Info about Beyond: Two Souls:

Official game description:
  
Triple-A talent and storytelling brings you a video game experience like you’ve never had before.
LIVE AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE: ONE LIFE, TWO SOULS
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A unique psychological action thriller delivered by A-list Hollywood performances by **Elliot Page** and **Willem Dafoe**, **Beyond: Two Souls™** takes you on a thrilling journey across the globe as you play out the remarkable life of Jodie Holmes.  
Born with a connection to a mysterious entity with incredible powers, Jodie is different.  
Your actions will determine Jodie's fate as she faces extraordinary challenges, danger, and heart-wrenching loss on a journey to discover the truth of who she is.  
Create an action-packed story through your choices and actions as you live her life – a girl born with a link to a supernatural entity called Aiden.  
By playing as both Jodie and Aiden, you will face spectacular physical and psychological challenges to understand what truly lies… beyond.  
TEST YOUR SKILLS WITH ‘ADVANCED EXPERIMENTS’
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The original DLC mission from the PlayStation™ releases is included in the full PC game. The entire game is playable in two difficulty modes, and in Solo or Duo mode.
PLAY THE STORY THE WAY YOU WANT
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Cinematic or chronological order? Select the way you want to experience the story, and even play in local co-op mode using two different controllers for each player – one to play as Jodie and the other to play as Aiden. Play the way you want to play.
FULLY OPTIMIZED FOR PC
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Beyond: Two Souls is brought to PC with stunning visuals including 4K resolution, widescreen 21:9 compatibility, and 60 fps framerate.

Release date: Jun 18, 2020

Categories: Choice-based Narrative, Emotional Storytelling, Interactive Movie Experience, QTE-based Gameplay, Character Switching, Non-linear Storytelling, Cooperative Gameplay, Multiple Endings

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement in Guidance; summary: The primary user complaints revolve around the lack of in-game guidance and the necessity to rely on external walkthroughs and guides to understand the game's mechanics, achieve certain endings, and progress through the story. This reliance on external data significantly impacts the user experience, as players feel the need to constantly refer to external sources to fully enjoy and complete the game.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game exhibits strong compatibility and performance on Linux using Proton, as well as on Steam Deck. Users report smooth gameplay and solid performance without major technical issues.
- Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience reveals several significant issues impacting the user experience. The most frequent and impactful complaints include problems with camera controls, overall control scheme, compatibility with the Steam Deck, game stability, and battery drain. These issues suggest that the game has substantial technical barriers that need to be addressed to improve the user experience.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game generally performs well across different hardware cohorts, with most players reporting a positive experience. Even lower-end systems with less VRAM manage to run the game smoothly with minor issues.
  - Sample size: 126 (1% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 72 reports): Players report a mostly smooth experience with minor frame rate drops and graphical issues that do not significantly affect gameplay.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 24 reports): The game runs well with high performance and good narrative experience.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 20 reports): Players enjoy improved graphics and smoother gameplay, with a significant enhancement in visual quality and operational ease compared to previous versions.
  - Caveats: 126 of 12822 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $1.00 - $6.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users frequently mention purchasing the game on sale and finding it worth the discounted price. Many users highlight that the game is worth buying when it is on sale, often mentioning specific sale prices that are significantly lower than the full price. This suggests that the community considers the fair price range to be lower than the current base game price, with many users finding value in the game when it is discounted to around $1 to $6.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.0h
  - Story completion: 10.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 8.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides multiple direct references to playtime metrics. The first quote mentions that a first playthrough can take around ten hours, which aligns with the typical time to finish the game. The second quote indicates a total playtime of 25 hours, suggesting extensive play including endgame content. The third quote specifies a playtime of 10 hours, which supports the typical game completion time. The fourth quote mentions completing all endings and achievements with an additional 8-9 hours, indicating the time required for full completion including endgame content.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts slow and confusing but becomes more enjoyable as the story progresses and players get accustomed to the gameplay, especially in co-op mode.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Story progression and understanding
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Non-linear storytelling; Awkward controls; Slow pacing; Confusing initial segments
  - Unlock drivers: Story progression; Co-op mode
  - Conditions: Playing in chronological order; Playing with a friend in co-op mode; Patience with initial slow pacing
- Player Archetypes:
  - Story-First Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Emotional engagement and narrative depth
    - Playstyle: Immersive, story-driven gameplay with a focus on decision-making and emotional connection.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: narrative enthusiast; emotional gamer
    - Reference games: Detroit: Become Human; Life is Strange; Heavy Rain
  - Critical Appreciator (sale)
    - Motivation: Appreciation of specific game elements despite flaws
    - Playstyle: Balanced gameplay with a focus on both narrative and mechanics, often playing with a critical eye.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: critical gamer; narrative appreciator
    - Reference games: Heavy Rain; Detroit: Become Human
  - Narrative-Focused Gamer (sale)
    - Motivation: Story and character engagement
    - Playstyle: Story-driven gameplay with a focus on narrative and character development, often playing despite gameplay frustrations.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: story lover; character-driven gamer
    - Reference games: Detroit: Become Human; Life is Strange


