Dive into the nostalgic yet revamped universe of Beyond Good & Evil with the 20th Anniversary Edition, a classic reimagined with modern enhancements that bridge the gap between old-school charm and contemporary gaming standards.
Let me start by saying that diving into the Beyond Good & Evil - 20th Anniversary Edition was like stepping into a time machine that took me straight back to my childhood gaming marathons. I played a ton of PS1 and PS2 games back in the day, and even though I hadn't played the original "Beyond Good & Evil" when it was released in 2003, this edition made me feel like I was reliving those golden days—but with the sleekness of today's gaming standards.
Since its release on June 25, 2024, the game has been available on all major platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC — the platform I got a copy for, thanks to Ubisoft's generosity.
Embracing The Challenge Of Old-School Gameplay
What’s fascinating about "Beyond Good & Evil" is how it treats player guidance — or rather, the lack of it. There are no quest markers or hand-holding here. If you’re like me, completely new to the game, do yourself a favor: don’t skip the dialogue and cutscenes.
My initial run of spending 15 minutes figuring out the first task because I skipped them is a testament to that. Luckily, now there’s an option to skip cutscenes, which integrates beautifully with the newly introduced speed run mode, catering to both newcomers and returning players alike.
Upgraded Features For A Polished Experience
The new enhancements are truly impressive. The game now supports 4K resolution at 60 fps, along with quality-of-life improvements such as autosave, full controller and keyboard & mouse support, and cross-save across all platforms. The remastered graphics, remapped controls, and the updated audio — with over 15 iconic tracks re-recorded by a live orchestra — are simply stellar.
Additionally, Beyond Good & Evil has now been enriched with new content that dives deeper into the protagonist Jade’s childhood and her links to Beyond Good & Evil 2, making the universe even more immersive.There’s also a treasure hunt across Hillys, adding layers of fresh gameplay that are both challenging and rewarding.
A Celebration Of The Original Game
The game’s legacy is celebrated with an abundance of exclusive content including artworks, videos, and anecdotes about its development. This edition is a treasure trove for both fans and new players alike, providing a deep dive into the game’s creation and evolution.
Considering the great enhancements and additions, the 20th Anniversary Edition of Beyond Good & Evil feels like it was meticulously crafted with a deep respect for the original while ensuring it feels fresh and relevant for today's audience. The only real drawback I found was related to the control scheme for specific mini-games, which could be better optimized for keyboard users.
Currently, I’m stuck at the Akuda Bar, trying to win back my credits from that fat shark, Francis. And yeah, it would be awesome to have better keyboard controls, especially in that Pallet Game. But that's a really minor point, and my only criticsm.
Verdict
This isn’t just a simple remaster; it’s a thoughtful renovation of a beloved classic. If you’ve never played the original, or even if you have, this version offers a compelling reason to explore or re-explore the world of Hillys. Despite its minor flaws, the game remains an engaging, nostalgic, yet modern experience that resonates deeply with both old fans and newcomers.