Beyond Good and Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $19.99 – Available Here
Overview
When it comes to cult classics built in the new millennium, no other has the prestige compared to Beyond Good and Evil. While Ubisoft have kind of had a development mess with its sequel, they still are willing to celebrate the 20th anniversary for the game. So how does Beyond Good and Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition hold up all of these years later? Does Jade still prove to be worthy of the future she was never provided? Let’s find out.
Story
It has been a moment since I last took control of Jade, and while the story didn’t hit the same as it did twenty years ago, I will say it still holds up nicely. I’ll admit, sometimes it can feel a bit much to be in this plot that is already knee-deep upon entry, but BG&E has a special way of making the player feel comfortable in this wrapped conspiracy narrative. Its kind of like falling into a sci-fi movie, as the characters feel fleshed out and warm, all providing a rich atmosphere that makes the player want to roll right into more. If you know the game, the rest is basically here without much change or extra fanfare.
Gameplay
There are quite a few things to speak about as Beyond Good and Evil is a bit complex, however – returning players should know that this is a port/remaster, and not a remake – so nothing has changed in terms of gameplay. Players take control of Jade a good portion of the time, who controls pretty well considering the period of game this is. Jade can run, jump, and has a simple attack with a staff for combat, and that’s about it. By today’s standards, the lack of substance can be a little underwhelming, but things still feel tight and fluid, which displays how strong the original title holds.
Where it may lack in action, this romp more than makes up for it in puzzles and exploration. Each area has environmental puzzles, where you and your pig sidekick Pey’j work together to hit switches, open doors, and even find unique ways to battle enemies together. Sure, the puzzles are super simple, but there is some engagement involved that makes them interesting overall. Jade also has a camera that can scan the creatures of the world, where you can be rewarded with currency to purchase upgrades for equipment. Speaking of equipment, your hovercraft has a large role as well as some of the game’s most interesting action bits take place in this vessel, and thankfully it controls rather well.
This edition also has a speed-run mode which gives players the ability to power through the game without the fluff of cut-scenes and other long moments, which you can compare times with friends for a bit of competition. The game also features a gallery, which is nice enough. I can’t state it enough. When companies release a remaster, its so disappointing when we get something bare bones. Ubisoft did seem to care enough to give us a bit of flash for this release, so the extra mode is kind of surprising but very welcome.
Audio
The soundtrack for Beyond Good and Evil is fantastic. This is a short, yet sweet setlist of tunes that really bring the world alive and still feel nostalgic and memorable all of this time later. The voice acting also still holds up, delivering thoughtful and well-balances performances. If I had any “gripe” of sorts, it would be that the hit detection sounds off due to no impact sound taking place, and while that was an issue in the original release, it still makes combat feel a little less satisfying all of these years later.
Visuals
The visuals are fine. Nothing too dramatic of change other than sharpening the images and optimizing them for modern televisions. Does it still look like a game from twenty years ago? Yes. Does that really hurt the product? Not in the slightest. Beyond Good and Evil still looks great here, and performs well without any noticeable animation slogs.
Overall
Beyond Good and Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition does exactly what it should by bringing us a definitive version of a classic. Sure, there are not a lot of bells a whistles, but what is here is nice and should please any fan of the original. Jade’s legacy was bringing this weird, quirky story out at a time when the industry wasn’t really doing anything like that at the time. All of these later, this remaster hits those same notes for the same reasons. Beyond Good and Evil is one of the greatest of all time for many reasons, and hopefully this new re-release will finally nudge Ubisoft to continue to move the franchise forward.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
