The people of the planet Hillys suffer from constant attacks from the alien DomZ in the future. The situation is deteriorating as the number of DomZ kidnappings rises. The Alpha Section forces protecting residents appear ineffectual, failing to combat the DomZ. In the middle of this, the covert organization IRIS claims that the Alpha Section is part of a vast government conspiracy and wants to uncover the truth through journalism.
The player takes control of Jade, a young reporter, and photographer, along with her colleagues Pey’j and Double H. After seeing a DomZ attack firsthand, she is contacted by IRIS, who hires her as an action reporter. Jade is now entrusted with infiltrating the Alpha Section, uncovering the government plot, and finally discovering the truth for herself.
Beyond Good & Evil is an action game featuring various gameplay options. Most of the game is based on stealth and puzzles, although racing, shooting, battle, and platform action sequences exist. Jade fights with her staff and employs various talents to carry out long-ranged assaults and solve riddles. Many of the problems demand switching between characters and using their specific skills; it is frequently required to coordinate the activities of two characters to establish perfect cooperation that leads to the solution of a challenge. Aside from hostile places filled with riddles and opponents, there is a city and other friendly areas to explore, where various products and gadgets can (and sometimes must) be purchased. Multiple mini-games are available, as well as an online ranking system (accessed by entering codes supplied in-game when the game is saved).
