Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition cover image

Links

CRITIK

Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition
Item: Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableJun 24, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperUbisoft

Overview

Swoop into the marvelous world of Hillys as action-reporter Jade to investigate the mysterious DomZ alien attacks alongside colorful characters, like her adoptive uncle Pey’j or the valiant Double H. Embark on this epic adventure in up to 4K, 60 fps with improved graphics, controls, and audio, along with brand-new autosave and cross-save features. Enjoy exclusive new rewards as you explore the planet and discover more about Jade’s past in a new treasure hunt throughout Hillys. Put your skills to the test thanks to the new speedrun mode and updated achievements, and learn more about the game’s development and secrets in the anniversary gallery! Armed with her daï-jo and faithful camera, Jade’s adventure will get you to freely explore Hillys, combat creatures large and small, infiltrate dangerous areas, solve enigmatic puzzles, play addictive mini-games, race the best hovercraft pilots, and take pictures of the whole experience.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its engaging narrative, well-developed world, and memorable characters. IGN Spain praises the game for its compelling story with a strong human element, lovable characters, and a vast universe promising a bright future. Eurogamer Portugal also commends the game for its cinematic and engaging narrative with a focus on characters and a resistance against a military dictatorship on the planet Hillys. Additionally, GamingTrend appreciates the story for being engaging and well-paced, with a strong protagonist and interesting plot twists. While the general sentiment towards the story of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition is positive, some critics do point out potential drawbacks. GameGrin mentions that the characterizations in the story feel outdated, which may detract from the overall experience for some players. Additionally, PlayStation Country notes that the story is simple with obvious bad guys and motivations, which could potentially limit the depth of the narrative for certain players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly in favor of the story of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. Critics such as Pure Xbox, GamersRD, and Hobby Consolas praise the game for its mature story, lovable characters like Jade, Zerdy, and Double H, and a narrative that combines nostalgic innocence with adult themes. The majority of reviewers appreciate the engaging plot, well-developed world, and memorable characters that make the story of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition a standout feature of the game. The positive reception towards the story indicates that it successfully captivates players with its themes, character development, and intriguing narrative, making it a compelling experience for both new and returning players alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics love the engaging narrative, well-developed world, and memorable characters of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, with praise for its strong protagonist, interesting plot twists, and resistance theme. While some critics mention outdated characterizations and simplistic storytelling, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's mature story, lovable characters, and captivating narrative that appeals to both new and returning players.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition are generally positive. Critics like IGN Spain, Eurogamer Portugal, and GamingBolt praise the diverse range of activities the gameplay offers, such as combat, puzzles, stealth, exploration, and photography mechanics. They appreciate the engaging and rewarding exploration and progression mechanics present in the game. The inclusion of various gameplay elements like platforming, shooting, and puzzle-solving in a cohesive manner is highlighted by GamingTrend and God is a Geek, making the overall gameplay experience varied and immersive. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives regarding the gameplay of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. Pure Xbox and Twinfinite mention that the combat mechanics feel dated and lack depth, with Twinfinite specifically noting that the collection sidequests can feel like padding. TechRadar Gaming highlights that the combat can feel stiff and simplistic, while stealth sections may occasionally feel imbalanced. NintendoWorldReport criticizes the lack of precision in hovercraft control, especially on water, which can lead to frustrating moments during gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition offers a varied and engaging gameplay experience despite some flaws. Critics like PlayStation Country and Push Square appreciate the seamless integration of adventure, combat, stealth, puzzles, and vehicle traversal elements. While certain aspects like combat mechanics and movement may show signs of age, the game's core strengths lie in its diversity of gameplay mechanics and the importance placed on each element, as highlighted by Hobby Consolas. The game's mix of exploration, combat, puzzles, and collectibles provides a satisfying and nostalgic experience for players, as mentioned by Softpedia. Despite some criticisms regarding dated mechanics and lack of depth in certain areas, the overall sentiment is that Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition offers a memorable and enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition for its diverse gameplay activities like combat, puzzles, stealth, exploration, and photography. They highlight engaging progression mechanics and the seamless integration of various gameplay elements. However, some critics note issues with dated combat mechanics, padding in collection sidequests, and control problems in hovercraft sections. Despite these flaws, the game offers a nostalgic and enjoyable experience with a mix of exploration, combat, puzzles, and collectibles, appealing to both original fans and newcomers.