Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition

The majority of critics praised the story of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition as a standout element, highlighting its engaging and well-written narrative. Reviewers like IGN Italia and Games.cz emphasized the game’s blend of science fiction and fantasy, noting its freshness and ability to maintain interest over two decades. GamersRD and TechRadar Gaming commended the mature themes, memorable characters (such as Jade, Zerdy, and Double H), and the balance of humor with darker, more complex ideas. Twinfinite called the story “absolutely brilliant,” pointing to its emotional depth and unforgettable moments, while Hobby Consolas appreciated the mix of nostalgic innocence and adult themes. The plot’s focus on Jade, a photojournalist uncovering conspiracies tied to alien invasions and authoritarian regimes, was repeatedly described as compelling, with Eurogamer Portugal and GamingTrend noting its cinematic quality and strong protagonist. Many also praised the narrative’s twists and revelations, with Jeuxvideo.com and GamingBolt emphasizing how the story keeps players invested through its intricate world-building and thematic richness. However, some critics pointed out limitations, particularly regarding outdated characterizations and narrative depth. GameGrin noted that while the writing balances heart, comedy, and intrigue, it suffers from “outdated characterizations,” suggesting the story’s approach may feel dated to modern audiences. Voxel and Cubed3 criticized the plot for feeling simplistic, with Voxel arguing the execution was “rushed” and Cubed3 stating it “lacks depth and resolution.” PlayStation Country acknowledged the story’s obvious villains and motivations, while Metro GameCentral mentioned the game’s “dense backstory that it refuses to tell you about,” which could frustrate players seeking more context. Additionally, Xbox Tavern observed that the story remains largely unchanged from the original, with only added nods to a potential sequel, which might not satisfy those expecting substantial new content. These critiques often focused on the game’s age and the need for more nuanced character development or storytelling complexity. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the story being a major highlight of the 20th Anniversary Edition. While some reviewers like GameGrin and Voxel pointed to its flaws, the majority celebrated its enduring charm, emotional beats, and relevance. IGN Spain and TheXboxHub praised its “strong human element” and “well-realized characters,” while Pure Nintendo and COGconnected highlighted its unique world and political undertones. The narrative’s ability to resonate with modern audiences, as noted by Movies Games and Tech, and its role in supporting the gameplay, as mentioned by Nintendo Insider, reinforced its appeal. Even with its age, the story’s mix of adventure, mystery, and social commentary, along with its iconic characters, ensured it remained a compelling experience. Critics like GameCritics and ZTGD also appreciated the added content connecting to Beyond Good & Evil 2, suggesting the story’s foundation is strong enough to inspire future expansions. Ultimately, the narrative’s strengths—its engaging plot, memorable characters, and thematic depth—outweighed its shortcomings, cementing its status as a timeless and impactful piece of gaming storytelling.

The gameplay of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition is praised for its nostalgic charm and genre-blending design, with many critics highlighting its engaging mix of exploration, photography, and action-adventure mechanics. Reviewers like IGN Italia and Hobby Consolas note that the game’s diversity—combining stealth, puzzles, combat, and photography—creates a rich, varied experience that remains enjoyable despite its age. The photography mechanic, in particular, is celebrated as a standout feature, with Oyungezer and Jeuxvideo.com emphasizing its unique role in gameplay, while GamingTrend and GamingBolt appreciate the seamless integration of activities like combat, platforming, and vehicle traversal. BaziCenter and Eurogamer Portugal also commend the game’s story-driven mechanics, which reflect Jade’s role as a journalist, and the inclusion of mini-games and side quests that enhance replayability. Overall, the gameplay’s core appeal lies in its creativity and the sense of discovery it offers, even if it leans heavily on its 20-year-old foundation. However, several critics point out that the gameplay feels dated, with mechanics that struggle to meet modern expectations. Jeuxvideo.com and Games.cz criticize the stiff, simplistic combat and outdated stealth systems, which can frustrate players accustomed to more nuanced controls. GamersRD and Voxel highlight issues like clunky movement, imprecise hovercraft handling, and repetitive tasks, while NintendoWorldReport and Movies Games and Tech note that combat and level design lack depth, making certain sections feel tedious. COGconnected and GameCritics also mention that some mechanics, such as companion AI and puzzle logic, are underdeveloped or unclear. These critiques suggest that while the game’s core ideas are solid, its execution often falls short of contemporary standards, particularly in areas like responsiveness and innovation. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus among critics is that Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition remains a worthwhile experience for fans of classic action-adventure games. While GameOver.gr and GamersRD acknowledge its age-related shortcomings, they also recognize its enduring charm and the joy of its exploration and photography elements. TechRadar Gaming and Push Square praise the game’s open-world design and progression systems, even if they admit some mechanics show their age. The mixed reception reflects a balance between nostalgia and modern critique, with many reviewers agreeing that the game’s strengths—its creativity, variety, and unique photography mechanic—outweigh its dated aspects. As ZTGD notes, the game holds up well with improvements like autosave, making it a rewarding, if imperfect, trip down memory lane for both longtime fans and curious newcomers.