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging and emotional storytelling (weight 0.83): The game features an engaging and emotionally rich story that captivates players from beginning to end. The narrative is well-written, with deep and complex storytelling that includes twists and emotional depth.
- Outstanding voice acting and performances (weight 0.58): The game is praised for its excellent voice acting and performances, particularly by Willem Dafoe and Elliot Page. The acting is described as outstanding, with strong performances that enhance the overall experience.
- Impactful player choices (weight 0.34): Player choices have a significant impact on the story and gameplay, offering meaningful decisions that influence the narrative and provide replayability with different outcomes.
- Well-developed characters and plot (weight 0.33): The game features well-developed characters and an intricate plot. The characters are believable and complex, contributing to a deep and interesting storyline.
- Immersive and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.31): The gameplay is described as immersive and enjoyable, with a focus on story-driven experiences. The game blends cinematic storytelling with interactive choices, enhancing player engagement.
- Impressive graphics and visuals (weight 0.25): The game's graphics are noted for being impressive and detailed, with stunning visuals and realistic animations. The visual quality is highlighted as a strong point, contributing to the immersive experience.
- Surprising plot twists (weight 0.12): The plot includes surprising and dramatic twists that keep players engaged and hooked until the end. These twists add to the intensity and entertainment value of the story.

Common complaints:
- Clunky and problematic controls (weight 0.67): Many players have reported issues with the game's controls, describing them as clunky, difficult, and unintuitive. These control issues are particularly pronounced during action scenes and on PC.
- Issues with Quick-Time Events (weight 0.33): The game's Quick-Time Events (QTEs) are a significant point of contention. Players find them annoying, difficult, and sometimes broken, with ambiguous animation cues and unreliable recognition.
- Confusing non-linear timeline (weight 0.31): The game's non-linear timeline and disjointed storytelling can be confusing for players. The fragmented narrative structure can lead to initial confusion and a chaotic story experience.
- Poor PC controls (weight 0.24): The game's controls are particularly criticized on PC, where they are described as cumbersome, poorly translated, and uncomfortable, especially when using keyboard and mouse.

