Beyond Good & Evil has been more known for being the biggest flop of 2003 than for what it is, a great game. I've finally been able to extensively play it and I'm more than surprised, this game is great ! Video and impressions in the news...
BG&E is not your typical game, graphically especially it's very original. Some have said it's the "French Touch" ambassador, perhaps they are right.
Graphically even if it does not use any of the Xbox adavances capabilities the game is really beautiful and different. The pastel colors and the really original character design help setting a very nice atmosphere. The level design is also very good.
The sound is also very nice. Good music, excellent dub (french or english). The sound effects are good but they do not stand out.
The gameplay itself has been designed to be easy to master. The fights are rather simple, as are the puzzles. You almost never feel lost or blocked. There are a lot of different gameplay types, fights, overcraft, platform and adventure, and they all blend perfectly.
The only downside of the game is that it's only 10 hours or so long. It's not much for such a game, but considering it's very cheap now it's not a problem anymore.
In conclusion : Go buy it ! It's an excellent and beautiful game, with nice characters and gameplay. And it's cheap !