The 20th Anniversary Edition of Beyond Good & Evil receives widespread praise for its graphical enhancements, with critics highlighting improvements in resolution, textures, lighting, and character models. Multiple reviewers, including IGN Italia, Jeuxvideo.com, and TechRadar Gaming, note that the remaster elevates the game’s visuals with sharper textures, dynamic lighting, and a 4K/60fps resolution that modernizes its presentation. Player 2 and Hobby Consolas emphasize the "timeless art style" and "vibrant colors," which are amplified by the higher fidelity, while BaziCenter and Eurogamer Portugal commend the more cohesive and appealing character designs. The addition of quality-of-life features like speedrun modes and new cutscenes, as mentioned by GameGrin, further complements the visual upgrades, making the game feel fresh yet faithful to its original charm. Xbox Tavern even points to ray-tracing effects in certain areas, showcasing the technical strides made in the remaster. However, several critics point out that the game’s age remains evident, particularly in its animations and some technical aspects. IGN Italia and Jeuxvideo.com (on both PC and PS5) note that character animations, such as Jade’s facial expressions, feel dated despite graphical improvements. GameOver.gr and GamersRD mention that environments and enemies lack the detail of modern titles, with the latter citing frame rate drops during high-action sequences. Push Square and Nintendo WorldReport critique inconsistencies in character textures and lighting, while SomosXbox highlights that the cartoonish art style, though nostalgic, still shows "lack of modern polish." Voxel and Cubed3 also point to performance issues and texture limitations, suggesting that while the visuals are better, the game’s technical foundation struggles to keep up with contemporary standards. These critiques underscore that the remaster’s improvements are not without their flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most acknowledging the remaster as a respectful and effective enhancement of the original’s visual identity. TechRadar Gaming calls it "one of the best remastering efforts seen in years," while TheSixthAxis and TheXboxHub praise its ability to preserve the game’s "striking visual design" and "original vision" through modernized tech. Despite the age-related shortcomings, the cartoonish art style is repeatedly highlighted as a key factor in its enduring appeal, with GamingTrend and Games.cz noting that it "ages gracefully." While some platforms, like the Nintendo Switch, face limitations in texture quality and performance, the majority agree that the Anniversary Edition successfully balances nostalgia with contemporary polish, making it a visually rewarding experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. IGN Spain and Pure Xbox emphasize that the game "maintains its original charm," even as it benefits from cleaner visuals and smoother gameplay.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, highlighting the reorchestrated and remastered audio as a standout enhancement. Multiple reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and Eurogamer Portugal, lauded Christophe Héral’s reorchestrated music for its emotional depth and immersive quality, with TheSixthAxis noting that the live orchestra recordings preserved the original’s charm while elevating its grandeur. Games.cz and TechRadar Gaming emphasized the soundtrack’s atmospheric contributions, describing it as “excellent” and “eclectic,” respectively. The newly recorded orchestral elements, such as the iconic “Spanish Bar” track mentioned by Hobby Consolas, were celebrated for their nostalgic yet fresh appeal. Additionally, IGN Spain highlighted the powerful vocal songs and top-notch Spanish voice acting, while Pure Xbox and COGconnected praised the “diverse” and “stunning” audio that complemented the game’s visuals. These elements collectively reinforced the game’s enduring charm and emotional resonance. While the majority of reviews were positive, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings in the