Gameplay feedback:
- Choice-based narrative (weight 0.28): Players experience a story-driven game with decisions that affect the narrative, offering a choice-based story with psychological depth.
- Emotional and narrative-driven (weight 0.23): The game features emotional storytelling and narrative-driven gameplay, with a focus on emotional engagement and non-linear storytelling.
- Interactive movie experience (weight 0.22): The game offers an interactive movie experience with a choice-driven narrative, emphasizing decisions and consequences in an interactive film format.
- QTE-based gameplay (weight 0.18): Quick Time Events (QTEs) are a core gameplay mechanic, providing an unconventional mix of QTEs and context-sensitive prompts.
- Character movement and switching (weight 0.15): The game involves character movement, direction-based actions, and dual character control with switching mechanics.
- Non-chronological storytelling (weight 0.14): The game employs a non-linear narrative structure, using flashbacks and flash-forwards to present the story in a fragmented manner.
- Multiplayer and co-op modes (weight 0.12): The game includes a two-player mode, cooperative gameplay, and local co-op options alongside single-player mode.
- Multiple endings (weight 0.11): The game offers multiple endings based on player decisions and character deaths, providing a variety of outcomes.
- Aiden's unique interactions (weight 0.11): Players can control the entity Aiden, utilizing his unique abilities and interactions with keyboard and mouse controls.
- Linear storyline (weight 0.11): The game features a mostly linear story progression with minimal branching storylines, focusing on an immersive narrative.
- Mixed control mechanics (weight 0.08): Controls in the game are described as both clunky and intuitive, with mechanics for controlling two characters and poor combat mechanics.
- Gameplay duration and enjoyment (weight 0.08): The game offers a long gameplay duration with enjoyable and good gameplay mechanics.

Performance notes:
- Controller interface issues (weight 0.17): Players report various problems with controller interfaces, including recognition issues and control problems.
- Well optimized for modern PCs (weight 0.16): The game runs well on most modern PCs and consoles, with medium PC requirements and the ability to run on maximum details.
- FPS and graphical settings (weight 0.14): The game has a capped FPS of 60 and some issues with graphical settings, including shadows and general glitches.
- Visually impressive (weight 0.14): The game is visually impressive, especially on PC, with high-resolution support and impressive visuals for its time.
- Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.07): The game performs well and is compatible with the Steam Deck, providing a good gaming experience on this platform.
- Ultra-widescreen monitor issues (weight 0.07): There are compatibility issues with ultra-widescreen monitors, causing screen resolution problems.
- Crashing and freezing (weight 0.05): The game experiences crashing and random freezing, affecting the overall stability.
- UI and interactive prompts (weight 0.05): The UI design is considered ugly, and interactive prompts are small white dots, making them hard to notice.
- Few auto-save points (weight 0.03): The game has few auto-save points, which can be frustrating for players.
- Subtitles disappear quickly (weight 0.03): Subtitles in the game disappear too quickly, making it difficult for some players to read them.
- Saving bugs (weight 0.03): There are bugs related to the saving mechanism in the game, causing issues for players.
- Sound issues (weight 0.03): There are reported sound issues in the game, affecting the overall audio experience.
- Performance issues with old CPUs (weight 0.03): The game has performance issues when running on older CPUs, affecting the overall experience.

Recommendations:
- Story-driven game recommendation (weight 0.59): The game is highly recommended for fans of story-driven and narrative-focused games. It is praised for its deep, emotional story and unique interactive storytelling experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy interactive dramas and mysteries.
- Value for money (weight 0.28): The game is considered to offer good value for money, especially when purchased on sale. It is described as emotionally engaging and worth the investment for its unique and engaging experience.
- General positive recommendations (weight 0.24): The game receives general positive recommendations, with reviewers highlighting its unique and emotional experience, and its worth for those who value narrative and emotion.
- Comparison with Detroit: Become Human (weight 0.12): Some reviewers recommend playing Detroit: Become Human instead of this game. However, it is also recommended for fans of Detroit: Become Human and similar interactive dramas.
- Ideal for interactive movie fans (weight 0.11): The game is recommended for lovers of interactive cinema and those who enjoy movie-like games. It is praised for its immersive storyline and beautiful atmosphere.
- Gameplay and control issues (weight 0.08): The game has some flaws, particularly with its controls and gameplay on PC. It is recommended despite these flaws, but potential players should be aware of these issues.
- Recommendations for specific audiences (weight 0.06): The game is recommended for various specific audiences, including fans of psychological games, those interested in everyday issues, and Steam Deck users who enjoy this type of game.