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, highlighting various positive aspects. IGN Spain, Pure Xbox, and Hobby Consolas all commended the improved graphics, with mentions of enhanced resolution, textures, lighting, and character animations. Eurogamer Portugal and PlayStation Country appreciated the modernized look while preserving the original charm of the game, with features like 4K resolution and stable performance at 60fps contributing to a visually appealing experience. TechRadar Gaming and TheSixthAxis noted the successful retention of the original's aesthetic while elevating it to a more polished and visually striking level. However, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. GamersRD mentioned frame rate drops and graphical slowdowns during high-action sequences, impacting the overall visual experience. GamingTrend highlighted that the updated visuals could clash with the dated animation work in some instances, leading to inconsistencies in the visual presentation. NintendoWorldReport also noted issues with bad lighting and a lack of brightness settings in certain areas, affecting the overall graphical quality in specific parts of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. The majority of reviewers appreciated the significant improvements in graphics, including enhanced textures, lighting effects, character models, and resolution upgrades. The game's vibrant art style, updated visuals, and modern effects were well-received, with critics like Push Square and Softpedia praising the enhanced performance and visual fidelity. Despite some minor issues highlighted by a few critics, the general sentiment leans towards the game delivering a visually appealing and engaging experience that successfully modernizes the original while staying true to its nostalgic charm.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning graphics in Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, praising enhanced resolution, textures, lighting, and animations. While some noted minor issues like frame rate drops and dated animations, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its modernized yet nostalgic visual design.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, highlighting various positive aspects. IGN Spain commended the game for its "amazing soundtrack with powerful vocal songs" and top-notch voice acting in Spanish, which added depth to the overall experience. Pure Xbox noted that the soundtrack was updated with re-recordings by a live orchestra, making the game sound better than ever, while Eurogamer Portugal and GamingTrend appreciated the newly recorded orchestral soundtrack, stating that it enhanced the emotional tone of the game. Additionally, Push Square highlighted the fantastic score by Christophe Heral, with re-recorded versions of iconic tracks that enhanced the atmosphere and remained memorable. On the flip side, there were a few criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. NintendoWorldReport pointed out the lack of expressiveness in Jade's character, which they felt made emotional moments fall flat despite the generally great voice acting and wonderful writing. This critique suggests that while the voice acting was strong overall, there may have been some inconsistencies in character portrayal that affected the emotional impact of certain scenes. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. The majority of reviewers appreciated the enhancements made to the soundtrack, such as re-recordings by live orchestras and updated versions of iconic tracks, which significantly contributed to the immersive atmosphere of the game. The sound design was also praised for complementing the gameplay experience and adding to the overall charm and emotional depth of the game. Critics like TechRadar Gaming and TheSixthAxis highlighted the eclectic and memorable soundtrack that elevated the gaming experience, while Player 2 emphasized the completely re-recorded soundtrack that sounded amazing and enhanced the overall experience. In conclusion, the positive reception from the critics indicates that the Sound Design and Music of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition played a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about the Sound Design and Music in Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, praising the powerful vocal songs and top-notch voice acting that added depth to the game. They loved the updated soundtrack with re-recordings by a live orchestra, enhancing the emotional tone. Some critics noted Jade's lack of expressiveness, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The enhancements made to the soundtrack significantly contributed to the immersive atmosphere and charm of the game, earning high praise for complementing the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition has received high praise from the majority of critics. IGN Spain commends the Spanish voice actors for delivering top-notch performances, while GamingBolt and PlayStation Country highlight the strong voice acting that enhances the compelling story and makes the characters feel genuine and memorable. Hobby Consolas specifically mentions Yolanda Mateos' excellent dubbing work, emphasizing how the voice performances add depth to the characters and elevate the overall experience. TechRadar Gaming also points out the fantastic chemistry between the main characters, Jade, Pey’j, and Double H, which is effectively conveyed through the voice acting. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. GamingTrend notes that while the overall voice acting is well done and brings the characters to life, there are missed opportunities in not having the original voice actress return for certain scenes, which impacts the immersion for some players. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport mentions a lack of expressiveness in Jade's character, which can lead to emotional moments falling flat despite the generally great voice acting in the game. These critiques suggest that there may be room for improvement in terms of consistency and emotional delivery across all characters. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition is a significant strength of the game. The talented voice actors, compelling performances, and the chemistry between characters have been widely praised for enhancing the storytelling and creating an immersive experience for players. While there are some minor criticisms regarding missed opportunities and character expressiveness, the positive reception from the majority of reviewers indicates that the voice acting significantly contributes to the overall enjoyment and quality of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the exceptional voice acting in Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, praising the Spanish voice actors for their top-notch performances and the chemistry between main characters. Despite minor critiques about missed opportunities and character expressiveness, the voice acting is widely seen as a major strength, elevating the storytelling and immersing players in a compelling experience.