sound design. Jeuxvideo.com and Voxel noted that certain sound effects felt outdated, with Voxel specifically stating that the overall sound design “does not stand out significantly.” IGN Italia mentioned that sound design details were not extensively covered, implying a lack of depth in this area. Additionally, Cubed3 observed that the voice acting, while charming, had “corny” moments, though this was framed as part of the game’s personality rather than a flaw. These critiques were relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim for the music, but they underscored that the remaster’s audio improvements were not universally flawless, particularly in areas beyond the soundtrack. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being a major highlight of the 20th-anniversary edition. Eurogamer Portugal, GameOver.gr, and Push Square all emphasized how the refreshed audio enhanced the game’s atmosphere and storytelling, while Nintendo Life noted the “modernized” yet familiar quality of the re-recorded tracks. Even critics who mentioned outdated sound effects acknowledged the broader improvements, such as Jeuxvideo.com’s praise for the “reorchestrated music” despite its limitations. The majority of reviews, including those from IGN Spain and Movies Games and Tech, framed the audio as a key factor in the game’s renewed appeal, with many calling it “divine” or “enchanting.” This strong collective endorsement reflects the success of the remaster in revitalizing the original’s audio while respecting its legacy.

The voice acting in the Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition received widespread praise for its preservation of the original performances and its ability to enhance the game’s narrative and character depth. Critics like IGN Italia highlighted that the remaster retained the original voice acting, a key positive that respects the game’s legacy. GameOver.gr and GamingBolt both praised the high quality of the voice work, noting how it contributes to an immersive experience and compelling storytelling. GamingTrend and PlayStation Country emphasized how the performances bring characters to life, while Hobby Consolas specifically commended the Spanish dubbing by Yolanda Mateos, calling it a standout element. TechRadar Gaming and Movies Games and Tech also celebrated the chemistry between characters like Jade, Pey’j, and Double H, and the witty dialogue that enriches the gameplay. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting as a strong, cohesive pillar of the remaster’s success. However, some critics pointed out specific shortcomings. GamingTrend noted missed opportunities in not having the original voice actress return for certain scenes, which slightly undermined immersion. NintendoWorldReport criticized the lack of expressiveness in Jade’s character, making emotional moments feel less impactful, while Cubed3 described the voice acting as “corny but memorable,” suggesting it prioritized charm over technical polish. These critiques highlight that while the voice work is generally strong, there are areas where the original performances could have been better preserved or enhanced. The mention of platform-specific differences, such as NintendoWorldReport’s focus on the Switch version, also suggests that technical or regional variations might have influenced perceptions of quality. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive. Most reviews, including those from GameCritics, IGN Spain, and SomosXbox, emphasized the voice acting’s role in making characters feel genuine and memorable. While a few noted room for improvement—such as NintendoWorldReport’s observations on Jade’s delivery or Cubed3’s mixed take on tone—the majority viewed the voice acting as a critical strength of the remaster. The preservation of original performances, combined with high-quality translations and regional dubs, created a balanced experience that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. This alignment of praise across platforms and perspectives reinforces the voice acting as a key factor in the game’s enduring appeal.

