Following the Quantic Dream tradition, Beyond, like its predecessors, will attempt to present to us a video game experience that might as well be witnessed at the movie theaters. The story's central character will be one Jodie Holmes (portrayed by Ellen Page), while the game's tone -unlike the detective story of Heavy Rain- will take a shift towards the supernatural. As the basic premise teaches us, Jodie is haunted by a mysterious entity -we could very well call it a ghost- that is completely and utterly inseparable from her. The plot will feature 15 years of Jodie's life, focusing on a select few specific moments that defined her. As such, the game will feature her early years as a child, living within the confines of a research institution surrounded by countless researchers -including one portrayed by Dafoe-, all trying to solve the mystery of Jodie's supernatural powers. The plot thickens as we jump forward several years, during the time Jodie was training to become a member of the CIA, to even later, when she leaves her government circles only to find herself fleeing and on the run from countless agents.
Beyond: Two SoulsPlatform: PS3Genre: Action-adventureDeveloper: Quantic DreamPublisher: Sony Computer EntertainmentRelease: 10/08/2013In order to deliver on promises of believability and life-like quality, every single character in the game, including Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe, underwent very thorough motion capture sessions to make sure that all of their movements, down the most minute details and facial nuances, is captured and integrated seamlessly into the game world.
Most gamers familiar with Quantic Dream's portfolio will no doubt know that their games are often treated not necessarily as video games, but rather as interactive movies - Beyond changes little on that established formula. The gameplay itself can still be termed one very lengthy quick-time event, with the game displaying the necessary buttons on-screen that will allow the player to perform the required action in order to continue the flow of the narrative. Much like in Heavy Rain, however, we are allowed a certain level of freedom: the large array of locales appearing in the game can be explored and examined - with certain limitations, of course. In addition to Jodie, we will also take control of the game's second main character, Aidan: playing as the mysterious spiritual entity bound to the girl from birth, players will be able to interact with and influence both Jodie's life and the environment itself.
Beyond: Two Souls launched on October 8 in the States, and three days later, on the 11th, in Europe, exclusively for the PS3. A brief demo is also currently available on the Playstation Network.
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