David Cage and Quantic Dream really do create interactive experiences unlike anything weve ever seen. Some will argue that they are one long tedious QTE which is fine, but others such as me come completely undone, compelled, and lost into the idea of a video game not only mimicking a film, but putting drama at the hull. Beyond is another divisive experience from Quantic Dream and company but Im again on the riveted side. The game successfully poses challenging questions about the afterlife and isnt afraid to head towards dark subject matter. Of course, the meat of the game is spent chronicling - out of order- 15 years in the life of Jodie Holmes and her relationship with a paranormal entity seemingly tethered to her. The struggle that a life like that can bring is beautifully brought out through bullying, romance, childhood fear, mystery, action, and more. I cant omit the amazing full-body motion capture and voice performances from Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe either. Best Moment- It could make for a completely one-sided decision pending on how you played the game, but the final choice to either live or enter the afterlife is already one of my favorite moments in gaming. The touch of having characters you have saved on one side and the deceased looking on from the Beyond side is nothing short of brilliant. For most of us, life or death is a pretty obvious question but in this case, its a tense choice to make.
