The Worst Game Ever Made May Make A Comeback, But Should It?

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In the past, a poorly launched game usually meant developers would simply give up and start a new project. But now, with the ability to release updates and fixes after launch, games have a second chance. Developers can now release a game in bad shape and then improve it with updates until players come back and consider it a turnaround success story. Great examples of this are Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky.

Look, not every disastrous game launch gets the attention it deserves. Some developers try to fix things, others just say they will, and a rare few actually put in the work to deliver what they originally promised, hoping to win back players. A perfect example is MindsEye, which was easily the worst game of 2025, and honestly, one of the worst I’ve ever played. The developers are so determined to prove it’s actually good that they’re throwing update after update at it, trying to salvage it. But honestly, no matter how much they patch it, I just don’t think it’s a game worth saving.

MindsEye Is Making A Comeback

You might remember MindsEye, the open-world game that was widely considered one of the worst of 2025. While most people assumed it had disappeared, that’s not the case. Despite a negative response to the initial announcement, a terrible launch, and a complete lack of player interest afterward, the developers at Build a Rocket Boy are continuing to release updates and trying to generate excitement for the game.

Since its 2025 release, the game has received many updates. The developer is working to fix significant bugs and improve the overall experience, which has been widely criticized. It’s commendable that Build a Rocket Boy is trying to make the game playable for its small player base (under 20, according to SteamDB data). They’re aiming to let those players get through the uninspired campaign without encountering crashes, graphical glitches, or falling through the game world with every movement.

Despite all the criticism MindsEye has received, it looks like the game might have a chance to turn things around. It’s still unclear how successful that turnaround will be, especially considering the recent layoffs at Build a Rocket Boy following the game’s poor sales and reviews. Still, it’s surprising to me that the developer – and particularly CEO Leslie Benzies – wants MindsEye to follow in the footsteps of games like Cyberpunk 2077 or No Man’s Sky. It seems like an impossible goal, and frankly, I don’t think MindsEye has earned a second chance.

MindsEye Doesn’t Deserve A Redemption Arc

I previously noted that before the age of constant game updates, truly terrible games were just… forgotten. They’d end up in the clearance section, and people would make fun of them. Sometimes that felt bad, as the game’s problems were often due to being rushed or lacking funding. But other times, it was the best thing that could happen. Some games just aren’t worth fixing – either the core idea is uninteresting, even if fully developed, or the game’s design is fundamentally flawed and never truly fun.

MindsEye is deeply flawed, essentially broken from the start. It would need a complete rebuild, not just improvements, to be a playable game. While it claims to be an open-world experience, the world feels empty and lacks meaningful activities. The landscapes can be pretty, but the streets are deserted and characters don’t respond. It feels less like a world to explore and more like a static backdrop, similar to the painted sets used in classic Hollywood movies.

The game’s story is confusing and lacks impact, making it generally uninteresting, even with a strong performance by Alex Hernandez. The shooting mechanics are significantly below average compared to other games in the genre, missing essential elements like grenades, stealth, and hand-to-hand combat. The missions in MindsEye follow a predictable and restrictive pattern, the enemies are incredibly weak, and the optional content is poorly designed. Surprisingly, you can’t even switch vehicles, despite driving being a major part of the game. The missions are frustratingly strict: crashing your car, straying from the set path, or attempting anything creative will result in failure.

MindsEye Is Better Off Dead

MindsEye isn’t just a bad game, it’s fundamentally flawed. There’s nothing about it that can be salvaged. Even if the developers fixed all the current problems, it would only end up being a mediocre third-person shooter, similar to the poorly received Saints Row reboot. It’s different from No Man’s Sky, which didn’t live up to its promises but at least offered a unique vision. And it’s unlike Cyberpunk 2077, which had a great story and a genuinely interesting world, despite its technical issues. MindsEye simply doesn’t offer anything redeeming.

It’s unlikely MindsEye will become a massive hit like Cyberpunk 2077 or Grand Theft Auto, and honestly, it probably never was going to. I don’t want to be overly critical, but finishing the game would require a huge amount of money and could potentially bankrupt the studio. Instead of continuing to pour resources into MindsEye, Build a Rocket Boy should focus on a smaller, more achievable project. They need to rebuild trust after this disappointing launch, demonstrate that MindsEye was an anomaly, and prove they’re capable of making good games. Ultimately, it would be best for everyone if the game was abandoned.

Should MindsEye get another shot? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-14 01:12