Review of Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition

After years of anticipation for Beyond Good & Evil 2, it’s important not to overlook the original game’s brilliance. First launched in 2003 on PS2, Xbox, and GameCube, Beyond Good & Evil was a standout adventure game that Nintendo would be proud of. The 20th Anniversary Edition remaster enhances the experience with updated visuals, improved performance, and quality-of-life improvements. Despite a few minor issues, this re-release offers the best way to relive the epic journey of Jade and Pey’j on Nintendo hardware.

Visual Enhancements

The remaster retains the original charm while upgrading the visuals with real-time lighting and improved character models. Despite fears of performance issues, the game maintains a mostly stable 30fps, with only minor dips during certain effects. The soundtrack has also been re-recorded, modernizing the audio without losing the familiar feel of the original.

Gameplay Experience

Despite some aged mechanics like combat and camera controls, the game’s variety keeps it engaging. From battling bugs to exploring the city and racing in a hovercraft, the gameplay offers a diverse and enjoyable experience. Progression is linear, with exploration encouraged to gather pearls for upgrades.

Additional Features

The 20th Anniversary Edition adds a speedrun mode, new outfits, and a gallery section with behind-the-scenes content. These extras enhance the overall experience and provide additional value to the game.

Conclusion

Ubisoft’s 20th Anniversary Edition of Beyond Good & Evil offers a lovingly restored experience at a reasonable price. While the Switch version runs at 30fps compared to other platforms, the game’s unique gameplay and world make it a must-play for both new and returning players. With its varied mechanics and engaging story, Beyond Good & Evil remains a standout title even after two decades.