Beyond Good and Evil

Michael Ancel, the visionary mind behind the critically acclaimed Rayman franchise, has gone to work again. This time it’s on a project that has been known as “BG&E” until only recently.

You can undoubtedly guess that project is now known as Beyond Good & Evil. And Ancel is taking this ambitious project straight to the success of an instant blockbuster, he’s been called “The European Miyamoto” by some, and praised that by others. But what exactly will this mastermind be delivering to fans of the adventure series?

Well for starters, the planet of Hyllis has fallen under siege by a ruthless enemy alien race. And regardless of the assurances of the Alpha Section defense squad, the war continues to wreak havoc on the once beautiful planet. But amongst all the rubble of a small island, rises Jade, the rebellious young action reporter who’s taken it upon herself to uncover what’s truly going on. After being hired by the rebel organization IRIS, she learns that the Alpha Section is actually trafficking humans to the enemy. Still unaware of whom to trust, she sets out to expose this gruesome conspiracy and bring the truth to her lost people.

Jade is equipped with her dai-jo staff, and a very important camera. Her camera plays a very integral role in BG&E. As you play through the game, you’ll be taking pictures of places, people, and animals to uncover the mysterious truth. You’ll be able to sell your photos too, in exchange for valuable money. You can use this money to purchase upgrades, sidekicks, and other things.

Jade will encounter many different people throughout the game, some will even be able to fight alongside her as a sidekick. As mentioned before, you’ll have to purchase sidekicks, but this will open up a new aspect of the game. You’ll have to think imaginatively and strategically when using one of her sidekicks and their respective special powers. This feature will also open up new ways to play the game, and new ways to solve puzzles. So as you can expect, sidekicks and money will play a very interesting role in this game.

Vehicles also play an important in Good & Evil. Jade will be able to travel throughout the monstrous world of Hyllis in three different ways. She will have access to a vehicle that can transform from hovercraft to a jet plane, and this will prove very efficient in your quest for truth, considering the gigantic size of Hyllis.

Beyond Good & Evil looks to be an instant classic that everyone will be able to appreciate. It hits shelves early November, 2003. Look for a review shortly after, on this highly ambitious game.