Nov 2015
Welcome, dear gamers! Today, we are diving headfirst into the mystical yet utterly confusing world of 'Beyond: Two Souls.' Picture this: you control a young woman, Jodie Holmes (masterfully portrayed by the talented Ellen Page, or Elliot Page now that we’ve all gone through a sensitivity course), who can supposedly communicate with spirits — a bit like that one friend who always claims they can talk to their pet goldfish. But here’s the kicker: she’s also linked to a ghostly entity named Aiden who operates like a spirit GPS. Buckle up, because this ride is about to get emotionally bumpy, and we’re not talking about a smooth ride to the grocery store when you’ve just seen a virtual cat video!
The gameplay manages to mix in the classic tropes of an interactive movie with a storytelling experience that would leave even your high school English teacher slightly impressed (or confused, depending on whether they’ve ever gamed). You primarily control Jodie, navigating through her life choices while dealing with her constant poltergeist companion, Aiden. Gameplay mostly consists of quick-time events (QTEs) and point-and-click adventures, urging you to turn your controller into an intricate magic wand. From awkward social situations like attending a party filled with people who are probably too cool for you, to battling rogue spirits that would make the cast of 'Ghostbusters' proud, every decision you make can change the course of the interactions in significant or sometimes hilariously questionable ways. Jodie’s life experiences flash through the context of various stages of her life, and there are more twists here than a pretzel factory on a frenzied Friday.
Visually, 'Beyond: Two Souls' flexes its muscles harder than Arnold Schwarzenegger on a caffeine high. The graphics are a dazzling display of motion capture that contributes to impressively lifelike animations. The character models, especially Jodie and Nathan Dawkins (Willem Dafoe) look so realistic, you could mistake them for actors in a blockbuster flick — or at least a fancy indie film that plays at artsy theaters. From stunning landscapes that will make you want to pack your bags and find that coffee shop somewhere in the desert, to the detailed rooms filled with so much clutter you might feel embarrassed about your personal living situation, there's loads to feast your eyes on. It's a visual treat! Just don't stare too long, or you might end up chatting with your console about its existential crisis.
In closing, 'Beyond: Two Souls' is a monumental leap into the realm of interactive storytelling, offering experiences that are as varied as your emotions after a good rom-com or the end of a particularly emotional season of 'The Office.' However, keep your expectations in check — it does come with its own set of convoluted plot points and gameplay mechanics that might have you questioning where exactly it is you’re supposed to go next. If you crave a cinematic experience with a sprinkle of gameplay magic and a dash of ghostly mischief, then grab your snacks and get ready to guide Jodie on her rollercoaster of a life! Just don't forget: you may not always be in control the way you'd like, which sometimes results in more 'what the heck?' moments than thoughtful introspection. Score: 7/10 – A decent watch with some occasional edge-of-your-seat moments, perfect for an evening when you don’t want to think too hard but still want to feel a little something.
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