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So, you liked Heavy Rain?
You loved the story and the gameplay, right?
You thought that even the simple tasks like changing the diaper was fun, right?
Don't lie.
Here's the thing about Beyond: Two Souls. The gameplay feels like a step backwards. You interact less so that the game can look more cinematic (that's the official excuse, more or less). For me, not only is there less for the player to do (there aren't even as many action scenes), but also, the new gameplay controls don't seem challenging. And that's just Jodie's controls. Aiden's have to be better, right? Well, they're definitely not more exciting than hers. Sure, they're definitely unique, but the problem I have with his controls is that it feels more limited than it should be. During the big stealth level, the game pretty much tells you exactly which enemies to take out and in what way. Aiden can choke or possess enemies, but instead of letting the player strategize which enemies to choke, which to possess, and which to leave alone, the game only gives you one way to interact with each enemy. If he is glowing red, you can choke him, but you cannot possess him. It gets silly when you see a lone enemy, but you can't choke him, or when you see a group of enemies, but you can't possess one to shoot the rest.
But, now that I have my gameplay rant out of the way, let me explain to you why I still rate this game highly and why I will still praise it:
1) The story and the acting are great.
2) The graphics are great and it is very cinematic.
3) While player decisions aren't as complex as you would hope, I was still quite impressed by the way the various endings are handled.
4) The game is accessible to those that don't play video games through either the easiest difficulty and a PS3 controller OR through a smartphone/tablet app that serves as a controller for those that are more used to casual, touch-screen gaming.
5) A local two-player co-operative mode is available.
So, why is my rating so high? I love good stories. I am a movie junkie. The only thing I like more is sharing my favorite stories with others. This game is perfect for that. After your first-run through (or during it), you can play it again with a friend or a family member or a significant other and experience their journey with them, even if they don't usually play video games. You can help them make decisions or let them choose everything on their own.
So, in conclusion, if you love experiencing and sharing stories, this game is probably for you. If you need to be first-person shooting Nazi-zombies or drive-by shooting hookers in order to be entertained or if you disliked Heavy Rain, stay far, far away. If you liked Heavy Rain, prepare to be slightly disappointed. In the end, just know that this game isn't for everyone, but, I will always consider it to be a cinematic masterpiece.
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The so called experts and reviewers who gave this game anything less than top marks are the very same people who go see movies expecting to be disappointed and no matter how brilliant the film is, they only look for and talk about the flaws. So when trolls, whether on Amazon or (fill in the gameing website or magazine) say they don't like the controls, or this or that, pay them no mind, because they have lost sight of what makes this the most unique and innovative game created in many years. Beyond: Two Souls is the most amazing example of story telling ever displayed in a video game. Personally, I've been waiting a long time for a game developer to come along that is more interested in telling a good story than anything else. I know I'm not the only one either. I feel like there is so much opportunity to take gaming in this direction and satisfy a huge void that exists in the industry today. To me, the story is the most important and enjoyable part of the game. Don't get me wrong, I like pushing buttons too, but without good visuals and a belivable narative, it just seems like a waste of time. Not to belabor the point, but when I played Metal Gear Solid 4 GOTP, I would get sad when the 30 minute cut scenes ended because they were rich and deep and really developed and made you care for the characters.Why do people start, but not finish so many games? Because they don't care about what happens next, or said another way, they get bored. I can assure you, that will not happen here. The story is for a mature audience. More because of the subject matter than because of violence and language. Children's minds aren't developed enough yet to comprehend many of the themes and emotions this game delivers. So parents, don't buy this for your 12 year old, it wasn't made for them, it was made for you.
I think I will buy two copies of this game just to support QD in hopes they continue to make and release content of this caliber. I sincerely encourage you if you have any capacity to think and feel to pick up this game and not think twice. Focus on and surrender to the story and you will not be disappointed.
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David Cage and the fine folk at Quantic Dream have become known for creating unique and different games (and yes, they're games), however some people tend to love them and other people find it their mission in life to hate them. Whichever side of the fence you're on, it's undeniable that they offer something different from the status quo, and variety's never a bad thing, especially when it's this good.Beyond, much like Quantic Dream's past games Indigo Prophecy and Heavy Rain, is a very cinematic game that marries both cinematics and gameplay so that the two aren't disjointed but interwoven. While you often have free control of the character, this isn't merely a quick-time event game like some claim, however they are an important aspect to the game. But I'm fine that this isn't a game like most games where you see an amazing cutscene that builds up the characters and shows the more mundane, perhaps emotional, moments in a character's life, while the actual gameplay sections interspersed between the cutscenes have you shooting guns and whatnot. Quantic Dream games have the player doing exciting things but also more mundane things that build the characters and makes you care for them since you're an active participant.
As for the graphics, they're the best this generation. There are a few texture oddities and whatnot, but it's overall the most impressive game I've seen this generation. The character models and animations are absolutely best in class. Some of the subtle animations of the characters make them feel like real human beings and not merely video game characters. Ellen Page and everyone else involved gave great performances.
Beyond: Two Souls is an emotional journey where you get to truly experience the roller coaster ride and not just watch it play out. If there's one game you play to finish out this console generation, please make it this one.
Honest reviews on BEYOND: Two Souls
Beyond: Two Souls is difficult to place. I am told it is a game, something that I play to derive enjoyment out of bashing buttons and defeating the enemy. But what I got was something entirely different. It tells the story of a strange young girl, Jodie, and her connection to a mysterious creature she calls Aiden. We are invited to try and solve the mystery of Jodie by experiencing a lifetime of memories. Told in Tarantino order, the game jumps about with little explanation, leaving us to try and piece together an arcing story to Jodie. In this way we are offered mystery upon mystery which unfolds into a satisfying whole as the game progresses.But the term game is perhaps misleading, and already plenty of negative reviews are flooding in. Many are crying foul about a game that doesn't allow you to indulge your destructive tendencies at every corner. I suggest that these reviewers have missed the point of Beyond: Two Souls. Make no mistake, this is not a sandbox game. You are not granted the freedom to run around areas, to explore as you wish. You are gently guided along the story David Cage has set before us. Choices exist, but are meant to colour your experience rather than shape it. What kind of character Jodie displays is shaped by the player, but you find yourself carried along by the story.
The controls can be frustrating at times, due to sometimes enclosed areas, but Quantic Dream should be lauded for attempting to guide rather than show. Players are encouraged to show initiative, figure out what should be done and where and at what time. You are not spoon-fed the game, though it seems to be difficult to 'lose'. But this is a minor criticism of what is quite simply one of the greatest experiences I have ever enjoyed. Quite possibly Game of the Year.
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