**MindsEye Update 5: A Niche Open-World Shooter Evolves Amidst Challenges**
“Open world game that doesn’t need or particularly want to be an open world game” might sound like a niche subgenre, but it’s one sizeable enough to include titles like *L.A. Noire* and several *Mafia* games—and now *MindsEye* joins the list.
Developed by Build a Rocket Boy, a studio led by a former *GTA* producer, *MindsEye* launched amidst a rocky start. While some might describe its debut as just troubled, the wave of layoffs that followed suggests the word “catastrophic” may be more fitting. Despite this, post-launch updates have continued to roll out, with the latest being Update 5.
### What’s New in Update 5?
This update brings two highly requested features: a dodge roll and the ability to shoulder-swap. However, players hoping for a melee attack will have to remain patient, as it hasn’t been added yet.
Interestingly, Update 5 also removes a feature rather than adding one. The patch notes say, “Free Roam is taking a short break but will return soon.” This isn’t entirely surprising, given that the Free Roam mode wasn’t a fan favorite.
### The Curious Case of Free Roam and “Can’t Drink Dust Guy”
Free Roam placed players in an open city but limited them to driving a single car. You could get out to complete missions such as shooting enemies in car parks for meager rewards. What puzzled many was the playable character—dubbed “Can’t Drink Dust Guy” by players. He’s depicted as an old man wearing a gas mask and an unusual outfit with the phrase “CAN’T DRINK DUST” emblazoned across his bare stomach, marking the first of many baffling creative choices in *MindsEye*.
### New Modes to Explore
Beyond adjustments to existing gameplay, Update 5 adds several fresh modes:
– A wave-based shooter infused with “chaotic Halloween energy.”
– A couple of exciting drone races.
– A Halloween-themed VIP protection mode.
Despite evoking the spirit of *Fortnite*’s Creative mode, these new experiences are entirely single-player focused.
### Introducing Arcadia: The No-Code Creation Tool
Perhaps the most cryptic addition in Update 5 is **Arcadia**. The patch notes state:
> “Play. MindsEye is now ARCADIA, and Build. MindsEye is now Build. ARCADIA on PC.”
Not exactly illuminating, right?
In-game descriptions clarify a bit more: Arcadia is “Build A Rocket Boy’s powerful, no-code creation tool. New content will be delivered regularly from Build A Rocket Boy and also from our talented crew of player creators.”
This seems to be a rebranding—or perhaps a revival—of *Everywhere*, the ambitious, never-ending user-generated sandbox the studio initially promised before shifting focus onto *MindsEye*.
### Looking Ahead
Will Arcadia fulfill its promise and bring the high-concept sandbox experience fans hoped for? Only time will tell. And if it does, here’s hoping it brings back our enigmatic “Can’t Drink Dust Guy” to join the adventure.
—
*MindsEye* continues to evolve, carving out its unique space in the open-world shooter scene, even if it sometimes marches to its own strangely captivating beat.
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/mindseye-loses-its-free-roam-mode-gains-a-dodge-roll-and-rebrands-itself-as-powered-by-arcadia-whatever-that-means/
