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Brevity
05-14-2003, 07:56 AM
Michel Ansel prepares a wonderfully stylish adventure.
By Raymond "[GSI] Psylancer" Padilla | 5/14/2003

Gamespy

Developer: Ubi Soft
Publisher: Ubi Soft
Release Date: April 2003
Genre: Action




Though he's famous for creating Rayman, Michel Ansel is capable of far more than creating limbless platform heroes. His upcoming project, Beyond Good and Evil (BG&E), is an action-adventure game that takes place in one of the most original, compelling, and fantastic universes I've seen in years. With gameplay that contains touches of Zelda and art with some Miyazaki (Spirited Away) flavor (Ancel lists Miyamoto and Miyazaki among his influences), Beyond Good and Evil might be the most interesting game to look at since Ico for PlayStation 2. Unlike Sony's beautiful puzzler, BG&E has plenty of action and a bit of variety as well.

Setting is paramount in Beyond Good and Evil. The developers are attempting to use a unique art style and deep storytelling to craft an unforgettable adventure. The game takes place on planet Hyllis, where aliens are attempting a takeover. A young journalist named Jade is staunchly defending her island from the invaders when she is suddenly knocked out. When she wakes, the invasion appears to be over and everything seems fine. She suspects otherwise and goes on a quest to discover the truth. Strange visions, stranger government activity, rebel uprisings, and alien sightings only fuel her suspicions; Jade must use her investigative cunning and considerable physical prowess to get to the truth.


The environments in BG&E already look fantastic and are definitely original. Hyllis comes to life due to a style that blends science fiction and fantasy elements in a creative way. The world's occupants are also unusual, many of who appear to be part man and part beast. Hyllis' hard sci-fi aspects are surprisingly complimented by its cartoonish ones. Most futuristic games are rip offs of some well-known franchise, be it Star Wars or Dune or whatever. BG&E serves up a visually striking milieu that's all its own.

The gameplay is largely action adventure, though there are some racing and mini-games to partake. Pey'j, a pig-like creature who is her adoptive uncle, initially accompanies Jade (later on in the game he's kidnapped and Jade teams up with another). As you control the duo, you'll do a fair bit of exploring and plenty of combat. The action reminded me a bit of Zelda, with a dash of Kingdom Hearts. Though you only have full control of Jade, both characters must remain healthy for you to progress in the game.


Being a journalist, Jade is commissioned to take photos of various aliens. Her occupational tasks add several layers to the game. On the practical side, netting photos of rare breeds earns Jade plenty of money, which can be used for upgrades. In terms of game design, it required you to explore. It's also used as a storytelling device. One photo Jade is commissioned to get turns out to be a small part of a really large and really dangerous monster. This leads to a boss fight. After the fight Jade's thoughts of conspiracy only multiply.

Ubi Soft has high hopes for Beyond Good and Evil. The company hopes that it will be one of the most unique cinematic experiences that's more similar to an imaginative book than a popular movie. It's clearly going to be one of the more entertaining games to watch and hopefully the gameplay will be equally fascinating. My initial concern is that the gameplay would lightly mix different styles without doing any single one well (see Midway's Haven). After seeing the game in action, however, I have hopes. If the gameplay continues to progress, BG&E will turn out to be a timeless adventure that gamers must experience.

screens in reply

Brevity
05-14-2003, 07:59 AM
http://www.gamespy.com/e32003/screens/multiplatform/beyondgoodandevil/01.jpg
http://www.gamespy.com/e32003/screens/multiplatform/beyondgoodandevil/02.jpg
http://www.gamespy.com/e32003/screens/multiplatform/beyondgoodandevil/03.jpg
http://www.gamespy.com/e32003/screens/multiplatform/beyondgoodandevil/04.jpg
http://www.gamespy.com/e32003/screens/multiplatform/beyondgoodandevil/05.jpg
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