“Before Your Eyes” Review: A Glimpse Into the Soul

Rating: 10/10 ⭐️

In a world where the phrase “innovative gameplay” is tossed around for anything and everything, “Before Your Eyes” truly stands out with its unique control scheme of controlling the story by blinking. Developed by GoodbyeWorld Games, this narrative-driven adventure takes you on a profound emotional journey, which will tug at your heartstrings.

At the heart of “Before Your Eyes” is the story of Benjamin Brynn, a soul adrift in the afterlife. The game begins on a boat, you are on your way to the afterlife, and a nicely dressed wolf is the ferryman guiding you to the gatekeeper. For the gatekeeper to let you in, the ferryman has to tell the story of your life and you relive your memories from the start, jumping forward each time you blink. I don’t want to spoil the story for you… it’s sweet, it’s sad and filled me with melancholy but I’m glad for the experience. This game is a heartfelt exploration of life’s fleeting moments, aspirations, dreams and fantasies.

Of course, there are other games in a similar vein but what sets this apart is the controls. The camera tracks your blinks, and the game advances with each blink, you have to keep your eyes open to stay with the memory. A blink and you are on to the next memory making every moment feel precious and ephemeral. What made this whole gameplay even better was the moments in which I had to keep my eyes closed to ‘hear clearly’ or ‘recall a conversation or memory’ that I’d forgotten.

The game’s art style, with its vibrant yet soft colour palette, complements the storytelling beautifully, crafting scenes that linger in the memory long after the screen fades to black. Coupled with a poignant soundtrack, the game’s atmosphere is one of introspection and gentle melancholy.

“Before Your Eyes” is an experience that runs just over an hour, it succinctly captures the essence of life’s brevity and beauty. It’s a reminder that while we cannot control the flow of time, we can choose how we fill the moments we’re given.

This game is a must-play for those who cherish storytelling in gaming, offering a narrative depth that is rare and profoundly moving. Through every blink, we’re invited to reflect on our own lives, the memories we hold dear, and the inevitable passage of time that waits for no one.