Beyond Good & Evil - Gameplay

Gameplay

Beyond Good & Evil is an action-adventure game with elements of puzzle-solving and stealth-based games. The player controls the protagonist, Jade, from a third-person perspective. Jade can run, move stealthily, jump over obstacles and pits, climb ladders, push or bash in doors and objects, and flatten herself against walls. As Jade, the player investigates installations in search of the truth about a war with an alien threat.

In the game's interior spaces, the player solves puzzles and make their way past enemies in order to reach areas containing photographic evidence. Jade's main tools are her Jō combat staff (a melee weapon), discs for attacking at range, and a camera. Jade's health decreases when attacked by enemies, and health can be restored by using fictional food items "Starkos" and "K-Bups". She can also gain extra hearts by collecting PA-1s. If Jade's health is depleted, she will restart at the last checkpoint. Certain stealth segments later in the game will automatically kill Jade if she is detected.

At times, it is only possible to advance in the game with the help of other characters. The characters are computer-controlled, and players direct them via contextual commands. For example, the player can order them to perform a "super attack", either pounding the ground to bounce enemies into the air, allowing the player to hit them from long distances, or knocking them off balance, making them vulnerable to attack. These allies also possess a health bar and are incapacitated if their health is depleted. Jade is also able to share some of her items, such as Starkos or PA-1s.

In addition to obtaining evidence and completing assignments, Jade's camera can be used to take pictures of animal species in exchange for currency and scan objects to reveal more information about the environment. When the "Gyrodisk Glove" is obtained, Jade can attack enemies or activate devices from a distance using the camera interface. There are also various minigames and sub-missions offered by NPCs scattered throughout the world.

A hovercraft is used to travel around the world, and also used for racing and in other minigames. Later, the spaceship Beluga is acquired. The hovercraft can park on board the spaceship. Both vehicles require upgrades in order to reach new areas and progress through the game. Upgrades are purchased using pearls that are collected throughout the game. Pearls can be gained by completing missions, exploring areas, filling in the animal directory or by trading credits for them. The vehicles have a boost ability, and can be repaired using a "Repair Pod" if damaged by enemies.

The main city serves as a hub, allowing the player access to the various areas that must be explored in order to expose the conspiracy. Jade can earn credits by defeating enemies, taking pictures or completing assignments, which can be used to purchase additional items for both Jade and her vehicles.