Using a webcam, it uses the player’s actual, real-life eye blinks to advance through Benny’s life. The line between emotional stimulus and game mechanics is blurred in Before Your Eyes’ central concept - physically blinking. Further, the story’s halfway point is accompanied by a major plot twist that simultaneously gives a whole new meaning to the story thus far, and left me in tears for the remainder of its running time. Just when I thought I knew where Benny’s life was headed, the game would alter course and make me fall in love with our hero even more.
To avoid spoiling the story, I’ll just say that Before Your Eyes surprised me around every turn. Though the tale is brief, this creates replay value and can expand an already-lush storyline. For example, directing Benny to get extra sleep before a big piano audition or staying up late to hang out with his crush can alter the course of his entire life. The game features alternate story routes, as the player can shape Benny’s life depending on what actions he takes. Experiencing the highs and lows of Benny’s life is a cathartic experience, and one that will remind every player of their own childhood hopes and dreams, their first love, and the heartbreak of failure. Torn between his piano studies and wanting to feel like a normal kid, Before Your Eyes takes the player on an emotional rollercoaster by tackling concepts such as parental relations, death and loss, and not living up to one’s own expectations. The story of Benny’s life is a heartfelt and poignant tale – one of a child prodigy with a mental disorder which makes him feel isolated from other children his age. To determine if he is worthy, the Ferryman initiates a retelling of Benny’s life from a first-person perspective, from his first memories to his last moments on Earth. They’re soon on their way to the Gatekeeper, who will decide if Benny can enter her heavenly city. Benny is soon scooped up by The Ferryman – a cat (or canine?) with a missing ear and thesaurus. Whether it’s from keeping one’s eyes open for too long, or from some incredibly emotional moments, it’s an eye-watering experience.īefore Your Eyes puts the player in the perspective of Benny, a newly-perished soul afloat on the sea of the afterlife. Now with the mechanic of blinking, Before Your Eyes experiments with a new way of storytelling. From rumble packs to motion control, it’s been fascinating to see what new technologies have arisen over the years to create increasingly immersive experiences. WTF The Ferryman sure loves barking at pigeons.ĭevelopers are constantly looking for new ways to make their games feel fresh and innovative. LOW Forcing the player to keep their eyes open to hear important dialogue. HIGH A beautiful, yet heartbreaking story that grows stronger as it progresses.
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