Beyond: Two Souls (2013)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

An ambitious narrative game that pushes the boundaries of storytelling in video games, featuring deep character exploration and a unique gameplay experience.

Introduction

A groundbreaking narrative-driven experience, Beyond: Two Souls blends interactive gameplay with cinematic storytelling, powered by performances from Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe.

Synopsis

The game revolves around the life of Jodie Holmes, a young woman who possesses supernatural powers through her psychic link to an incorporeal entity named Aiden. This link has been present since her birth and allows Jodie to perform extraordinary feats.

The story unfolds over 15 years of Jodie’s life, during which players witness her growth from adolescence to adulthood. Throughout this journey, Jodie strives to gain control over Aiden and the powers they share.

Jodie’s unique abilities attract the attention of the Department of Paranormal Activity (DPA), where she comes under the care of researcher Nathan Dawkins. Dawkins, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, becomes a surrogate father figure to Jodie.

The gameplay alternates between interactive drama and action-adventure sequences, involving the player in various activities such as moving and guiding the character into interactions with objects and other non-player characters. The player primarily controls Jodie, but can switch to control Aiden at almost any time.

The game’s narrative is non-linear, with most of the story being told via flashbacks. The choices made by the player throughout the game will affect the plot and lead to different endings.

Characters

Jodie Holmes, portrayed by Elliot Page, is the protagonist with a psychic link to Aiden, an invisible entity. Willem Dafoe plays Nathan Dawkins, a researcher and father figure to Jodie.

Gameplay

Gameplay alternates between interactive story sequences and action-packed moments, allowing players to influence the story’s outcome through choices and use Aiden to interact with the world in unique ways.

Conclusion

Beyond: Two Souls is a testament to video games as a form of storytelling, offering an emotionally charged journey despite its gameplay limitations.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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