Other player notes:
- Difficulty settings advice (weight 0.03): Players shared advice on adjusting difficulty settings to improve control and gameplay experience.
- Influence of content creators (weight 0.03): Content creators had an influence on players' perceptions or decisions related to the game.
- Mention of Kazakhstan (weight 0.03): Some players noted the inclusion of Kazakhstan in the game, which might be a point of interest or curiosity.
- Exhibited at Tribeca Film Festival (weight 0.03): The game was exhibited at the Tribeca Film Festival, which might have attracted attention and interest.
- Played with sibling (weight 0.03): Players enjoyed the experience of playing Detroit: Become Human with their siblings, highlighting a social aspect of the game.
- Received as a gift (weight 0.02): Some players received the game as a gift, indicating it might be a popular choice for gifting.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.18): Players are primarily frustrated with the game's controls, which are described as janky, clunky, and unresponsive. The camera system is also a significant issue, with many players finding it poor and uncomfortable. Additionally, the gameplay mechanics, including combat and movement, are criticized for being confusing and poorly designed.
- Excitement (weight 0.1): Players are excited about the game's engaging and captivating story, which features complex characters and emotional depth. The unique and immersive gameplay experience, along with the high-quality graphics and performances, also contribute to this excitement.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): Players express disappointment with the game's storyline, which is often described as predictable, boring, and lacking depth. The controls and gameplay mechanics are also criticized for being poor and unsatisfying. Additionally, some players feel that their choices do not significantly impact the story, leading to a sense of wasted potential.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Players are satisfied with the game's story, which is often described as engaging, emotional, and well-developed. The high-quality graphics, strong performances by actors, and the unique gameplay mechanics also contribute to their satisfaction.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Players enjoy the game's well-developed plot and characters, which are often described as complex, sympathetic, and engaging. The unique storytelling, atmospheric moments, and good gameplay mechanics also contribute to their enjoyment.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Players experience joy from the game's beautiful graphics, engaging storyline, and emotional depth. The overall positive experience, including the game's replay value and the realization of long-held dreams of playing the game, also brings them joy.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the game's story and characters, which are often described as incredible, memorable, and well-designed. The game's unique blend of drama, suspense, and the supernatural, along with its high-level acting and cinematic quality, also evoke admiration.
- Engagement (weight 0.04): Players are engaged by the game's detailed and epic narrative, which features moral dilemmas and character development. The powerful and emotional story, along with the unique blend of paranormal and sci-fi elements, keeps them engaged.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Players feel nostalgic due to personal memories associated with the game and its reminder of other beloved games from the past. The historical context of the game and the desire to relive past experiences also contribute to this nostalgia.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the developers' effort in creating a good plot and atmosphere, along with the innovative gameplay and story. The character development, story depth, and meaningful choices also evoke appreciation.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): Players feel sadness due to the emotional moments and depth of the story, as well as the thoughts on the real-life changes of Ellen Page. The emotional impact of the game and the fact that it is too short also contribute to this sadness.
- Engaged (weight 0.02): Players are engaged by the game's interactive choices and character relationships, which are blended with cinematic storytelling. The deep and emotional story, along with the unique gameplay mechanics, keeps them engaged.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): Players are disappointed with the game's chaotic narrative and lack of player agency. The poor controls, camera angles, and limited gameplay choices, along with the weak mysticism elements and outdated graphics, also contribute to their disappointment.
- Impressed (weight 0.02): Players are impressed by the game's story themes and actor performances, which deliver a strong emotional impact. The unique gameplay mechanics and non-linear storyline, along with the interactive cinema experience, also leave a strong impression.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by the game's non-chronological storytelling and chaotic narrative. The original storyline and the questioning of choices in the game and real life also contribute to their confusion.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players feel anger due to the game's black bars and combat controls, as well as the developer's neglect and unskippable cutscenes. The bad controls and gameplay, along with the emotional investment in the story, also evoke anger.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the game's engaging storyline and the unexpected twist at the end. The game's quality exceeding initial low expectations also contributes to their surprise.
- Moved (weight 0.01): Players are moved by the game's emotional experience and character development. The emotional impact and unique storytelling, along with the powerful performances and character portrayals, evoke strong emotions.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players feel gratitude because the game is accessible to low-budget individuals and they appreciate receiving it as a gift. They also express thanks to the actors, developers, and Sony for creating such games.}