Reseña | Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition

As a fan and passionate regarding video games, I have been fortunate to experience countless worlds and live countless stories. However, few titles have managed to captivate me as Beyond Good & Evil has. This masterpiece of Ubisoftreleased in 2003, is presented as a unique action-adventure that grabs you from the first moment and transports you to a vibrant universe full of mystery.

I remember back in 2003 being in college and reading regarding this game. Beyond Good & Evil, developed by Ubisoft, an open-world action-adventure game, was touted as the big gamble to break the “Ubisoft mold.” I also remember it being a game that slipped under the table and as time went on I heard more and more regarding how it earned a place as a cult classic among gaming fans. Despite its relative age, the game continues to captivate players with its intriguing story, memorable characters, unique gameplay, and charming art style.

For this reason, this 20th anniversary version was a perfect fit for me and hit me right in the nostalgia department. This version does not disappoint, it has all the good (and bad) of the original version, with some “quality of life” fixes and some interesting new modes, it presents a complete package for old fans like me and to catch a new generation that is not familiar with this video game gem.

A captivating world and memorable characters

As Jade (now in Full HD), a young, fearless photojournalist with a keen sense of justice, we enter the port city of Hillys, a place where cultures and fantastic creatures mingle. From the bustling market to the surrounding lush jungles, Hillys is packed with details that invite you to explore and discover its secrets.

But what really makes Beyond Good & Evil special is its cast of characters. Jade, with her cunning and determination, becomes a heroine who is impossible not to admire. Alongside her, we find Pey’j, a grumpy but kind-hearted anthropomorphic boar, and the rebels of the Pirate Orchestra, a group of individuals who fight for freedom and truth. Each of them has their own story and motivations, and together they form an unforgettable team.

A story that invites you to reflect in the best style of Friedrich Nietzsche

Beyond its immersive gameplay, Beyond Good & Evil stands out for its deep and thoughtful narrative. The story presents us with a conflict between two sides: the Alpha Sections, an oppressive military force, and the inhabitants of Hillys, who resist their control. However, not everything is black and white.

The game invites us to question the official truth and seek out information for ourselves, challenging propaganda and uncovering the secrets hidden beneath the surface.

The game’s story explores themes such as corruption, war and the search for truth, all wrapped in a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

When Nietzsche wrote Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future, his premise was the moral ambiguity that comes with thinking beyond absolutes, good and evil; this premise is implemented in the main idea of ​​the game.

Beyond Good & Evil has versatile and challenging gameplay

Gameplay-wise, Beyond Good & Evil offers a unique blend of action, adventure and exploration. Jade has an arsenal of skills, from melee combat to using her camera to solve puzzles and capture revealing images. The game encourages you to be creative and use the various tools at your disposal to overcome the challenges presented to you.

Now, speaking specifically regarding the 20th anniversary version, the gameplay is definitely the part that suffers the most. The camera is still the same version as in 2003, we have made a lot of progress in terms of camera control in video games over time and it is noticeable how “clunky” or clumsy this camera can be.

Combat can be too easy, just press a button and the game takes care of it. In the era of the “soulslike“I think it’s something that can be tedious for new players.

The photography mechanic remains the star part of the game. It can be addictive to search for the perfect shot to find new species in the game.

A transporting soundtrack and a charming art style

And finally, we can’t forget the soundtrack of Beyond Good & Evil, composed by Christophe Héral. The melodies that accompany the adventure are as memorable as the game itself, creating a unique atmosphere that completely envelops you. From the vibrant rhythms of the market to the melancholic melodies of the jungles, the music of Beyond Good & Evil is a masterpiece in itself.

The game has a unique and charming art style that combines cellular and realistic elements. The characters are expressive and memorable, and the environments are full of details that will transport you to Hillys.

Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition adapts the classic to modern standards

Now let’s talk regarding the series of improvements and new features that will delight fans and attract new players. Here’s everything you can expect from this enhanced version:

• 4K resolution and 60FPS: now you can enjoy Jade’s adventure in the ideal quality for any gamer.
• Quality of life improvements like autosave and being able to skip cutscenes.
• A new treasure hunt that touches on Jade’s childhood story in 5 new cutscenes.
• There are plenty of new costumes and outfits so you can dress to impress. I highly recommend Ming Tzu’s shop.
• A new speedrun mode where you can compete with friends and improve your time by discovering new shortcuts. There are also a number of new “achievements” that appear in this anniversary version.
• And my favorite part, there is an “anniversary gallery”, where you can find concept art photos and character sketches that will blow your mind.

Concluding a lasting legacy

Beyond Good & Evil was a critical success, but it didn’t have the sales Ubisoft had hoped for. Despite this, the game has become a cult classic that remains beloved by fans. In 2020, Ubisoft announced that they are finally working on a sequel, which is expected to be released sometime in the future.

This anniversary release is a classic that deserves to be rediscovered. Despite being released over two decades ago, Beyond Good & Evil remains a fresh and relevant game. Its message of freedom, justice and the pursuit of truth resonates strongly today, and its gameplay remains fun and challenging. If you haven’t yet had the chance to experience this masterpiece, I invite you to do so without hesitation. Beyond Good & Evil awaits to transport you to an unforgettable world and leave an indelible mark on your memory.

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This review was conducted on PC and the code was provided by Ubisoft Latin America. Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition is now available on all platforms and included with Ubisoft+.