Before Your Eyes is a unique and emotional narrative-driven video game developed by GoodbyeWorld Games. The game immerses players in an unforgettable experience by incorporating a fascinating mechanic: controlling the progression of the story through the player’s real-life blinking. This blog post aims to provide an explanation of the game’s ending while delving into its powerful themes and the player’s journey through life and beyond.
Warning: Spoilers ahead! If you haven’t played the game yet, we recommend experiencing it for yourself before reading further.
A Life Well Lived: The Story of Benjamin Brynn
“Before Your Eyes” tells the story of Benjamin Brynn, a young artist who embarks on a journey through his own memories and experiences as he confronts his life, choices, and relationships. The game is divided into several chapters, each representing a crucial period in Ben’s life. Some key moments in Ben’s life include:
- His early childhood, filled with love and creativity, nurtured by his parents
- His growing passion for art and music, fueled by his relationship with his mentor, Mr. Isaac
- The ups and downs of his teenage years, marked by friendships, young love, and self-discovery
- The struggle to balance his artistic ambitions with his personal relationships and the expectations of others
As the player blinks to progress through the story, they witness both the beautiful and painful moments in Ben’s life, culminating in a profound understanding of the human experience.
The Ferryman and the Choice
Throughout the game, the player is guided by a mysterious figure known as the Ferryman. The Ferryman, who serves as both a mentor and judge, is responsible for helping Ben confront his life choices and guiding him to the afterlife. The Ferryman’s presence also signifies the player’s unique role in the story – they are, in fact, experiencing Ben’s life after his death.
As the game reaches its conclusion, the player learns that Ben’s life was tragically cut short due to an illness. The Ferryman then presents the player with a choice:
- Acceptance: The player can choose to accept Ben’s life as it was, embracing the beauty and pain of his experiences and allowing him to move on to the afterlife.
- Denial: The player can choose to reject Ben’s life, believing that he deserved more time and a different outcome, and confront the Ferryman in a futile attempt to change the past.
The Ending: Embracing Life and Letting Go
Regardless of the player’s choice, the game’s ending delivers a powerful message about the nature of life, death, and the human experience. By living through Ben’s memories, players are reminded of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment – even those that are difficult or painful.
The game’s ending is not about achieving a specific outcome or “winning” in a traditional sense. Instead, it’s about coming to terms with the imperfections and complexities of life, embracing the experiences that define us, and ultimately letting go. In this way, “Before Your Eyes” serves as a poignant reminder that every life, no matter how short or seemingly ordinary, is filled with moments of beauty, love, and meaning.
In conclusion, “Before Your Eyes” is a profoundly emotional and thought-provoking journey through life, memory, and the human experience. By exploring the game’s ending and its powerful themes, players are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make, ultimately gaining a deeper appreciation for the precious and fleeting nature of life itself.
