Beyond Good & Evil

"Fun, but short"

INTRODUCTION

I bought this game having seen the adverts on TV. I bought it, got home, booted it up, and away I went. My first impressions were good, and my only real complaint playing the game was it was a little bit on the short side. But it kept me occupied for a while, and isn't that what games are supposed to do?

Gameplay

You'll be able to pick this game up and play quickly. The controls are quite simple, and a lot of actions (like jumping and pressing against a wall) are done automatically when you need them. The fighting is well done, too, with the ability to attack someone in front of you, then behind, in one fluid movement, and with only the simplest tilt of the analogue stick needed. The menu system is also very well suited to the game, and the functions of your trusty camera are fitted in well, although at times you have to be quick between starting to take a picture and getting back to something else (like the middle of battle).

My only gripe gameplay wise is some of the camera cuts are a little off; sometimes, you'll find yourself looking straight into a wall, when you're character is facing away from the wall. This always happened to me during battles, never away from them. But it wasn't that much of a problem. The control system is intuitive, and works.

10/10

Story

The basic storyline has you playing as Jade as you go with your trusty camera to unearth a conspiracy on the planet Hillys, where you live in a lighthouse with Pey'j (pronounced Page) and some kids. Hillys is at war with the Domz, and your protectors, the Alpha Section, are also fighting the IRIS network. With me so far?

The story line keeps together well, and at no time does it fail to make sense. Whilst not as in depth as games like Final Fantasy 7, this one is interesting enough to keep you clued to the game for a good few hours. I've always prefered a good story as opposed to graphics, and this one, whilst not the best I've ever gone through, was certainly entertaining.

8/10

Graphics

I've never been one for buying a game based on graphics; I prefer the story to graphics any time. Having said that, I was impressed by the lack of difference between the FMV sequences and general play graphics. Some games have been brilliant in FMV, but not so hot whilst you're playing, so this was a welcome suprise. The graphics don't detract from the game; everything's clear, and the scenary is pretty enough to look at. Not in the same league as Final Fantasy 10, but as long as graphics don't hurt to look at, I'm happy.

8/10

Sound

Again, not a major factor for me, but it does help. For me, sound shouldn't detract from the gameplay; rather, you shouldn't notice the background music, and the sound effects should make sense for the actions. The sound here is quite good; at no point was I tempted to turn the volume off, and at no point was I distracted by the music whilst listening for a particular effect.

8/10

There are also voices in this game. How do they fare? Well, in the English version, pretty well. The voice matches the characters, and the actors managed to convey the emotions of the characters.

10/10 (18/20)

Playtime

This was disappointing. I spent about 11 hours playing this game, and completed the story. That included pausing the game for meals. If I'd spent that time looking for everything in the game, I'd have completed it 100% in under 12 hours. However, the game was well paced, didn't slow too greatly, and kept me entertained. But it did feel too short.

4/10

Replay value

There are a few mini-games and two side quests to play, and there's always the option of trying to beat your best time, and grab the records in the hovercraft races, but not too much to say about replay value.

6/10

Rent or buy? Final Word

Owing to the length of the game, my first instinct is to say rent; I finished the game five days after buying it. However, I do feel that it makes a fine addition to any collection of games, and is a welcome break for people who just want something simple and fun. Rent it, and if you liked it, buy it.

Final Score: 54/70 (average: 8/10)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/03