Beyond Eyes (2015)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Beyond Eyes: A Journey of Courage, Resilience, and the Power of Imagination

Introduction

Beyond Eyes is an adventure game released in 2015 that tells the heartwarming and emotionally resonant story of Rae, a 10-year-old blind girl searching for her beloved cat, Nani. Developed by Tiger & Squid, the game immerses players in a unique and visually stunning world that unfolds in vibrant colors as Rae navigates through it.

Gameplay

Beyond Eyes is played from a third-person perspective, with players controlling Rae as she explores her surroundings. The game’s world is initially presented in shades of white and gray, but as Rae progresses, the colors gradually emerge, revealing the true beauty of her environment. This visual transformation symbolizes Rae’s growing understanding of the world and her own inner strength.

Gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and interacting with the environment. Rae can use her acute hearing to locate objects and obstacles, and she can also call out to Nani to guide her through unfamiliar territory. Players must use their wits and imagination to overcome challenges and progress through the game.

Story

The story of Beyond Eyes is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Rae’s journey is filled with moments of joy, sadness, and self-discovery. She encounters a cast of memorable characters, including her supportive parents, a wise old woman, and a mischievous cat named Mittens.

Along the way, Rae learns to cope with her blindness and embrace her unique perspective on the world. She discovers the power of imagination and the importance of perseverance. The game’s ending is both bittersweet and uplifting, leaving players with a lasting sense of hope and inspiration.

Visuals

Beyond Eyes is a visually stunning game that uses a unique art style to create a world that is both beautiful and evocative. The game’s colors are vibrant and saturated, and the environments are rich in detail. The character designs are simple yet expressive, capturing the emotions and personalities of each individual.

The game’s use of light and shadow is particularly noteworthy. Rae’s world is initially shrouded in darkness, but as she progresses, the light gradually seeps in, revealing the true beauty of her surroundings. This visual metaphor represents Rae’s own journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Music and Sound Design

The music and sound design in Beyond Eyes are equally impressive. The soundtrack is composed of beautiful and haunting melodies that perfectly complement the game’s emotional journey. The sound effects are also well-crafted, creating a realistic and immersive soundscape.

Rae’s acute hearing is a key gameplay mechanic, and the sound design team has done an excellent job of creating a soundscape that is both rich and informative. Players can use Rae’s hearing to locate objects, identify obstacles, and even track the movements of other characters.

Themes

Beyond Eyes explores a number of important themes, including:

  • The power of imagination: Rae’s blindness forces her to rely on her imagination to create her own mental picture of the world. The game shows how imagination can be a powerful tool for overcoming challenges and finding beauty in the unexpected.
  • The importance of perseverance: Rae’s journey is not without its challenges. She faces obstacles and setbacks along the way, but she never gives up. The game teaches the importance of perseverance and the power of the human spirit.
  • The beauty of diversity: Rae’s blindness gives her a unique perspective on the world. She sees things that others do not, and she appreciates the beauty of the world in a way that is different from others. The game celebrates the beauty of diversity and the importance of embracing our differences.

Critical Reception

Beyond Eyes received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its beautiful visuals, heartwarming story, and innovative gameplay. It was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Debut Game and the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Narrative.

Legacy

Beyond Eyes is a unique and memorable game that has left a lasting impact on the gaming landscape. The game’s innovative use of visuals and sound design has inspired other developers to explore new and creative ways of storytelling in games. Beyond Eyes is a testament to the power of video games to tell stories that are both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

Conclusion

Beyond Eyes is a truly special game that deserves to be experienced by every gamer. It is a game that celebrates the power of imagination, the importance of perseverance, and the beauty of diversity. Beyond Eyes is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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