Not every adventure is about saving the world. BEFORE I GO takes a quieter, heavier route, asking you to step into something far more personal – a journey shaped by fear, acceptance and the unknown of what lies ahead.
Now available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam) for £16.74, this release from J’s Laboratory delivers a side-scrolling Metroidvania that blends traditional mechanics with a more introspective edge.
At A Glance
- Game: BEFORE I GO
- Developer: J’s Laboratory
- Publisher: J’s Laboratory
- Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam)
- Price: £16.74
- Game Type: Metroidvania / Action-Platformer
A Journey That Leans Into Its Themes
BEFORE I GO sets its tone early. The world you move through is fragile, worn down by an unseen affliction that has left its inhabitants fearful and powerless. At the centre of it all is a child, untouched by the despair surrounding everything else, and unknowingly stepping into a journey that carries far more weight than it first appears.
Rather than rushing from one objective to the next, the game unfolds with a slower, more deliberate pace, allowing its themes to settle in. It’s as much about reflection as it is progression, with each step forward carrying a sense of purpose beyond simple exploration.
Familiar Foundations, Sharper Edges
Underneath that tone sits a structure that fans of the genre will recognise. BEFORE I GO is built as a side-scrolling action-platformer, drawing on classic Metroidvania ideas; exploration, backtracking and gradual progression through a connected world. You should well know the drill.
But while the framework is familiar, the experience leans towards the more demanding side. Movement, combat and traversal all require precision, and the difficulty curve expects you to learn through failure as much as success. It’s not overly complex in how it presents itself, but it does ask for patience and attention.
A World Designed To Be Felt
The environments themselves play a key role in shaping the experience. There’s a dreamlike quality to everything, an abstract edge that keeps things slightly out of reach, reinforcing the idea that this isn’t a straightforward journey.
It’s a world that feels symbolic as much as physical, where progression isn’t just about unlocking new areas, but understanding the space you’re moving through.
A Journey Worth Taking
It feels as though BEFORE I GO offers a more reflective take on a well-worn formula, blending familiar mechanics with a tone that sets it apart. With that in mind, we’d suspect it won’t be for everyone, especially those looking for something lighter or more straightforward, but for players willing to meet it on its terms, there’s a thoughtful and quietly powerful experience waiting here.
You’ll find BEFORE I GO on the digital storefronts for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC. We’ll send you the way of the Xbox Store and Steam page.
Stay tuned for a review from us soon.
