Posted March 26, 2009
Beyond Good And Evil, while not actually linked to the philosophical opus of the same name, has several things in common with it:
1) Both are uniquely sculpted, breathtaking masterpieces. Even if the content isn't to your liking, both are worth buying simply for the graphics. Beyond Good and Evil is widely recognised as an under-appreciated classic, if not for its argumentation then certainly for its design and innovation.
2) The content is great anyway. Nietzsche is at the peak of his rhetorical ability, and the story is surprisingly gripping considering the cast of characters is largely composed of anthropomorphic cartoon animals. While the logic behind its radical anti-theism is sometimes questionable, you should make no mistake : this isn't just some kids' game.
3) It should be noted, however, that the games combat interface can be a little irritating or repetetive at times, particularly when faced with wave after wave of obscure aphorisms. However, this negative stands in high contrast to the game's other central focus, which is photography - the gorgeous visuals make this very enjoyable, and the side-quest to photograph every species in the game adds replay value.
4) While Christian thought is accused of being 'life-denying' for maintaining a perspective which places the afterlife in the foreground, the game fails to justify the conclusion that this is in some way unacceptable. For if your hideous half-pig uncle Pej wishes to assert that truth should not be trusted over falsehood for lack of justification to this effect, then he must surely admit that even if God is dead, we should be nevertheless permitted to believe in Him.
P.S. For replay value, you get 10 points for every use of photographical terminology found in this review.
1) Both are uniquely sculpted, breathtaking masterpieces. Even if the content isn't to your liking, both are worth buying simply for the graphics. Beyond Good and Evil is widely recognised as an under-appreciated classic, if not for its argumentation then certainly for its design and innovation.
2) The content is great anyway. Nietzsche is at the peak of his rhetorical ability, and the story is surprisingly gripping considering the cast of characters is largely composed of anthropomorphic cartoon animals. While the logic behind its radical anti-theism is sometimes questionable, you should make no mistake : this isn't just some kids' game.
3) It should be noted, however, that the games combat interface can be a little irritating or repetetive at times, particularly when faced with wave after wave of obscure aphorisms. However, this negative stands in high contrast to the game's other central focus, which is photography - the gorgeous visuals make this very enjoyable, and the side-quest to photograph every species in the game adds replay value.
4) While Christian thought is accused of being 'life-denying' for maintaining a perspective which places the afterlife in the foreground, the game fails to justify the conclusion that this is in some way unacceptable. For if your hideous half-pig uncle Pej wishes to assert that truth should not be trusted over falsehood for lack of justification to this effect, then he must surely admit that even if God is dead, we should be nevertheless permitted to believe in Him.
P.S. For replay value, you get 10 points for every use of photographical terminology found in this review.