Before Your Eyes – An Emotional Blink-Controlled Adventure

Before Your Eyes is very different from a conventional mobile adventure game.

Instead of controlling a character with a virtual joystick or tapping through traditional dialogue menus, you experience the story largely through your own eyes.

The device camera detects your blinking, allowing the game to use a natural action—closing your eyes—as an important part of its storytelling.

The result is an intimate narrative experience where the passage of time becomes part of the gameplay itself.

Netflix describes it as a first-person adventure in which your real-life blinks can control the story and affect its outcome.

Story and Setting

The adventure begins after your character dies.

You find yourself aboard the ship of a mysterious Ferryman whose responsibility is to guide souls toward the afterlife. Before your journey can continue, however, the Ferryman needs to understand the life you lived.

You are sent back through your memories.

What follows is a journey through important moments involving family, first love, artistic ambition and personal regrets. As the memories unfold, the story gradually reveals deeper truths about the life you are reliving.

The narrative is deliberately personal rather than action-focused. The game's biggest challenges are emotional and reflective rather than traditional combat or puzzle obstacles.

The Blink-Controlled Gameplay

The defining feature of Before Your Eyes is its blink interaction mechanic.

Your device camera watches your eyes, and blinking can cause the current memory to move forward.

This creates an unusual relationship between player and story.

In many narrative games, you decide when to move to the next scene by pressing a button. Here, the game can effectively tell you:

Don't blink—you might miss it.

That simple idea creates tension during important memories because the player's own natural behavior becomes part of the experience.

How the Eye Tracking Works

The game uses your device's camera to detect your eyes and blinking.

The App Store specifically describes the camera as an important part of the game's immersive experience.

For the best experience:

• Sit somewhere with reasonably consistent lighting.
• Keep your face visible to the front-facing camera.
• Avoid covering the camera.
• Position the device comfortably.
• Try not to move the device excessively.
• Follow the game's calibration instructions carefully.

Because blinking is central to progression, camera positioning can make a meaningful difference to the experience.

Why the Blink Mechanic Matters

The blink mechanic isn't simply a gimmick.

It reinforces one of the game's major themes: time passes whether you are ready for it or not.

A blink can represent a transition from one memory to another, turning something as ordinary as closing your eyes into a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life.

This makes the interaction system closely connected to the game's emotional storytelling rather than feeling like an unrelated mobile feature.

Memory-Based Storytelling

Before Your Eyes is structured around memories.

You revisit moments from a life that has already happened, seeing relationships, ambitions and important turning points from a personal first-person perspective.

The memories can feel warm and nostalgic one moment and uncomfortable the next.

As the story progresses, seemingly ordinary scenes can take on new meaning when viewed alongside what you learn later.

Characters

The Soul

You experience the story through the perspective of a soul looking back at a life that has already ended.

Rather than giving the player traditional combat statistics or equipment, the game asks you to understand this character's memories and emotional journey.

The Ferryman

The mysterious Ferryman guides the soul toward the afterlife.

He serves as both narrator and guide, trying to understand the story of the life before allowing the journey to continue.

His presence provides the framework for the game's unusual memory-based structure.

Family and Friends

The people encountered throughout the memories become important parts of the emotional story.

Relationships, expectations and personal connections help shape the character's choices and ultimately contribute to the larger themes explored by the game.

Themes and Atmosphere

Before Your Eyes explores several mature themes, including:

• Memory
• Mortality
• Family
• Love
• Ambition
• Regret
• Personal expectations
• Artistic identity
• The passage of time
• Acceptance

The game specifically explores the unrealistic expectations people can place on themselves and the regrets they may carry.

Its atmosphere shifts naturally between warmth, nostalgia, sadness and reflection.

Fully Voice-Acted Story

The game features a fully voice-acted narrative, which helps make the characters and memories feel more immediate.

Voice performances are particularly important here because the game depends heavily on emotional delivery rather than traditional gameplay systems.

The combination of voice acting, music, visuals and blink interaction gives the experience more of an interactive-film quality than a conventional mobile game.

Gameplay Overview

Before Your Eyes is primarily a narrative experience.

There are no traditional combat systems, weapon inventories or complex skill trees.

