Two decades have passed since players first encountered Jade and her companion Pey’j in Rayman creator Michel Ancel‘s Beyond Good & Evil, a game with surprisingly philosophical undertones (a topic previously explored on Senses, 12 years ago, upon its HD remaster release on PS3). To commemorate its 20th anniversary, a 4K remaster has been released for current platforms.
The question is: does this anniversary edition offer more than just enhanced nostalgia?
In Beyond Good & Evil, players assume the role of Jade, a young photojournalist and martial artist residing on the planet Hillys, where she manages an orphanage. Hillys faces constant attacks from the DomZ, a mysterious alien race. The Alpha Sections, a military organization, ostensibly defend the population. However, a deeper conspiracy unfolds as Jade uncovers connections between the Alpha Sections and the DomZ. Motivated by the suffering of the populace under these supposed protectors, she undertakes a mission for the IRIS Network, a resistance movement. Her objective is to gather evidence of the Alpha Sections’ corruption and abuses.
Beyond Good & Evil excels as an action-adventure title. Its story, while straightforward, remains timeless. Players control Jade from a third-person perspective, utilizing a free camera and interacting with Pey’j, who can be directed to perform basic actions. The game features a compact world map with clear objectives and a compass guiding players in their hovercraft. The adventure includes both main and side quests, such as photographing all encountered creatures, including enemies. The gameplay is simple, engaging, and highly accessible.
The 4K remaster is well-executed, preserving the original’s retro aesthetic. Artifacts such as motion blur in combat and aliasing on certain objects, inherent to the era, have been retained. The remaster aims for a consistent 60 frames per second. It offers two modes: one prioritizing performance at 60 fps, and another targeting 4K resolution with a variable frame rate. However, VRR support mitigates much of the frame rate fluctuation, making the 4K resolution mode the preferred choice for optimal visual fidelity.
Despite being 20 years old, Beyond Good & Evil retains some of its original quirks, including a camera system that can occasionally be unwieldy during combat. While not egregious, aiming precisely when using Jade’s staff against airborne enemies or environmental objects can be challenging. However, this characteristic can also be considered part of the game’s charm.
The anniversary edition includes a bonus section with unlockable concept art and developer diary entries, providing insights into the game’s creation. Players may also discover some hidden Easter eggs.
Revisiting this classic Ubisoft title has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. While the element of charm is subjective and potentially influenced by nostalgia, the game possesses qualities reminiscent of Nintendo’s design philosophy. Discovering hidden treasures and unlocking secrets are rewarded with cheerful melodies, evoking the spirit of 90’s Zelda titles. Creator Michel Ancel had long been developing a sequel, but following his departure in 2017, Beyond Good & Evil 2 entered a state of prolonged development. Recent developments suggest renewed progress, and Ubisoft’s attention to the original game’s anniversary strengthens the anticipation for a potential sequel. However, the absence of Ancel’s leadership raises questions about the sequel’s direction, as it appears to be a significantly different game. While individuals may exhibit problematic behavior, their talents can be invaluable to a project, as exemplified by Kevin Spacey and House of Cards, which suffered after his departure (although some are now advocating for his return). Ancel’s influence is palpable in Beyond Good & Evil, and it is hoped that a successor can carry the torch with equal vision.
Regardless of the future of the sequel, Beyond Good & Evil is highly recommended. It’s a charming, old-school action-adventure that warrants repeated playthroughs.
Ubisoft provided review code for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial judgment.
