Beyond: Two Souls

About

Beyond: Two Souls is a single-player action game with a stellar story and good mechanics, featuring masterful visuals and intense emotions. As Jodie Holmes, born with a mysterious entity, players face danger and loss in a global journey, determining Jodie's fate through impactful decisions, guided by A-list performances of Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,921 reviews

story2.4k positive mentions

grinding26 negative mentions

The game features a captivating and emotional storyline that keeps players engaged throughout.
The performances by the cast, particularly Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe, are exceptional and enhance the overall experience.
The graphics and visuals are stunning, especially considering the game's original release date.

The controls are clunky and frustrating, especially when using keyboard and mouse, making gameplay difficult at times.
The non-linear storytelling can be confusing and disrupts the flow of the narrative.
Many player choices feel inconsequential, leading to a lack of meaningful impact on the overall story.

story
4,903 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
48%
4%
The story of "Beyond: Two Souls" is a complex and emotional narrative that follows the life of Jodie Holmes, a girl connected to a supernatural entity named Aiden. Players navigate through various pivotal moments in Jodie's life, experiencing a mix of drama, action, and supernatural elements, often told in a non-linear fashion that can be both intriguing and confusing. While the storytelling is praised for its depth and character development, many players express frustration with the gameplay mechanics and controls, which detract from the overall experience.
- “The story is emotional, the choices feel personal, and the characters are brought to life in a way that pulls you in.”
- “Beyond: Two Souls excels at pulling players into its narrative through outstanding storytelling and emotionally rich character development.”
- “This game is a truly outstanding interactive movie, perfect for those who value a quality storyline and strong emotions.”
- “Considering this is a computer game where they could do anything, this story is just dull.”
- “The story is all over the place and kind of confusing.”
- “There is no impact on the story whatsoever, the only changes are purely cosmetic, and dialogue will sometimes be completely out of place, because they expect a specific behavior, and no other behavior will fit the story.”
gameplay
1,082 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
65%
10%
The gameplay of "Beyond: Two Souls" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it prioritizes narrative over traditional gaming mechanics. While some appreciate the unique dual-character mechanic involving Jodie and Aiden, others criticize the reliance on quick-time events and clunky controls, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is often described as more of an interactive movie, with engaging storytelling but limited interactivity that may not satisfy those seeking deeper gameplay.
- “Beyond: Two Souls is much more than just a video game: it's a true interactive cinematic experience, combining poignant storytelling, exceptional performances, and innovative gameplay.”
- “The unique gameplay mechanics, such as controlling both Jodie and her spiritual companion Aiden, added an interesting twist to the typical narrative-driven game.”
- “The gameplay mechanics in 'Beyond: Two Souls' are seamless, offering a unique blend of exploration, quick-time events, and puzzle-solving.”
- “The gameplay gets boring just watching things happen on the screen, and when you least expect it, you have to press a button.”
- “Gameplay lacks impactful and meaningful options and rarely has quick time events that are repetitive and unengaging.”
- “The gameplay is a unique blend of video game and movie, offering numerous choices, but it falls short in several key areas.”
graphics
813 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
39%
2%
The graphics of "Beyond: Two Souls" have received widespread praise for their impressive quality, especially considering the game was originally released in 2013 on the PS3. Many players noted that the visuals still hold up well today, showcasing detailed character models and lifelike animations that enhance the immersive storytelling experience. While some critiques mention minor graphical glitches and the aging of certain elements, the overall consensus is that the game's graphics remain a standout feature, contributing significantly to its cinematic feel.
- “The graphics are stunning, the voice acting is superb, and the story is both engaging and thought-provoking.”
- “The graphics have held up surprisingly well, considering this game was released over ten years ago.”
- “The game's visuals are lifelike and contribute significantly to the overall immersion, making it a treat for the eyes.”
- “The graphics are also quite underwhelming for a game released in 2020.”
- “The visuals were notably dated.”
- “Do not expect graphics to be up to date with modern standards; it still looks like a PS3 game.”
emotional
491 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Beyond: Two Souls" is widely praised, with players highlighting its deeply engaging narrative and character development that evoke a wide range of feelings, from joy to heartbreak. Many reviewers noted that the performances by Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe significantly enhance the emotional weight of the story, making players feel personally invested in the protagonist Jodie's journey. However, some critiques mention that the non-linear storytelling can disrupt emotional continuity, potentially diluting the impact of key moments. Overall, the game is recognized as a powerful emotional experience that resonates strongly with those who appreciate narrative-driven gameplay.
