bit-tech Shopping: UbiSoft Beyond Good and Evil (Xbox)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 6 Weeks

Strengths: It's satisfying, fun, intriguing... and cheap.

Weaknesses: Not too long; meant to be the start of a trilogy that will likely never be finished.

Summary: For some reason, Beyond Good and Evil just didn't sell. Maybe it's because Ubi never advertised it, or because it doesn't contain recognizable characters. Still, this Zelda-with-photography adventure is a lot of fun, and got universally great reviews. This is one of them. And since the game was a failure sales-wise, you can find it way cheaper than it should be. Buy it.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Years

Strengths: Good storyline, good controls, lots of variety

Weaknesses: Pretty short, there probably won't be a sequel

Summary: Beyond Good & Evil is perhaps the best Zelda-clone of all time. Ubi Soft has taken all the things that make the Zelda games great and thrown them into a new universe. The game is set in a futuristic society where a large corporation/government is trying to gain complete control. Your character's name is Jade and you are a reporter set on exposing the conspiracies that are leading to the enslavement of the world. In order to do this, you must explore a large overworld in your hovercraft vehicle looking for various areas to search out on foot. Once out of your hovercraft, you can interact with the locals and learn clues to further your quest. There are various items available to increase your character's health and to power-up the hovercraft. You can earn cash to buy these upgrades by taking pictures of the local wildlife. This may not sound that exciting, but it's actually pretty fun to try and find and snap pictures of all the animals. Along with the animals, you will also meet up with a few companions during your travels. These companions can be very helpful in battle and in solving puzzles. The combat is very simple, but effective. Jade has a staff-like weapon that she can use to block and attack (all with one-button). Most of the game isn't centered around combat though, but rather exploration. There are several stealth missions and a lot of puzzles to figure out as well. There are even some hovercraft races and battles thrown in for good measure. The only downfall of the game is that it can be beaten fairly quickly. You will probably speed right through this thing in 6 to 8 hours and there really isn't any replay value after that. Overall, I would highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a Zelda-type game. It's not as great as some would tell you, but it is an extremely good game in a genre that is under-represented.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Year

Strengths: Good Story Line and Gameplay. Graphics

Weaknesses: Limited Replayability. Not too long.

Summary: Great game to pick up for the Xbox. There's really nothing else on the Xbox which can compare. The game has outstanding graphics (Prince of Persia used the same graphics engine), a great storyline which grabs you and has a nice blend of humor as well. The game has some Zelda-esque qualities to it which will make you want to keep playing it until you finish. The game isn't very long, but considering the bargain prices which you can find this game if you look around, this is a real sleeper hit.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4 Months

Strengths: Superb graphics, sound and story, great adventure game along the lines of Zelda and Star Fox Adventures.

Weaknesses: Too short.

Summary: Beyond Good and Evil is one of those rare games that gets great critical acclaim but tanks at the retail. I remember this game getting high praise before it was released but no one picked it up at launch. I think Ubisoft paniced and decided to immediately lower the price to $19.99 within a couple of weeks. It still didn't sell. Blame it on bad marketing, blame it on a video game that was already too crowded or whatever. The bottom line, is that many gamers missed out on a great game. While I'm not saying it deserves to be ranked amongst the Top 10 games of all time, I'm certainly vouching for it being a near great title. The game is very similar to Zelda, in fact they share the same "lock on" system and the battles feel eerily familiar. There is a ton variety as you'll be battling with your staff, steering a ship in open waters, taking photos and there's even a few stealth elements. The graphics and sound are excellent while the challenging puzzles will keep you playing. I think the bottom line is that it's a solid game that provides a mix of action, adventure, stealth elements. Combine this with a great storyline and you come to realize that aren't too many games in this adventure genre that are as good as BG&E. Too bad the game is only about a 10 hour experience. Hopefully Ubisoft will agree to develop a sequel. Here's hoping!

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Graphics

Weaknesses:

Summary: I over looked this game when it first came out. I over-heard someone saying that this was a good game. I checked it out, and I fell in love with it. Its basic, simple, and easy to get into. It's a one button fighting system and all but somehow it worked really well. Anyways, its kind of easy, but it does get kinda hard in a few areas. Anyways, graphics were nice, voice overs were nice, characters were well done in a sci-fi kinda way. Story was kinda interesting, kinda a let down to, but hey, it worked out.