Last week, Ubisoft released a 20th-anniversary edition of their game Beyond Good and Evil. While the game was a flop when released, it gained a cult following over the years and was called one of the best 3D platformers and action games of its era.
With this re-release, the hype surrounding the infamously delayed Beyond Good and Evil 2 has returned. Because of this, the game’s fandom will likely expand and learn more about this forgotten gem. Here is a rundown of everything you should know about Beyond Good and Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition.
What Was Beyond Good and Evil?
![Beyond Good and Evil 20th Anniversary Edition Boat](https://totalapexgaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-26-120604-1024x518.png)
The 90s and Aughts gave gamers many platforming icons such as Crash Bandicoot, Conker, Ratchet, and many others. However, one of the more infamously underrated examples was 2003’s Beyond Good and Evil, released for the Game Cube from Ubisoft. The game was a French action game about intrepid reporter Jade trying to uncover a conspiracy regarding the invading alien race, the “DomZ,” and the evil Alpha Section ruling her world.
The game was praised for its cartoonish art style, intriguing puzzles, worldbuilding, and stimulating action. France has always been a staple of the sci-fi genre, from the works of Jules Verne to the cyberpunk cartoon Code Lyoko, which shares its English voice cast with the game. To many, Jade is as iconic to Ubisoft as Ezio or Rayman.
Despite the game’s acclaim, it was a flop and sold poorly. It did so badly that the game was given as a free bonus when people bought cheese. Despite this, the game is now seen as a cult classic and also received several awards when it was released. Furthermore, a live-action series is even in the works at Netflix.
The Infamously Delayed Sequel
Of course, when people hear about Beyond Good and Evil, two things come to mind: its cult classic status and its sequel stuck in development limbo. For two decades, fans have waited for Beyond Good and Evil 2, a game announced, delayed, and scrapped many times. Much like Half-Life 3, the game has become one of the icons of games perpetually stuck in limbo.
While Ubisoft confirmed the game is still coming, information has been sparse over the years. In 2018, six years ago, Ubisoft dropped two brilliantly animated cinematics teasing the game and its story and massive scope. However, there has been very little information given beyond these trailers. The game will be a prequel and follow the story of Pey’j, Jade’s adoptive uncle.
What Was Changed?
![Beyond Good and Evil 20th Anniversary Edition Concept Art](https://totalapexgaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-26-120917-1024x510.png)
While many gamers are already excited about this rerelease on more consoles, Ubisoft has added several other changes and goodies for fans to look forward to. Firstly, they updated the game’s already wonderfully aged art style into 4K and 6 FPS. Furthermore, the many original pieces from the soundtrack were re-recorded by a live orchestra overseen by the original composer, Christophe Heral. Speaking of which, Ubisoft added a vinyl of the soundtrack as a pre-order bonus.
There are other additions as well. The game now has a speedrun mode, and more achievements have been added. There will also be a collection of behind-the-scenes concept art, interviews, and stories regarding the game’s creation. Most intriguingly, there will be a treasure hunt for easter eggs about Jade’s backstory in Beyond Good and Evil 2. With the game eventually arriving, this could signal the long-awaited sequel to be on the horizon.
About the Author
Edward Fargis is a seasoned writer from across the web. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in English and a minor in social media strategies and has since put his writing and research skills to the test. He mostly writes about the latest video games, movies, anime, and TV. He is also an aspiring author. His portfolio can be found on Total Apex Gaming, Total Apex Entertainment, Strangely Awesome Games, Dead Talk News, Siliconera, and Comic Book Resource.
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