It sounds almost impossible, but there’s a game out there that actually watches your eyes—and moves forward every time you blink. Not figuratively. Literally. One blink and the scene changes. Miss a moment, and it’s gone for good. It’s a strange feeling at first, but once you settle into it, the whole experience becomes something you don’t forget. This isn’t just a clever gimmick—it’s a fresh way to tell a story that feels weirdly personal, like the game knows more about you than you think.
Blinking as a Gameplay Mechanic
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In Before Your Eyes, blinking isn’t just a reflex—it’s how you interact with the game. Using your webcam, the game detects your blinks to move the story forward, making each blink a decision point. This mechanic turns a simple physical action into a powerful storytelling tool, immersing you in the narrative in a uniquely personal way (GameSpot).
The game also offers an alternative control scheme using a mouse click, but this changes the experience significantly. The blink mechanic adds a layer of urgency and realism, emphasizing the fleeting nature of memories and moments. It’s a design choice that reinforces the game’s themes of time and memory (Polygon).
A Story Told Through Memories
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Before Your Eyes follows the life of Benjamin Brynn, a recently deceased soul recounting his life’s story to a mysterious Ferryman. As you blink, you navigate through Benjamin’s memories, experiencing his joys, regrets, and the moments that defined him. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, reflecting the fragmented and selective nature of human memory (GamingTrend).
The game’s storytelling is intimate and emotional, drawing players into Benjamin’s world. By controlling the pace of the narrative through blinking, players become active participants in the storytelling process, making the experience deeply personal and resonant.
Emotional Impact and Player Connection
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The emotional depth of Before Your Eyes is one of its most praised aspects. Players often find themselves deeply moved by Benjamin’s story, with the blink mechanic enhancing the emotional connection. By tying progression to blinking, the game creates a sense of urgency and loss, as moments slip away before you’re ready to let them go (Game Informer).
This mechanic also mirrors real-life experiences, where time often feels fleeting, and important moments can pass in an instant. The game’s ability to evoke such feelings through its unique gameplay has been lauded by critics and players alike (The Northern Light).
Technical Considerations and Accessibility
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While innovative, the blink detection mechanic isn’t without its challenges. Some players have reported issues with calibration and sensitivity, which can affect the gameplay experience. The developers have included options to adjust sensitivity and even play without the blink mechanic, using a mouse instead (Reddit).
These options make the game more accessible, ensuring that players without a webcam or those who experience discomfort can still enjoy the narrative. However, playing without the blink mechanic alters the experience, potentially reducing the emotional impact that comes from the game’s unique control scheme.
A Short but Memorable Experience
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Before Your Eyes is a relatively short game, with playthroughs averaging around 90 minutes. Despite its brevity, the game leaves a lasting impression, with many players reflecting on its themes long after completion. The concise format ensures a tightly woven narrative that doesn’t overstay its welcome (GamingTrend).
The game’s length makes it accessible to a wide audience, including those who may not typically play video games. Its emotional storytelling and innovative mechanics offer a unique experience that resonates with players, regardless of their gaming background.
The Last Blink
Image Credit: gamespot
Before Your Eyes stands out for its use of blinking as a gameplay mechanic, delivering an emotionally charged narrative that explores themes of memory, time, and the human experience. While technical issues with blink detection can arise, the game’s impact remains significant, offering a poignant reminder of how fleeting life’s moments can be.