Instead, gameplay revolves around:

1. Experiencing a memory.
2. Observing the environment.
3. Interacting with characters and objects.
4. Following the narrative.
5. Managing your blinking.
6. Allowing memories to progress.
7. Discovering more about the character's life.
8. Reflecting on the consequences and revelations.

This makes it especially suitable for players who value story over mechanical complexity.

Choices and Story Progression

Your interaction with memories can influence how the experience unfolds.

The game gives the player a sense of participation rather than simply presenting a completely passive movie.

The blink mechanic itself becomes part of how you experience these moments, making your physical interaction with the device relevant to the narrative.

The result is an experience where the player isn't merely watching someone remember the past—they are participating in that recollection.

Beginner's Guide

1. Find Good Lighting

Because the game uses the camera to detect your eyes, make sure your face is clearly visible.

2. Position Your Device Carefully

Keep the camera aimed toward your face throughout the session.

3. Don't Force Your Blinks

The game is designed around natural blinking. Trying to manipulate every blink can make the experience uncomfortable.

4. Pay Attention to the Story

Important details can appear in dialogue, environments and character interactions.

5. Take Your Time

Before Your Eyes is not designed to be rushed. Let the scenes develop naturally.

Tips for the Best Experience

Use Headphones

Headphones can make the voice acting, music and environmental audio much more immersive.

Play Somewhere Quiet

The game's emotional impact is stronger when you can concentrate without constant interruptions.

Keep the Screen at a Comfortable Distance

You need to remain visible to the front-facing camera while also being able to see the game clearly.

Avoid Very Dark Lighting

Poor lighting can potentially make camera-based eye detection less reliable.

Let the Story Unfold

Avoid searching for story explanations before finishing the game. Much of the experience comes from discovering its emotional revelations naturally.

Difficulty

Before Your Eyes is not difficult in the conventional gaming sense.

There are no complicated combat encounters or demanding boss battles.

Instead, its challenge comes from adapting to the blink-based interaction system and following the narrative.

The game is much more about attention, timing and emotional engagement than traditional skill.

Replay Value

The game's replay value comes primarily from its narrative and interactive structure rather than collecting hundreds of items or completing endless challenges.

A second playthrough can provide a different perspective on earlier scenes after you understand more about the overall story.

However, players who prefer progression-heavy games with extensive unlock systems may find the experience relatively short and focused.

Graphics and Art Style

Before Your Eyes uses a stylized visual presentation that supports its dreamlike memory sequences.

Rather than pursuing photorealism, the game creates a charming world where memories can feel slightly surreal.

This visual approach works particularly well with the game's themes of recollection and mortality.

Netflix has described the game as combining its blink mechanic with a charming world and emotional storytelling.

Sound and Voice Acting

Audio is a major component of the experience.

The fully voice-acted story gives conversations emotional weight, while the music and ambient sound help establish the atmosphere of each memory.

For this reason, playing with headphones is recommended if possible.

iPhone and iPad Experience

Before Your Eyes is available on both iPhone and iPad.

The current App Store listing requires iOS 16.0 or later, while iPad requires iPadOS 16.0 or later. The listed download size is approximately 1.4 GB.

Because the game relies on the device's camera and screen, the larger iPad display can provide a comfortable way to experience its visual storytelling.

Camera Requirements

Unlike many mobile adventure games, Before Your Eyes needs access to your device's camera for its signature eye-based interaction.

The camera is not merely an optional feature—it is central to how the game detects your blinking and controls the progression of memories.

Players should therefore make sure camera permissions are enabled when prompted.

Offline Gameplay

Before Your Eyes supports offline play according to Netflix's official game support information.

An internet connection is still required to download and install the game.

This makes the title particularly convenient for players who want to experience its story while traveling or in locations without reliable internet access.

Netflix Membership

The game is available exclusively for Netflix members. The App Store currently lists it as free with in-app purchases, while the Netflix distribution model makes the game available through a qualifying Netflix membership.

Cloud Save Support

One important limitation is that Before Your Eyes does not use cloud saves.

Netflix's official support page warns that uninstalling the game or playing on another device will result in starting from the beginning.

Players who frequently switch between devices should keep this in mind.

Technical Details

Netflix's official support page confirms the game is single-player, supports iPhone and iPad, works offline and does not use cloud saves.

Current App Store Rating

The current U.S. App Store listing shows 4.7 out of 5 from around 1.1K ratings.

