Beyond Good and Evil review

The planet Hyllis is in dire straits.

Intent on conquest, an evil alien horde known as the DomZ rains fire and monstrous beasts upon its inhabitants every day. Resident peace-keepers the Alpha Section are always on hand to repel the alien menace, but it soon emerges that behind their steely glare lies a terrible secret. We could tell you what it is, but we don't want to spoil the surprise.

You step into the rather natty slacks of Jade, a 20-year-old action reporter, and right into the middle of an attack by the DomZ. It isn't all chaos, though. The game eases you into every mission by informing you of the moves you can make, and the ways in which you can use items or interact with characters. This hand-holding is one of the game's chief attractions.

From the outset, Beyond Good and Evil looks and sounds stunning. The whole world is painted in lush, vibrant cartoon strokes. So great is the detail with which every character and location is drawn that it's easy to lose hours in exploration.

The enthusiasm and affection of the game's creators is obvious. It's as if every member of the team has chosen their favourite type of game, and the results have been mixed into the tastiest gaming cocktail you can imagine. One minute you're running and jumping over perilous drops, Tomb Raider-style, the next you're stealthily infiltrating defence compounds.

But just because you spend time doing battle with ravenous monsters, or putting pedal to metal in a hovercraft race, it doesn't mean that the game lacks a sense of humour. If you're after bit of light relief, try popping into the local bar to grab yourself a game of air hockey against a great white shark - it's surreal stuff. Bumbling reporter-cum-spy Triple H is good for a laugh, too, with a mix of square-jawed swagger and shambling incompetence.

Kids and adults alike will find plenty to love on the planet Hyllis. There's loads to do, lots to see and bucketloads of fun to be had. Brilliant.