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, the general consensus among critics is positive. IGN Spain praises the enhanced performance and graphics in the 20th Anniversary Edition, which elevates the overall experience. Xbox Tavern also highlights the smooth gameplay, high frame rate, and responsive controls, particularly in the Quality mode maintaining a near-locked 60fps and high resolution. Pure Xbox appreciates quality-of-life improvements like skip cutscenes and auto-saves, despite some issues with controls and camera angles during intense moments. These improvements contribute to a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Xbox Series X platform. However, on the PlayStation 5 platform, there are mixed opinions regarding the technical performance of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. While Eurogamer Portugal and Hobby Consolas commend the stable performance at 4K and 60fps, with refined controls and graphics enhancements, other critics like GamersRD and Softpedia note technical issues such as frame rate drops, graphical slowdowns, poor AI, and camera angle problems. Push Square mentions performance drops during hovercraft races, and GamingTrend points out that the updated visuals sometimes clash with the original aesthetic, affecting the overall visual stability. Despite some positive aspects, these technical shortcomings detract from the experience on the PS5 platform. Across all gaming platforms, the overall consensus among critics is that Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition delivers a solid technical performance with improvements in graphics, performance modes, and additional features like autosave and cross-platform saving. TechRadar Gaming highlights the near-flawless 60 frames per second experience on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, with occasional performance dips in Resolution mode. TheSixthAxis appreciates the remapped controls and auto-save feature to prevent frustration. However, issues like frame rate drops, camera transitions, and graphical glitches persist in certain versions, impacting the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the game generally offers a smoother and more visually appealing gameplay experience across various platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Xbox Series X performance in Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition for enhanced graphics and smooth gameplay. PS5 opinions vary, with some lauding stable 4K 60fps play and others noting technical issues like frame rate drops and poor AI. Overall, the game delivers solid technical performance with improved graphics and features across platforms, though some issues like frame rate drops persist.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The critics unanimously praise the Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition for its added replay value through various new features and content. IGN Spain, Pure Xbox, and Xbox Tavern highlight the inclusion of a Speed Run mode, new missions, history of the game, hidden items, and exploration opportunities, all contributing to enhancing the depth and longevity of the gameplay experience. GamersRD, GamingBolt, and GamingTrend also appreciate the addition of new missions, character skins, galleries, re-orchestrated soundtrack, and behind-the-scenes content, which provide players with ample material to explore beyond the main story. On the flip side, some critics express concerns about certain gameplay mechanics feeling less fresh compared to the original release. PlayStation Country notes that the game is light on additional content and can feel grindy at times, particularly during tasks like gathering evidence and completing rolls of film for pearls. However, these criticisms are relatively minor compared to the overall positive sentiment towards the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. Hobby Consolas and Metro GameCentral find the additional content like new missions, speedrun mode, collectibles, and unlockable cosmetics to be compelling, with Metro GameCentral even making a compelling argument for a sequel. The inclusion of new outfits, concept art, cut level footage, and a comprehensive gallery section, as noted by Push Square and Nintendo Life, further enriches the gameplay experience and encourages players to revisit the game. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that the game successfully enhances its replay value through a variety of new features and content, making it a worthwhile experience for both returning fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about the Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition for its enriched replay value with new features and content like speed run mode, missions, history, hidden items, and more, boosting gameplay depth and longevity. Some critique minor gameplay mechanics, but overall, the game's added missions, character skins, galleries, soundtrack, and behind-the-scenes content make it a must-play for fans old and new.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics unanimously praised Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition for its numerous positive aspects. IGN Spain highlighted the game as a must-play for both fans and newcomers, emphasizing the updated features, improved performance, and added content. Pure Xbox appreciated the visual upgrades, sound enhancements, and bonus content, noting that while some gameplay aspects may feel dated, Jade's story remains charming. GamingTrend and God is a Geek both commended the game for its endearing characters, engaging gameplay, improved visuals, and controls, with GamingTrend specifically mentioning the compelling experience it offers for players. On the downside, a few critics pointed out some negatives in Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. PlayStation Country mentioned pacing issues and an intrusive camera that detracted from the overall experience. Eurogamer Portugal highlighted some age-related shortcomings, although they still highly recommended the game. Twinfinite noted dated gameplay mechanics and presentation, despite praising the nostalgia the game evokes from the PS2 era. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. The majority of reviewers found the remaster to be a great experience, with TechRadar Gaming even calling it a near-impeccable remaster that respects the original game while adding new content and enhancements. The critics appreciated the game's faithful updates, enhanced visuals, engaging gameplay, and added content, making it a worthwhile journey for both new and returning players. Despite some minor flaws such as dated design elements and gameplay mechanics, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards recommending Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition as a classic that holds up well even after two decades, solidifying its status as a must-play title for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, praising its updated features, improved performance, and added content. Some noted pacing issues and dated gameplay mechanics but overall recommend it as a must-play classic that holds up well after two decades.

