Before Your Eyes Review: 7 Powerful Reasons This Emotional Game Hits You Right in the Feelings
Key Takeaways
- A story-driven game controlled by your real-life blinks
- Short playtime, but emotionally heavy in the best way
- Focuses on memories, family, and growing up
- Simple visuals that let the story do the talking
- One of the most unique narrative experiences in gaming
Before Your Eyes is a short but unforgettable story game that uses your webcam to track your blinking, turning something as natural as closing your eyes into a powerful storytelling tool. It’s emotional, creative, and quietly devastating in a way only indie games can pull off.
What Is Before Your Eyes?
Before Your Eyes is a narrative-driven indie game developed by GoodbyeWorld Games. At first glance, it looks simple. You sit, you listen, and you relive memories from a person’s life. But then the game asks for access to your webcam, and suddenly… blinking becomes part of the gameplay.
Yes, your actual blinking.
The first time I realized that closing my eyes skipped moments in the story, I panicked a little. I tried to fight it. I failed. And that’s exactly the point.
A Story Told Through Blinks
How the Blink Mechanic Works
The core idea is wild but surprisingly natural.
- Blink, and time moves forward
- Keep your eyes open, and you linger in moments
- Blink too soon, and you might miss something forever
You don’t control the story in the usual way. You experience it. And honestly, that hit me harder than most dialogue-heavy RPGs.
Why It Feels So Personal
There were moments where I tried not to blink. Like, eyes burning, watering, full gamer focus mode. Not because of a boss fight, but because I wasn’t ready to let a memory go.
That feeling? That’s where Before Your Eyes shines.
Themes That Hit Close to Home
This game quietly explores some big life topics without ever feeling preachy.
- Family expectations
- Childhood dreams vs reality
- Loss and regret
- The fear of time moving too fast
It reminded me of sitting with old photo albums, realizing how fast everything changes. I didn’t expect a 2-hour game to do that to me, yet here we are.
Visuals and Sound: Simple but Effective
Art Style
The visuals are soft and painterly. Nothing flashy. No visual noise.
That’s a good thing.
The simplicity keeps your focus on the story and emotions instead of distracting details.
Music and Voice Acting
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The soundtrack knows exactly when to step back and when to hit you in the chest.
Voice acting feels natural, like real conversations instead of “video game dialogue.” It helps the whole experience feel grounded and human.
Gameplay Breakdown
Let’s be honest. This isn’t a “gamey” game.
| Aspect | Experience |
|---|---|
| Story | Emotional, personal, memorable |
| Gameplay | Minimal, blink-based interaction |
| Length | Around 1.5–2 hours |
| Replay Value | Medium, choices change perspective |
| Difficulty | Emotionally hard, mechanically easy |
If you’re expecting action, puzzles, or skill-based challenges, this isn’t it. If you’re open to storytelling, you’re in for something special.
What I Loved (and What Might Not Be for Everyone)
Things I Loved
- The blink mechanic feels fresh and meaningful
- Storytelling that respects your intelligence
- Short length makes it easy to recommend
- Emotional payoff that sticks with you
Things That Might Not Click
- Requires a webcam for the full experience
- Very limited traditional gameplay
- Heavy emotional tone might not suit everyone
This is one of those games where mood matters. Play it when you’re ready to feel something.
Who Should Play Before Your Eyes?
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You’ll probably love this game if you:
- Enjoy story-focused indie games
- Liked titles like What Remains of Edith Finch
- Want a short but meaningful experience
- Are okay with crying a little (or a lot)
If you’re tired of bloated open worlds and endless checklists, this is a refreshing change.
Final Summary
Before Your Eyes is proof that video games don’t need complex mechanics to be powerful. With a simple idea and honest storytelling, it delivers an experience that feels deeply human. It’s short, emotional, and unforgettable.
I didn’t expect blinking to make me reflect on my own life, but here we are. And honestly? I’m glad I played it.
FAQs
No, but it can be emotionally intense. Think heartfelt, not horror.
Yes, for the full experience. There is a mouse option, but blinking is the magic.
About 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how you play.
Yes. Different choices and blinks can change how scenes unfold.
If you value storytelling and emotional impact, absolutely.