- “This isn’t just a game; it’s an emotional journey.”
- “The interactions with the dead, especially the moments involving loved ones, hit me hard emotionally.”
- “Beyond: two souls is a must-play for anyone who loves deep and emotional storytelling.”
music
216 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
44%
2%
The music in the game is widely praised for its emotional depth and atmospheric quality, with compositions by renowned artists like Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe enhancing the narrative experience. Reviewers note that the soundtrack effectively complements the story's highs and lows, although some feel it lacks memorability outside key moments. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's immersive storytelling and emotional impact.
- “This game has easily become one of my favorites, from the music, to the incredible cast of characters and the amazing performances, it is incredible.”
- “The music often mirrors Jodie's emotional state, seamlessly transitioning between melancholic, tense, and uplifting tones.”
- “The soundtrack, composed by Lorne Balfe, complements the emotional depth of the narrative beautifully.”
- “Despite how the soundtrack is effective in supporting the story, it sometimes lacks memorability outside of key moments, but it does create a powerful backdrop to Jodie's journey.”
- “The music for me blended mostly into the background.”
- “The soundtrack of the game is fine but not really memorable.”
optimization
199 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
37%
6%
Overall, the optimization of "Beyond: Two Souls" has received mixed feedback from players. While many report smooth performance and excellent graphics, particularly on consoles and high-end PCs, others have experienced significant issues, especially with keyboard and mouse controls, leading to frustration during gameplay. Despite these inconsistencies, the game is generally considered well-optimized for its cinematic presentation and character performances.
- “The optimization of the game is very good; this game does not have a good port for PC at all and I do not recommend this game at all because you will find 100% mouse and keyboard control problems or other problems in this game.”
- “The game runs smoothly without any frame drops at constant 60fps; controls felt great using keyboard and mouse, enjoyed the entire game.”
- “The graphical quality of the game is okay, it runs smoothly and without lags, the story is well done and also quite exciting.”
- “Game is very poorly optimized and runs on PC with 3 FPS, literally unplayable. Steam support doesn't take a refund after two weeks of purchase even if the product is literally broken and unplayable.”
- “Game was lackluster in general; firstly, the game was poorly optimized. The graphics were not that good for the amount of FPS I got. Usually, I can play AAA titles on ultra without any problem, but for some reason, this game was harder to run for me than Cyberpunk.”
- “I really like this game and the story is good, but the constant stuttering throughout the game really annoyed me.”
replayability
108 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
58%
5%
The replayability of "Beyond: Two Souls" is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the multiple narrative paths and endings that encourage exploration of different choices. While some find significant replay value in discovering various outcomes, others note that the impact of choices can feel limited, leading to a less compelling reason to replay the game. Overall, it offers a decent level of replayability, particularly for those who enjoy story-driven experiences, but may not satisfy players seeking substantial differences in gameplay with each playthrough.
- “A beautiful game with an amazing story, plenty of replayability here for people who like to discover all the different paths and outcomes.”
- “Player choices significantly impact the story, leading to multiple endings that enhance replay value.”
- “The range of things you can do has you feeling absolutely amazing all the way through and with the fact that there are 24 confirmed endings, it has a ton of replay value.”
- “However, it's important to note that the game's replay value is significantly limited, as most choices lead to similar outcomes with only slight variations.”
- “Despite its strengths, Beyond: Two Souls suffers from limited replay value.”
- “The game is fun, but in my opinion, the story is not replayable.”
humor
66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is largely described as unintentional, with many players finding amusement in poor writing, awkward character expressions, and glitchy animations. While some moments are genuinely funny, such as quirky character interactions and absurd scenarios, others veer into cringe-worthy territory, leading to mixed feelings about the overall comedic value. Despite its flaws, many reviewers recommend the game for its ability to elicit laughter, especially when played with friends.
- “The game is way too funny when you mess up every quick time event.”
- “I'm recommending it because this game is unintentionally hilarious.”
- “The story is pretty interesting and I liked the jumping in the timeline (funny thing, many people at release complained about this aspect of the game).”
character development
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
47%
8%
Character development in "Beyond: Two Souls" receives mixed reviews, with many praising the emotional depth and complexity of the protagonist, Jodie, and her relationships, which evolve based on player choices. However, some critics argue that the non-linear storytelling hampers meaningful character growth, leading to a sense of stagnation in Jodie's development and a lack of depth in supporting characters. Overall, while the game excels in narrative engagement and character design, opinions vary on the effectiveness of its character development.
