I finally got around to getting through Beyond Good & Evil just a few weeks ago, and I have to say it was an incredible experience. I had had the game for a few months, but never got around to it, but I was certainly glad I finally did.

First of all, Since it's release I had heard all about it's disappointing sales figures despite unanimous critical praise, and I wanted to see for myself if this really was a great game.

Firstly, the very fact that the game is designed by Michel Ancel, creator of Rayman, is already a good sign. As soon as you turn the console on, you instantly recognize Ancel's very creative and colorful style. The characters are cute and likeable, starting with the pretty main character, Jade, a reporter who will end up working for an organization that plans to overthrow a huge government conspiracy. There's also Pey'j, her partner and uncle who brought her up and will help her on her quest thanks to his "engineering" skills. Jade also meets dozens of other friendly and not-so-friendly characters during her adventures.

The in-game graphics are simply gorgeous. Running at an almost constant 50-60 frames per second, they are very colorful, detailed, and smooth. The animations are beautiful, sometimes using soft focus, motion blur and lighting effects to give them an extra edge. The water effect is possibly one of the most realistic and beautiful I've ever seen.

The music, although not memorable, does a fabulous job at setting the right mood at all times, and it changes on the fly as events unfold (for example, when you are discovered by troopers). The sound effects are also very nice, and the voice actors in french do a great job, giving it that cartoony edge while still keeping it believeable.

As for the gameplay, it is simply fabulous. Elements of racing, shooting, beat'em-up, platforming, stealth action, and puzzles; whether you are taking pictures of animals for the science center, avoiding being seen by Alpha troopers, or fighting gigantic flying bugs in a cave with your Dai-Jo, there is simply something for everyone. And it is executed with the same quality and smoothness that would characterize Super Mario or Zelda games. Add to that an epic story and a beautiful universe, and you have all the elements of a classic adventure game.

Let's just hope the price drop has boosted sales, and that this will not be another "best game no one has played"!

If you are looking for an amazing adventure game at a bargain price (although it is definitely worth full price), get Beyond Good & Evil !

Recommended: Yes