CRITIK

Reviews

75 reviews found

Player 2

Jun 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good and Evil remains a stone-cold classic that holds up well after 20 years, offering a timeless and engaging experience for both new players and returning fans.

Read full review

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good & Evil - 20th Anniversary Edition is a great version of a genuinely wonderful game that truly does the original release justice and even adds to it. It is a stone-cold classic and well worth your time.

Read full review

GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Jun 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition is an absolute classic with endearing characters, engaging gameplay, and improved visuals and controls. It offers a compelling experience for both new players and returning fans, making it a must-play title.

Read full review

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Jun 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition retains the essence of the original game while making necessary quality of life improvements. It offers a nostalgic experience with added bonuses for longtime fans, making it a worthwhile revisit for both old and new players.

Read full review

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Jul 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good & Evil remains a fantastic game with enduring qualities, despite some age-related shortcomings. It is considered the best way to experience the game and is hoped to generate interest in the long-awaited sequel.

Read full review

Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Jun 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition is a well-executed remaster that enhances the original game with technical improvements, new content, and a nostalgic revisit to a beloved classic. Fans of the series should consider revisiting this iconic title.

Read full review

GameGrin

Jul 8, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition is a great game that deserves to be played, with minimal or no negatives, recommended for both new fans and veterans.

Read full review

Eurogamer Portugal

PlayStation 5

Jun 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition is highly recommended, showcasing the quality of the original game while enhancing it with modern standards. It is considered a classic cult game with a multifaceted gameplay experience.

Read full review

IGN Spain

Xbox Series X

Jul 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition is a return to a classic game with updated features, improved performance, and added content, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

Read full review

Push Square

PlayStation 5

Jun 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A classic remastered with love and care, showcasing its age but still offering a unique and atmospheric experience worth playing in 2024. Despite some flaws, Beyond Good & Evil remains a standout adventure game.

Read full review