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A game could appeal in many ways: through intoxicating graphics, thrilling action, or poetic narrative. The dark, dystopian-set Beholder 2, on the other hand, delves heavily in a single aspect: making a choice. Would you overthrow the oppressive Ministry or tighten its vice? Your story unfolds here.
Whereas the first Beholder tasked you with guiding Carl the landlord in spying on his tenants, Beholder 2 takes place at the heart of the Ministry. Whereas Carl the landlord told the story from the confines of his apartment building, Beholder 2 presents the State’s larger political functions through the eyes of Evan Redgrave.
As a young intern, Evan is eager to start his career at the Ministry. Though he’s but a file clerk, his father’s status grants him high potential to become an important political figure. Unfortunately, his situation is rocky from the start. Soon after arriving, he learns that his father, the chief of the fabled Department 6, has just fallen to his death. And as his career progresses in the Ministry, he quickly discovers the dangers of his job: mysterious deaths, starvation, constant surveillance, and relentless gossips are just a few worries.
Though the job is perilous, the true turmoils surrounding Beholder 2 is your connection with others. It reveals the vice of dictatorship and displays it fully through the extensive dialogue options with various characters. A seemingly benign conversation about weather around the water cooler could easily reveal a character’s inner thinkings and dismay.
Since the story is heavily influenced by character interactions, dialogue options are understandably intricate. Extra details may surface depending on the order of events and the choices you make. The lady at the pie stand may seem harmless, but press her with moderate effort, and she could unveil some helpful tips. In the same vein, people may indulge in personal details once you’ve gained their favor, or close you off if they think you’re a threat.
What you do with the information, however, depends on your chosen path. It’s your duty to report unruly behaviors in servitude of the State, but should you? When the chief of Investigation Bureau comes knocking at your door, would you tell him about your coworker’s secret letter? How should you feel when everyone acts oblivious to a higher employee’s public execution? The choices always come down to obeying the system or following your moral compass. You’ll be bombarded with difficult moral choices that have unforeseen rippling effects.
Once committed, your actions have irreversible consequences. You directly and indirectly dictate others’ well being. In an unforgiving totalitarian society where even the floors have eyes, a hint of disobedience means certain death.
That’s the only iron-clad rule in Beholder 2, and it applies not just to those around you, but for yourself as well. Just as you need to carefully pick your allies, you also must stay vigilant against your foes. Not everyone will be happy with your snooping around, and you must stay in line to avoid becoming another statistic in the death registry.
Circling back to the topic of trust: it’s practically non-existent the game. Every gloomy blob you meet certainly have ulterior motives. Some shake hands with a knife behind their back, while others expertly craft you into their puppet.
With that said, Beholder 2, at its heart, is still a game to be enjoyed rather than a philosophical exposition against oppression. You’ll find dabs of humor that occasionally offset the bleak environment, and the story itself has a rich blend of suspense and mystery.
If you want to test your moral compass and experience the story yourself, Beholder 2 is available through Steam for $14.99. The release discount is valid for the first 7 days from the release date, while every Steam owner of the original Beholder will receive an additional 20% off coupon from Steam.
