Beyond The Beyond: One Of PS1's First RPGs

Story

Beyond the Beyond unfolds in a fantastical world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient mysteries. The narrative centers around a young hero named Finn, who embarks on an epic quest to thwart the nefarious plans of an evil sorcerer known as Shutat. The journey begins in a quaint village where Finn, along with his loyal dragon companion Steiner, receives a call to action following a mysterious affliction that befalls his mentor.

As the plot progresses, Finn is joined by a diverse group of allies, each with their unique abilities and personal motivations. These include Annie, a skilled healer with a mysterious past, and Samson, a warrior cursed with diminished strength. Together, the group must navigate treacherous landscapes, ancient dungeons, and confront formidable foes, all while unraveling the secrets behind a long-forgotten war between humans and the Ancients.

The storyline is rich with classic RPG tropes, including a chosen hero, a dark prophecy, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. However, Beyond the Beyond distinguishes itself with its intricate character development and the deepening relationships between the party members, which adds emotional weight to the overarching narrative.

Gameplay

Beyond the Beyond adopts a traditional turn-based combat system, a staple of JRPGs from the 1990s. Players navigate their party through a series of increasingly challenging battles, employing a mix of physical attacks, magical spells, and strategic item usage to overcome adversaries. The game features a unique mechanic known as the “Active Playing System,” which requires players to execute timed button presses to enhance attack power or reduce incoming damage, adding an interactive element to the otherwise standard combat flow.

The game emphasizes exploration, with a world map allowing players to traverse various towns, dungeons, and hidden locations. Each area is filled with NPCs offering quests and lore, treasure chests containing valuable items, and puzzles that require critical thinking to solve. Character progression follows a leveling system where experience points accumulated from battles increase characters’ stats and unlock new abilities, allowing players to customize their party’s strengths.

Puzzles within the game often require the use of specific character skills or items to progress, adding a layer of strategy to exploration. These challenges are thoughtfully integrated into the game world, ensuring that players remain engaged beyond the typical combat scenarios. Additionally, the game includes a day-night cycle, influencing NPC behavior and availability of certain events, adding another layer of immersion.

Graphics and Sound

Released in 1996, Beyond the Beyond was one of the earliest RPGs available on the PlayStation. As a result, its graphical presentation reflects the transitional period between 16-bit and 32-bit gaming. The game employs a combination of 2D sprites and 3D environments, a common approach during this era. The character sprites, while simplistic, are colorful and expressive, bringing charm to the game’s otherwise modest visual design.

The environments are richly detailed, with diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests and icy mountains to ominous dungeons and bustling medieval towns. The 3D overworld map, though rudimentary by modern standards, provides a sense of scale and adventure, encouraging players to explore every corner of the world.

Musically, Beyond the Beyond features a memorable soundtrack composed by Motoi Sakuraba, renowned for his work in the RPG genre. The music effectively captures the game’s adventurous spirit and emotional depth, with tracks that complement both the high-stakes battles and quieter, narrative-driven moments. Sound effects, while limited, are used effectively to enhance the atmosphere, from the clang of swords to the ethereal sounds of magic spells being cast.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Beyond the Beyond received mixed reviews from critics and players alike. While some praised its traditional RPG mechanics and engaging story, others criticized its steep difficulty curve and dated graphics, which seemed lackluster compared to other titles on the platform. Despite these criticisms, the game garnered a dedicated fan base, particularly among those who appreciated its nostalgic nod to classic RPGs of earlier generations.

Beyond the Beyond holds a unique place in gaming history as one of the first RPGs released on the PlayStation, helping to pave the way for future titles in the genre on Sony’s platform. Its emphasis on character-driven storytelling and strategic gameplay influenced subsequent RPGs, contributing to the evolution of the genre.

Though it may not have achieved the same level of acclaim as some of its contemporaries, Beyond the Beyond remains a beloved title for many fans of traditional Japanese RPGs. Its legacy endures through its contribution to the RPG landscape of the mid-90s and its role in establishing Camelot Software Planning’s reputation as a developer of engaging role-playing experiences.

Conclusion

Beyond the Beyond is a testament to the early days of PlayStation RPGs, offering players a blend of classic storytelling, strategic gameplay, and a vibrant soundtrack that captures the essence of the genre. While it may not have reached the heights of more celebrated RPGs of its time, its contribution to the gaming landscape is undeniable. The game stands as a reminder of the potential for innovation and creativity during a transformative period in gaming history, and its legacy continues to be cherished by fans who appreciate its charm and the nostalgia it evokes.