Beyond is a supernatural 'interactive drama' from Heavy Rain developers Quantic Dream. Despite some excellent direction and a stellar performance from Ellen Page, the game's plot is erratic and unfocussed. Tom Hoggins explores a "fascinating mess".

Scene by scene, is compelling enough, principally thanks to a remarkable performance from Ellen Page. But never before have I felt like such a passive participant in a video game, my choices and actions merely icing on a dense, multi-layered cake.

Terrific performance from Page; Beautiful world

Choices feel inconsequential; Unfocused plot; Poor combat mechanics

As a newcomer to the gaming world. This game was visually pleasing as well as a nice introduction to the gaming world. I really enjoyed the story line/.

Great lead performance and tech, wasted on a lacklustre story.

Impressive facial animation; Solid performance by Ellen Page

Clumsy; unnatural dialogue; No sense that you're having any impact on the story

Beyond: Two Souls was an immersive interactive drama much like 'Quantic Dreams' previous title 'Heavy Rain'. As ever David Cage delivers excellent writing and a fantastic cast.

graphics,gameplay,writing,acting; behind the scenes; score

chronology; length; extra level; half a soundtrack

David Cage's works have traditionally divided critics and the gaming community. Can he finally build consensus with his latest release? Taren Stevens examines Beyond: Two Souls.

Atmospheric and visually spectacular; Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe are equally fantastic; Decent character progression for Jodie; Refreshing take on combat, accessible to inexperienced gamers

The chapter jumping is dizzying and breaks the mood; Aiden, Willem Dafoe and every other character are underused; Unsatisfying gameplay for the experienced gamer

Love him or loathe him, David Cage is certainly a unique personality. "Game overs are a failure of the game designer" being a stand-out quote from his, and yes, going through his latest offering Beyond: Two Souls he has eradicated the "Game Over" screen completely, but in doing so has created a game...

Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe give it their all. The story awkwardly attempts do the same.

Stunning display; Ellen Page and Willen Dafoe give it their all

Gameplay design doesn't support the action segments in a believable or captivating way

Beyond: Two Souls has been formatted for screens it will never appear on. The entirety of this expansive, expensive paranormal thriller from French studio Quantic Dream is presented in the super-widescreen 'scope' film format, and shows between thick black bars on your TV set. Just like a movie.

The press sheet for Beyond: Two Souls uses the phrase "emotional" nearly a half-dozen times. Special care was made to painstakingly capture the likenesses and actions of real life actors Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe.

A technical marvel; Performances range from good to great; Narrative is fine for a video game

…but that's not enough any more; Player input ultimately doesn't matter; Uses cheap emotional tricks