the choice that caused it, and for this reason chose to make the game’s narrative non-linear. It’s an intriguing concept, and films, which the developer strives so ardently to emulate, have put it to great use in the past, creating twisting tales that warp the mind. The trouble is though that in an interactive medium, especially one with variable outcomes, having the consequences already determined robs the player of whatever the choice was in the first place. What this means for Beyond is that most decisions are essentially reduced to minor events, and the game becomes far more linear than what would otherwise be the case if it was told chronologically. More dilemmas abound though, especially in terms of Aiden, who is meant to be a major character in the game. Unfortunately, lacking both a voice and face, he is reduced to little more than a floating prompt outside of cut-scenes, and thus becomes more of a
Review
is available for both Android and iPhone, does simplify the controls, but experienced gamers will still find the regular controller far more comfortable to play with. The main focus of Beyond though will always be the plot, and it’s here that the game shines and disappoints in equal measure. Following the life of Jodie Holmes, played by Ellen Page, from the age of eight through to twenty three, Beyond tells the (non-sequential) story of woman born with a mysterious connection to an incorporeal entity known simply as Aiden, who acts as her constant companion. As is usual for a Quantic Dream title, choice lies at the heart of the game, allowing the player to make decisions that will drastically affect the direction of the story. Or at least that’s the theory. David Cage has been quoted as saying that he wanted to show the consequence of an action before
54
gamecca53