate power

  2. How technology simultaneously connects and isolates us

  3. The ethical quandaries of neural implants and memory manipulation

  4. AI's potential to either save humanity or replace it

During one particularly intense sequence, I had to make a split-second decision about trusting an AI entity. The consequences were... well, I won't spoil it, but let's just say I'll be making a different choice in the full game.

The Everywhere Connection

The most intriguing aspect might be how MindsEye connects to Build a Rocket Boy's broader platform called "Everywhere." Think of it as a more mature, realistic Roblox or Fortnite Creative - a meta-platform containing multiple experiences.

From what the developers showed me, MindsEye serves as both a standalone narrative adventure and a gateway into this larger ecosystem. I got to briefly explore a social hub where other players were designing their own scenarios and games within the MindsEye universe.

My Verdict So Far

Is MindsEye going to completely fill the Cyberpunk-shaped hole in our hearts until Project Orion arrives? Based on my preview:

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (out of 5)

It's not trying to be Cyberpunk 2077 2.0, and that's a good thing! MindsEye stands confidently on its own merits while scratching that cyberpunk itch we've all been feeling.

The Summer 2025 release date feels both tantalizingly close and frustratingly far. I've already cleared my schedule for that entire month - this is going to be one of those games that demands your full attention.

For those of us who've worn out our welcome in Night City but crave more dystopian sci-fi thrills, MindsEye looks set to deliver a fresh take on the genre we love. The combination of Benzies' open-world expertise, IO Interactive's narrative chops, and a setting that balances near-future tech with psychological horror has me counting down the days.

Just remember, choombas - I called it first when this game takes the 2025 Game Awards by storm! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to pre-order my collector's edition before they sell out.