The player feedback is especially notable for its emotional response. Multiple recent reviews praise the storytelling, characters and voice acting, with some players describing the experience as unusually moving.

Updates and Version History

The current App Store version history lists version 1.2.69, released February 11, 2025.

The update notes mention bug fixes and performance improvements. Previous updates similarly focused on stability and performance.

Players should check the live App Store page for the latest version available on their device.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Innovative blink-based gameplay
• Powerful emotional storytelling
• Fully voice-acted narrative
• Unique first-person perspective
• Strong atmosphere
• Memorable characters
• Excellent use of the device camera
• Available offline
• Supports iPhone and iPad
• High App Store user rating
• Included with Netflix membership

Cons

• Requires a compatible front-facing camera
• Camera tracking may be affected by poor lighting or positioning
• Relatively large download
• No cloud saves
• Limited traditional gameplay mechanics
• Not ideal for players seeking combat or competitive multiplayer

Who Should Play Before Your Eyes?

Before Your Eyes is an excellent choice for players who enjoy:

• Narrative adventure games
• Interactive stories
• Emotional games
• Story-driven mobile games
• First-person adventures
• Indie games
• Experimental gameplay
• Interactive movies
• Atmospheric experiences
• Short, focused adventures

It may not be suitable for players who want:

• Multiplayer battles
• Traditional RPG progression
• Fast-paced combat
• Extensive character customization
• Open-world exploration

Similar Games

Players who enjoy Before Your Eyes may also appreciate narrative-focused experiences such as:

• Florence
• What Remains of Edith Finch
• Life Is Strange
• Oxenfree
• GRIS
• Assemble with Care
• The Gardens Between
• Gorogoa

Before Your Eyes stands apart because its real-life blink mechanic directly connects the player to the passage of time within the story.

Expert Rating

Overall: 9.1/10

Story: 9.7/10
Innovation: 10/10
Voice Acting: 9.5/10
Atmosphere: 9.5/10
Visual Style: 9/10
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Replay Value: 7.5/10
Mobile Experience: 9/10

Its greatest achievement is making a simple physical action—blinking—feel meaningful within an emotional narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Before Your Eyes?

Before Your Eyes is a first-person narrative adventure where your real-life blinks can control the progression of the story. It uses your device's camera to track your eyes.

Is Before Your Eyes available on iPad?

Yes. The game supports iPad and currently requires iPadOS 16.0 or later according to the App Store.

Does Before Your Eyes use the camera?

Yes. The camera is used to detect your eyes and blinking, which is central to the game's interaction system.

Can you play Before Your Eyes offline?

Yes. Netflix officially lists offline play as supported.

Is Before Your Eyes multiplayer?

No. It is a single-player narrative adventure.

Does Before Your Eyes have cloud saves?

No. Netflix states that the game does not use cloud saves.

Do I need Netflix to play Before Your Eyes?

Yes. The current App Store listing says the game is available exclusively for Netflix members.

What is the story about?

The story follows a soul after death as a mysterious Ferryman sends them back through important memories from their life. The journey explores family, love, ambition, expectations and regret.

Is Before Your Eyes a difficult game?

It is not mechanically difficult like a combat or strategy game. The main interaction is based on blinking and following the narrative.

How much storage does Before Your Eyes require?

The current App Store listing shows an app size of approximately 1.4 GB.

What age rating does Before Your Eyes have?

The U.S. App Store currently gives the game a 13+ age rating.

Before Your Eyes is one of the most unusual narrative games available on iPhone and iPad.

Its central idea is remarkably simple: your eyes become the controller.

By using the device camera to detect real-life blinking, the game turns an automatic human behavior into a storytelling mechanic. Every blink can move a memory forward, reinforcing the game's larger themes of time, mortality and the fleeting nature of life.

The result is much closer to an interactive emotional story than a traditional mobile adventure. Its fully voice-acted narrative, distinctive visual style and carefully constructed memories create an experience that has received strong praise from App Store players, reflected in its current 4.7/5 rating from roughly 1.1K ratings.

There are practical considerations: the game requires camera access, takes around 1.4 GB of storage, has no cloud saves and is available exclusively to Netflix members.

But if you're searching for an emotional, innovative and story-driven iPhone or iPad game, Before Your Eyes is an experience that deserves attention.