Pre-Game Setup & Options

Get ready for Beyond: Two Souls! Learn about the game's unique controls, character mechanics for Jodie and Aiden, and how to navigate the menus for the best experience.

Alright, before we dive deep into Jodie's incredible journey in Beyond: Two Souls, let's get you set up with the basics. Think of this as your pre-game huddle – understanding how you'll control Jodie and her spectral companion, Aiden, is key to really getting immersed in the story.

The game is all about making you feel like you're right there with Jodie, and Quantic Dream really leaned into using the PlayStation 3 controller to mimic real-life actions. This means a lot of what you do in the game will involve specific movements and button presses that feel intuitive, but can take a little getting used to.

Controlling Jodie

When you're controlling Jodie, movement is pretty standard with the left analog stick. However, interacting with the world – like picking up objects or making choices – is primarily done with the right analog stick. You'll often see dots on screen indicating possible actions, and you'll need to flick the stick towards the one you want. Sometimes you'll even have a choice between two actions, like placing an item on a table or discarding it.

Some sequences require precise, slow movements. You might be prompted to hold down buttons like L1 and R1 simultaneously while carefully navigating Jodie through tight spots. If you mess up, she might try again or just stumble a bit, but you'll usually keep moving forward.

Dialogue and choices are a big part of the game. You'll see reactions or topics indicated on screen, and you need to choose quickly. If you're too slow, the game will make a choice for you, and some of these can have pretty significant consequences down the line, so pay attention!

The Triangle button is pretty special. It's often your go-to for switching between Jodie and Aiden, but in conversations, it can mean ending the discussion or confirming a choice, like deciding to leave a radio station you were fiddling with.

Other buttons will simulate Jodie's actions, like climbing or playing an instrument. You might find yourself repeatedly pressing X for her left hand and O for her right. And then there's the motion control – sometimes you'll need to tilt or move the PS3 controller to help Jodie climb ledges or pour drinks. It can be a bit finicky, so if it doesn't register the first time, try to match the on-screen timing and stay calm.

When Jodie gets into a fight, things slow down, giving you a sort of 'bullet time' for her martial arts. On easier difficulties, an arrow will guide your right analog stick for attacks. On harder difficulties, you'll need to rely more on visual cues to react correctly. Messing up here might mean Jodie gets hurt or captured, but don't worry, she won't die.

Controlling Aiden

You can switch to Aiden using the Triangle button. Just remember, Aiden is tethered to Jodie by an ethereal cord, so he can't stray too far. Aiden's main role is interacting with things Jodie can't reach or manipulate directly.

You'll see areas Aiden can interact with highlighted in orange glows. Press L1 to move him within these spaces. Usable objects are marked with blue dots; you'll lock onto them with L1 and then move both analog sticks down towards the center to activate them. It’s a cool way to feel Aiden’s power!

Aiden can also nudge people (marked with blue dots on their bodies) by locking on with L1 and moving the sticks apart horizontally, then pushing them together. More dramatically, he can possess people with an orange aura or even kill those with a red aura. For possession, it's similar to nudging, but the controller will vibrate intensely as the person's eyes turn white. To kill, you hold the choke until their red aura dissipates.

If you want to heal someone with a green spot, you'll use the sticks to guide a healing energy over the mark. It's like faith healing, but with a bit of spectral intervention!

For a defensive move, Aiden can create an energy shield to protect Jodie. Hold both L1 and R1, pull the sticks apart, and hold them to activate the shield.

Channeling spirits is a bit more complex. You'll need to connect a line between an object or a deceased body and Jodie's head, using both analog sticks. This allows Jodie to experience memories or even act as a medium.

Finally, Aiden can destroy evil spirits. Lock onto them with L1 and push the analog sticks towards the glowing dot. If a spirit tries to drag Jodie, you'll need to pull the sticks apart horizontally and then center them quickly. This can be tricky, so don't be afraid to pause and practice the motion if you struggle.

Don't worry too much if you mix up L1 and R1 at first; the game will prompt you, and you'll get the hang of it as you play. Typically, a chapter will involve Jodie handling immediate tasks and conversations while Aiden manipulates the environment, deals with spirits, or influences people.