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(I did this review awhile back on another site, thought I might as well post it here.)



Beyond Good and Evil Review for PS2

A few weeks ago, I was at my local game retailer and I happened to gaze upon this game. I figured that I might as well pick it up since I've heard nothing but good things about it and I had an extra $13.00. I'm going to say it was probably the best thirthteen dollars I have ever spent.

Overview

Beyond Good and Evil combines elements of an action-adventure game with those of a stealth-based game, and it does so extremely well. Think Rayman 2 meets Splinter Cell or a cartoony Metal Gear Solid. While I was playing it I heard one of my uncles say that it looked like The Legend of Zelda on steroids, while it does have some feeling of a Zelda game I have to say I enjoyed it a whole lot more. The game isn't tiring like Zelda and it doesn't feel like a chore to explore some sections.

Story

The game takes place during a struggle between the DomZ, an alien like species abducting humans from the city of Hillys. The Alpha Sections, a military dictatorship, has supposedly come to the rescue. Despite this the Alpha Sections seem a little slow to defend Hillys from these alien beings. The story of this game follows Jade, a freelance reporter, who has set up a lighthouse for orphaned children. Her humanoid pig uncle Pey'j acts as her partner and mechanic also acting as a guardian for the children. During a meditation with a child, Jade sees an impending DomZ attack on Hillys. She eventually drives the attackers back and the Alpha Sections show up promptly after the incident. Jade's quest begins promptly after these events.

Gameplay

I didn't have to wait long to start enjoying the game. As soon as you start you are plunged into a battle with some DomZ creatures. The fights in the game are enjoyable yet basic. Hitting the attack button will ensue more combos and Jade will direct her attacks depending on where you move the thumbstick resulting in some nice moves. Your partner can also help you in combat, and they are actually useful during these situations. They can stun an enemy, throw them of balance and launch them into the air, or they just simply go toe to toe with a group and fight for themselves. A key object throughout the game is the camera. The key function for the camera is to allow you to take photos of wildlife and earn currency for your findings. The camera can also be used to transmit 2D maps into 3D, and launch discs at nearby enemies. Transportation throughtout the city of Hillys is done from a Hovercraft that can be upgraded at Mammago Garage but, these upgrades are not optional. Watching other boats sail around and scooting admist schools of jumping whale like creatures add to the wonderful sense of environment. The city of Hillys is bustling and there are many vehicles floating around all trying to get to certain destinations. As you explore the city on foot you will notice that each pedestrian is individually designed and recognisable, there are many shops to buy goodies and pearls or optional enhancments that can make your travels easier. As you go on certain missions there will be certain areas that you have to sneak through. Like any stealth-based game you have to follow the guards pattern of movement to sneak past them. Sometimes you will have to imobolize one enemy so another enemy will leave his pattern of duty and try to help him out letting you sneak past unoticed. These sections gradually get harder due to the presense of lasers that can kill you instantly if spotted by the guards. Each sneaking level is diverse and nothing looks identical to what you have seen before. The sneaking is proportioned very well and it never gets tiring.




Graphics

Occasionally plagued by some moderate slowdown the game on the whole looks gorgeous. The world of Hillys, while not as huge as some Legend of Zelda games, looks amazing. The majority of the land is underwater and it adds alot of nice water effects also. I like the black borders that simulate a widescreen effect it makes the game feel more cinematic than it already is. While it is nice, having the gaming screen reduced isn't and doesn't feel neccesary. But, once you are really getting into the game, which you undoubtedley will, you won't even notice anymore.


Sound

Beyond Good and Evil has some of the best music I have heard in a video game. Each section in the game has it's own unique score and it makes the game feel really epic. Battles have a orchetrasl-upbeat tempo and whacking enemies over the head to the tune of the music feels really significant. The Akuda Bar and Mammago Garage have their own theme tunes which fill out a nice strain from the orchestral score. The voice acting is also superb. TV broadcasts and pedestrians conversing and protesting on the street is delightful to hear.


Overall Score


All around Beyond Good and Evil is a fantastic and amazing game. It is definetly worth a buy. Though I don't see any replay value in it unless you just want to relive the greatness that is this game.

Story 10/10

Gameplay 9.8/10

Sound 9/10

Graphics 9.4/10

Lasting Appeal 7/10

I agree with pretty much everything you've said. Beyond Good and Evil was one of the best games I've ever played. I haven't played it in a while, so I think I'll start a new game soon and relive all its glory. So yea, there is some replay value in it... you just have to wait a few years? whee