Actor Alex Hernandez, known for his starring roles in "MindsEye" and "Mafia III," recently sat down for an exclusive interview with the "FRVR" Podcast. During the discussion, he reflected on the immense pressure he endured after both games received less-than-favorable critical and player reception. 
Hernandez candidly admitted that the wave of negative reviews at one point made him doubt if he would ever secure another role in the gaming industry. He even jokingly suggested he might possess a "jinxing" quality, causing any project he participates in to falter.
In "MindsEye," Hernandez portrayed the protagonist Jacob Diaz, while in "Mafia III," he brought to life Lincoln Clay. Both titles faced severe criticism from players regarding their gameplay mechanics and overall polish, making Hernandez a central figure in the ensuing backlash. 
"As the face on the cover, players projected all their emotions and dissatisfaction onto me, making me feel like I might not get another opportunity," he stated. Hernandez noted that while much of the criticism was directed at the game's design, the public often simplified the blame, unfairly placing it on the actors.
He revealed that the two days following "MindsEye's" launch were a period of intense emotional struggle, with some online resorting to extreme language to attack him and the development team. However, he also received a significant outpouring of encouragement: "Some people told me, 'The game is bad, but your performance is great,' or expressed hope that I would appear in better projects." These supportive messages helped him gradually realize that he had fulfilled his role, and he didn't need to shoulder the burden of the game's overall critical reception.
Hernandez shared that with the unwavering support of his wife, he learned to view failure as a crucial opportunity for growth. "Both success and failure in life are learning processes, and failure often provides more nourishment," he explained. He cited adopting the mindset of "accepting what cannot be changed and having the courage to change what can be changed" as a pivotal turning point in overcoming his emotional slump.
Nevertheless, he confessed that the experience of two consecutive poorly received projects inevitably led him to question, "I'm not a superstitious person, but sometimes I wonder if I'm a 'jinx,' and everything I touch turns bad."
Despite these lingering doubts, Hernandez emphasized that he remains profoundly proud of his work.
"I have two game covers with my face on them at home. Since childhood, I dreamed of being involved in games, and now I've not only achieved that twice but also lent my voice to over 20 projects," Hernandez proudly stated. "I get to work with incredibly talented people, and even if the projects aren't perfect, there's still something truly worth cherishing."
Currently, "MindsEye" holds notably low Metacritic scores: 28 for its PS5 version, 33 for Xbox, and 37 for PC. Despite the game's poor reception, Hernandez affirmed that he will continue moving forward, transforming these challenging experiences into valuable lessons that will fuel his career.