Fun For the Whole Family

As an X-Files fan, I take pride in thinking that my government is out to get me, knowing that Area 51 does exist, and that aliens are real and planning the end of the world as we know it. This is probably why one of my good friends suggested I play Beyond Good and Evil by Ubisoft. When you first pick up BGE, it looks like a kids game. Its simple animation, nothing too spectacular in the way of level design or graphic interface, and the characters are human but also include talking animals. This, however, should not stop you from picking the game up.
The year is 2435 and aliens are attacking the planet. The government [also known as the alpha sections] has set up a militarized state, stating it is in your best interest, as they slowly begin to decrease your rights with your community. Your name is Jade. An orphan who lives with others that were left behind when the aliens [called Domz] last attacked your planet. She makes money as a free-lance photographer, and protects herself with a simple Dai-Jo staff. Then suddenly your friends start disappearing. First, just one or two at a time, then whole groups of people taken right before your eyes. The government says its because of the Domz, but rumors start to circulate that there may be more to it than that. You get wind of an underground group called Iris that is trying to get to the bottom of this mess and understand what exactly is the government’s role in these kidnappings, and begin working for them, gathering information using your camera to document government activity and sneaking into buildings to try and counter their next move.

Along the way, there are several mini-games and narratives to play. There are small boat races, documenting animals that are disappearing, guessing games, and a disc game that is a cross between shuffle-board and air-hockey , which, if you win, unlock hidden prizes or give you cash to buy items and food.
As a female gamer and someone who has a lot of little cousins, there are several things I LOVE about this game. First, in no way shape or form is this game offensive to gamers. Jade is dressed like a normal human being, not like Helga from a German porn. Which means, I don’t get upset when her ass is in my face, and my little cousins can watch me play the game without having to cover their eyes. Second, the violence in the game is really restricted to comical violence. There is no gore. Third, BGE is really easy to pick up. A lot of times people are turned off because a game is just too hard to control or learn. I would even venture to say that because you have to use a simple 2D map, heart power ups, simple attack combos, and the narrative to help you in your journey, it’s a great game to start gaming with. It teaches you a lot of the basics that are built up in other games [like the ungodly Sphere system in FFX]. Fourth, and last, is the puzzle scheme. Each encounter with the alpha sections has a short cut scene which provides you with a long shot of what is to come in the next room. Once that scene is over, you have to maneuver your way around the alphamen as quietly as possible. Sometimes you can take them on, and sometimes you can’t so there is a lot of strategy that goes on from scene to scene.
If none of this has convinced you then maybe the price will. This game is 2 years old this November which means, you can find it for 10 bucks at the right places ; ).This game is also multi-platform which has its advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I think it looks better on the Game Cube, but because you shoot pictures with the “Z” button, the controls can get a little annoying. So if you don’t mind having to bend your hands in odd positions at times, the Cube version is the way to go. Otherwise there is always the PS2. Another friend of mine swears by the PC version. The choice is yours.

All images and trailers can be found here.