ESRB rating: Teen - Comic Mischief, Violence
Awards:
Game of the Year: International Game Developers Association (Nominated, 2004), IMAGINA Festival (2004)
Best Adventure Game (PS2): IGN.com (2003)
Best Story (GameCube): IGN.com (2003)
Was listed as the 22nd-best Xbox game and 12th-best GameCube game of all time by IGN.com in 2007.
Description:
Beyond Good and Evil is an action-adventure game, which takes place in the 25th century on the planet of Hillys. The story follows main character Jade, a freelance photographer, as she tries to reveal an alien conspiracy taking over her planet. Through Jade, players visit different locations where they must collect photographic evidence, solve puzzles and fight enemies that appear along the way (mainly with Jade’s combat staff). As Jade’s photographs get published, the population becomes more aware of the conspiracy. Beyond Good and Evil’s graphics, audio and voices all contribute to the game’s atmosphere, particularly when Jade enters sinister environments.
Although rated Teen in Canada and the US, Beyond Good and Evil holds a 7+ rating from PEGI, ESRB’s European equivalent. The game does contain some violence, but it is clearly fantasy, isn't constant and is part of the storyline. The game also encourages a critical approach toward authoritative governments, an element that was inspired by 9/11, according to the game’s creator, Michel Ancel.
Trailer:
Why the library should carry it:
Beyond Good and Evil is a fairly short game (10-15 hours), which allows TPL visitors to complete it after a few visits. Because of its critical and political aspect, it may increase players' interest in history and be a good way to introduce similar stories available at the library.
