Before I Go
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About Before I Go
Before I Go is a punishing indie Metroidvania from J's Labratory, released December 31 2026. It stars an unnamed child navigating a surreal fantasy world designed to reflect the emotional process of confronting mortality. The game blends tight 2D platforming with backtracking-heavy exploration, forcing players to revisit areas with new abilities to unlock progress. Available on PC Xbox PS5 and Switch, it’s a single player journey with no multiplayer options. The world feels eerie and symbolic, filled with abstract landscapes and minimalist dialogue. It’s for players who enjoy emotional narratives wrapped in mechanically demanding gameplay.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around platforming combat and puzzle solving. You jump dodge and attack through environments that shift in tone from whimsical to bleak. Combat is aggressive and unforgiving, with enemies that punish hesitation. Health is scarce and enemies reset on death, requiring precise route knowledge. New abilities like wall jumps or double jumps open previously unreachable areas. Sessions often end in frustration as you replay sections to master timing. The camera occasionally glitches during platforming, adding to the disorienting vibe. Progression is linear but gated by skill mastery, not item collection.
What Players Think
PlayPile community ratings average 7.8/10, with 34% completing it. Critics praise its emotional weight but dock points for difficulty spikes and technical hiccups. Average playtime is 12 hours, with 58% finishing within 15. Community moods are split: 42% describe it as “hauntingly beautiful” while 31% call it “needlessly punishing.” One review states “it’s a technical marvel but not for the faint of heart.” Achievement data shows 23% of players earn the 100% completion badge, often after multiple attempts.
PlayPile's Take
Before I Go is a niche pick for those who want a challenging Metroidvania with a heavy theme. The price isn’t listed yet but could match standard indie rates. Its strengths, emotional narrative and tight platforming, come with tradeoffs like harsh difficulty and minor bugs. If you enjoy punishing games that reward perseverance and appreciate abstract storytelling, it’s worth a try. But don’t expect smooth sailing.
Game Modes
Single player
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