If you’ve been a fan of my blog, or followed me for any length of time, you’ll know I’m an avid fan of Quantic Dream. Their game designs are phenomenal, and they’ve managed to push the boundaries of graphics capabilities on the PS3 time and time again. If you’ve never played Heavy Rain, or if you haven’t seen that tech demo for their short film, Kara, that I covered earlier in the year – I insist you check them out. It will most definitely help you grasp why I’m on the seat of my pants for Quantic Dream’s newest IP: Beyond.
Two Souls. One Adventure.
In the Kara demo, I described how Dream’s new graphics engine was going to expand the capabilities of what a gaming system can deliver emotionally, and this time it’s no different. Before I carry on, I would like to ask you all to please watch this trailer. I won’t say anything about it until you’re finished, because I don’t want to talk about details until you’re done. I would also definitely recommend watching it in FULL screen to get the best effect.
Now, what’s so amazing about that? Well, let me just start off by saying: ELLEN PAGE! I got goosebumps when they announced that the Inception actress was going to be playing the lead role in this new IP! Seeing that kind of star power start to come to video games is so intriguing and warranted. Let’s focus on the game though shall we? Here’s what I know:
You play the game as Jodie Holmes, brought to life by Page’s performance. According to David Cage, the game’s creative director, you follow the progression of her life and her interactions with this being. I caught a name in the trailer, so I assume this entity is named, Ivan. Now there are no details to how they are linked together, but with a game that states “Two Souls” as it’s tag line, I can only imagine the possibilities as to how these two are interconnected.
It seems to me Quantic Dream has really pushed the envelope this time around. They’re going from having one of the most unexpected successes in Heavy Rain, to now trying their hand at an action-drama. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds, but it looks like there will be tons of off-your-seat action, explosives, escaping, and that constant guise of mystery with this game as I try my hardest to figure out what’s going on in this game! It seems to me that Ivan might be some sort of poltergeist, maybe an imaginary friend come to life, I’m not sure – but I’m eager to find out!
I’ll keep you all posted as I find out more, but definitely Quantic Dream and their love-child: Beyond, is one to definitely keep watch on, and I will just for you guys. Anything new I’ll report as soon as I get word, but for now just let your mind’s be boggled and your thumbs twitch to play this, what looks like it will be, remarkable game! I’m certain that this game will probably be rated M for Mature, but that’s just my guess. The game should be out sometime in 2013 EXCLUSIVELY to the PS3.
I can’t wait for a full release date!
Gastrogamer 
I would say that this is one of the games I am looking forward to the most. My fave games are always the ones that are able to get you into the experience emotionally as well, and quantic dream seem to want to focus this way. The Kara video shocked and amazed me, although tbh I would also love to see that concept turned into a game.
I would have too. Cage and his team at Quantic have all said that the Kara video was merely just a tech demo and they had no intention of carrying it further though. It makes me sad, because I see a ton of potential in that initial idea that would go towards building a solid game.
Who knows? One day they may go back and grab the log and say, “Hey remember that one tech demo we did that everyone raved about? How about we try something WITH it this time?” 😛 We can only hope!