- “Beyond: Two Souls excels at pulling players into its narrative through outstanding storytelling and emotionally rich character development.”
- “The character development throughout the game is exceptional, allowing you to truly empathize with Jodie and understand the weight of her choices.”
- “This game is beautiful; it has more character development and a richer storyline than most of the games out there.”
- “It makes me sad to think that this one had limitless potential (character development, chosen path development, dialogue choices etc...) but instead it got either squandered, overlooked or budgeted down to fit certain (sub)standard mold.”
- “However, the game's structure and the lack of meaningful character development made it difficult to like.”
- “The character development was atrocious, the love story was a joke (see 'back off ryan') and they somehow made the one bad thing about Detroit even worse.”
grinding
58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
53%
45%
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized, with many players describing it as tedious and requiring excessive time investment, often likening it to needing "a second life" to complete. While some acknowledge that the grind is only significant for those aiming for 100% completion, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration with repetitive tasks and unengaging gameplay elements.
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “What ultimately kills early enjoyment in the game is the arrival of the awful, long, and utterly tedious chapter about a group of homeless people.”
- “It felt too tedious after 4 hours into the story; none of the things you do matter, because the whole game is a giant flashback essentially.”
atmosphere
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
43%
5%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its emotional depth, stunning graphics, and haunting soundtrack, which together create an immersive experience that feels akin to a cinematic narrative. While the environments are intricately crafted, some players feel that the linear structure limits exploration, making certain areas feel more like backdrops than interactive spaces. Overall, the combination of story, sound, and visuals contributes to a compelling atmosphere that resonates with players, particularly those who prioritize narrative over interactivity.
- “The atmosphere of the game and the story were completely combined, which made the game more beautiful.”
- “The environments are intricately crafted, from stunning landscapes to hauntingly atmospheric settings, leaving a lasting impression on the player.”
- “Outstanding... the atmosphere, gameplay, art, sounds and a perfect storytelling... a masterpiece of its own class.”
- “While these environments are crafted with care and contribute to the atmosphere, the game’s heavily linear structure often limits exploration and interactivity, making many highly detailed areas feel more like backdrops for the story rather than immersive spaces to engage with.”
- “If you're a person who prioritizes story and atmosphere over interactivity, then this could certainly be up your alley, but if you're not a fan of Quantic Dream games in the first place, then this definitely won't be the one to change your mind.”
- “The game also had no atmosphere.”
stability
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
6%
76%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs and glitches that affect movement, controls, and overall gameplay experience. While some users experienced smooth performance and minimal issues, others faced frequent crashes, softlocks, and frustrating control mechanics, particularly on PC. Overall, the game's stability appears to be inconsistent, with a notable divide between those who encountered severe technical problems and those who found it largely bug-free.
- “It runs great on the Steam Deck too.”
- “I played this game on 2560 x 1440 pixels, 60fps, and every other graphic setting on high with a 461.09 driver, and I had absolutely no glitches throughout the whole game.”
- “As far as bugs go, the game is largely bug free.”
- “So many glitches, bugs, etc that literally make you have to restart whole chapters of the game.”
- “Would love to play this game but it freezes on launch and I can't find a way to fix it.”
- “Sadly, the game is sometimes so buggy that it's impossible to play (I wasn't even able to finish the game because it froze at the same place all the time).”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn criticism for misleading advertising and a lack of transparency regarding paid modifications and cooperative gameplay limitations. Many players feel that the game is a cash grab, with subpar content and a disjointed experience that fails to deliver on its promises, leading to frustration and disappointment. Overall, the monetization practices are seen as exploitative, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “Plus, many games deceive the buyer; for example, in soulslike games, it claims to be an adventure or impossible to complete without paid modifications. In co-op, it doesn't mention that it's only co-op in a franchise that previously had a single-player campaign. The game often feels like a boring hack job with flashy advertising, or it pushes an agenda instead of offering a normal plot with relatable characters. The game is easy or well-optimized for the first two hours, but then problems arise, and you can't return the game.”
- “Yet it doesn’t really work, and it's clear that the actors weren’t involved at all. Seeing the digital body of Elliot Page smile at some terrible writing in this cash grab of a DLC felt kind of disgusting.”
- “This is a Quantic Dream game, which is probably enough of an advertisement for people familiar with QD's games.”