June 26th 2024.
Ubisoft has done it again - they've released a remastered version of their classic game Beyond Good & Evil, and it's just as amazing as ever. This time, the remaster seems to be a precursor to the highly anticipated sequel, making it even more exciting for fans. It's hard to understand the reasoning behind some video game publishers, but Ubisoft seems to have made the right choice with this one.
At their recent Ubisoft Forward showcase, the company focused on their new games like Assassin's Creed Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws, but they also took the time to mention their other beloved franchise. However, they surprisingly didn't mention the release of the Beyond Good & Evil remaster this month, or the fact that it includes new content that hints at the long-delayed sequel. It's a bit puzzling as to why they would keep this information under wraps.
This remaster has left many fans wondering why it was released now and what the reason behind it is. After all, there was already a pretty decent remaster during the Xbox 360 era. While this new version is definitely an improvement, it's still not a full remake, so players will have to deal with the camera, controls, and storytelling of the PlayStation 2 era. But despite these flaws, Beyond Good & Evil has always been a cult favorite due to its open world, diverse characters, and enjoyable gameplay.
The game was first released in 2003 but didn't gain much success. However, it has remained a beloved game over the years thanks to its unique French style, which comes as no surprise considering it was created by Michel Ancel, the creator of Rayman. The game has a certain charm that is rarely seen in today's gaming world, and it's a testament to the creativity of Ubisoft's early days.
It's worth mentioning that the commercial failure of Beyond Good & Evil may have been the reason why Ubisoft shifted their focus to more Americanized games, such as the popular Tom Clancy series and later on, the Assassin's Creed franchise. But despite this, Beyond Good & Evil has always stood out for its originality and quirkiness.
The game starts off by throwing players into a world that can be quite confusing at first. The dense backstory is not explicitly explained, and players are introduced to Jade, a photojournalist who runs an orphanage on a planet under attack by aliens and also under the control of an evil government. It's a strange and intriguing setup that sets the tone for the entire game.
As players progress through the game, they'll quickly realize that Jade's role as a journalist is more than just a passing detail. She makes a living by documenting wildlife and taking on various jobs, which ultimately leads to uncovering a massive conspiracy. With a hovercraft and later on, a spaceship, players are free to explore and take on side quests as they please. However, the game world is not as vast as it may seem, and it's relatively small compared to modern games.
One of the game's flaws is its reliance on stealth, which was a big trend in the early 2000s. The game includes forced stealth sections that can be confusing and tedious, with unclear enemy detection mechanics. But despite this, the combat is also not very nuanced, and players will mostly be mashing the attack button. Luckily, Jade has the help of "uncle" Pey'j and resistance member Double H, making the combat a bit more manageable. The controls have also been reworked, making the combat less of a chore.
The game's graphics are a clear indication of its age, but the cartoonish art style helps to mask some of the outdated graphics. However, this is not a full remake, and players will still experience some loading pauses when moving between locations, even on the PlayStation 5.
The remaster includes all the original content, but there's also a new questline that connects to the upcoming sequel, which appears to be a prequel. Additionally, the game features an impressive museum gallery with artwork and videos, a speedrun mode, and new trophies/achievements.
Overall, the Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition is an excellent remaster that pays tribute to a classic game from the PlayStation 2 era. Although it does have some flaws due to its age, it's a must-play for fans and a great way to experience the original game before the sequel finally arrives. Whether or not a sequel happens, this remaster is a gift to fans and a reminder of the game's enduring charm.
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