Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) released the new "Blacklisted" update for MindsEye today. From what I have read about this content, Blacklisted is just as terrible as the base game of MindsEye with the added bonus of allegedly containing actual "evidence" of alleged sabotage against the game prior to release.
Blacklisted is the probably the most insane release from a developer in the history of video games.
Polygon and at least one ResetEra user shared details of their playthrough of the Blacklisted content, which thankfully means I do not have to experience it for myself. Reading through the lowlights of their playthrough (there are no highlights) feels almost like a fever dream. I'll provide you with a quick rundown, but if you want additional details then I most certainly urge you to read through either of the two previous links.
- Blacklisted's new content does not allow you to save the game at any point. If you quit, you must restart over from the beginning.
- This is apparently not an issue (unless you crash) because the content is only about an hour long.
- The opening cinematic is "compressed to hell and looks awful" and includes apparent AI voiceover narration.
- It also references people and content that are never mentioned again in the Blacklisted content.
- The entire mission plays out "like a repurposed Hitman mission" but instead of Agent 47, you play as a "super spy named Julia Black."
- Keep in mind that there was a scrapped crossover with Hitman, so elements from this content probably came from that.
- Julia travels to a couple different locations, gathers intel, and executes some baddies accused of producing a new designer drug.
- "Along the way, she learns that there’s a much bigger conspiracy theory happening behind the scenes that’s bigger than euphoria-inducing drugs."
- Half of the DLC is just traveling to and from locations "while your handler drops exposition."
- This was also a major problem with the base game.
- You cannot exit your vehicle at all until you reach your destination.
- Outside of a lot of driving, missions are very barebones.
- Infiltrate a warehouse to find intel.
- Put on a disguise to walk into a party.
- Snipe targets with a drone.
- Engage in terrible stealth segments where you can apparently just crouch directly in front of enemies and they won't see you.
- The world around you just does not care:
- Guards do not care if you wave a gun around.
- Hit a cop car after an assassination and they won't react.
- Wear only the top of a cop uniform while keeping on skin tight leather pants? Not an issue, go right ahead officer.
- Julia's handler at one point mentions that there is "a mole within Meridian who stole data from the company."
- Seems like Meridian is the self-insert fictional company for Build a Rocket Boy.
- This "mole" comment echoes with BARB co-founder Leslie Benzies said previously.
- Suggested that Meridian was hacked and that's why everything is bad now.
- In a mission where you steal a masked DJ's identity, "the dialogue calls out a shady agency called Ritual Network."
- Ritual Network is a real company that represents YouTube creators among other content creators.
- Ritual Network represents Cyberboi on YouTube.
- Cyberboi frequently wears a full mask very similar to the one featured in this mission.
- Cyberboi covered MindsEye somewhat extensively prior to release
- BARB co-CEO Mark Gerhard once suggested that Cyberboi was paid by Ritual Network to smear MindsEye.
- Cyberboi has long denied these allegations.
Like everything else related to MindsEye, Blacklisted is nothing more than a wet fart.
As for Build a Rocket Boy, they have been without a publisher since March when IOI Partners dropped them. The studio is also being sued by unionized BARB staff after it was revealed that management installed surveillance software on their computers without being told.
Anyway, here's the official trailer for the Blacklisted content for MindsEye. MindsEye is also apparently discounted now, but don't buy it. Just don't buy it. Don't give that company your money. Give me the money instead. Hell, set that money on fire. Just do anything else with that money instead of buying MindsEye.