The 20th Anniversary Edition of Beyond Good & Evil receives generally positive technical feedback across platforms, with notable improvements in performance and visuals. On PC, critics like GameGrin and IGN Italia highlight smooth gameplay, stable frame rates, and enhanced resolution, though Jeuxvideo.com and Player 2 mention minor issues such as camera control during combat and occasional glitches. Hobby Consolas praises the remaster for addressing previous technical problems, while Jeuxvideo.com (PC) and TheSixthAxis note autosave features and refined controls. For PS5, BaziCenter, Eurogamer Portugal, and GamingBolt commend the game’s 4K/60 FPS performance, with Xbox Tavern and TheXboxHub emphasizing responsive controls and quality-of-life additions like cross-save. On Xbox Series X, GameCritics, IGN Spain, and ZTGD report seamless 4K/60fps performance, while SomosXbox and Xbox Tavern acknowledge graphical and frame rate enhancements. The Nintendo Switch version, though less emphasized, is described as “smooth” by Cubed3 and Jeuxvideo.com, though Nintendo World Report and Nintendo Insider point to lighting issues and framerate dips during battles. However, technical shortcomings are evident across platforms. On PC, IGN Italia and Jeuxvideo.com note stuttering and limited graphical customization, while Oyungezer mentions companions getting stuck and a lagging main menu. Impulsegamer (PS5) criticizes frame rate drops below 30 FPS and rigid character interactions, and Softpedia highlights persistent AI and camera issues. Push Square and PlayStation Country point to performance hiccups during hovercraft races and frequent but brief loading pauses, respectively. The Nintendo Switch faces challenges with its 30fps target, as noted by Nintendo Life, and Nintendo World Report criticizes poor lighting and outdated video resolutions. On Xbox Series X, COGconnected reports long initial load times and freezing, while Movies Games and Tech and Pure Xbox mention clunky controls during combat. Despite these issues, most critics agree that the technical foundation is solid, with TechRadar Gaming calling it “near-flawless” on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, though with minor dips in Resolution mode. The overall consensus among critics is that the remaster successfully modernizes the game’s technical aspects while retaining its core charm. While PC and Xbox Series X versions are lauded for their high frame rates and graphical fidelity, PS5 and Nintendo Switch versions face platform-specific challenges, such as occasional frame rate drops or lower resolution. Despite these, Hobby Consolas and Xbox Tavern emphasize that the technical performance is “solid” and “smooth,” with quality-of-life upgrades like autosave and cross-platform play. However, recurring issues—such as camera glitches (Jeuxvideo.com, Impulsegamer), lighting inconsistencies (Nintendo World Report, GamingTrend), and AI flaws (Softpedia)—suggest that the remaster is not without flaws. The mixed reception underscores a balance between nostalgia and modernization, with most critics agreeing that the technical improvements enhance the experience, even if they don’t fully erase the original’s quirks.

The 20th Anniversary Edition of Beyond Good & Evil receives widespread praise for its enhanced replay value through a variety of added features. Critics like GameGrin highlight the inclusion of virtual goodies such as concept art, trailers, and cut levels, which provide fans with immersive extras to explore. Jeuxvideo.com and Eurogamer Portugal note that new skins, a treasure hunt, and speedrun modes cater to both returning players and newcomers, while GamingBolt and TechRadar Gaming emphasize the remaster’s re-orchestrated soundtrack, collectibles, and a new side quest chain that ties into the sequel. God is a Geek and Push Square also commend the museum gallery and behind-the-scenes content, which deepen the game’s lore and appeal to nostalgic fans. These additions, combined with cosmetic items and optional exploration, create a compelling case for revisiting the game, particularly for those invested in its legacy or seeking completionist challenges. However, some critics express concerns about the game’s core limitations hindering its replayability. Impulsegamer and Voxel argue that the original’s gameplay mechanics and limited world design may not engage new players, while PlayStation Country criticizes the "grindy" nature of collecting evidence and film rolls for pearls. Jeuxvideo.com (on Switch) and IGN Spain mention that some puzzles could frustrate newcomers, and Cubed3 points out the lack of significant replay value due to the game’s constrained scope. Additionally, TheSixthAxis and Xbox Tavern note that while the speedrun mode and hidden items add depth, the original’s short runtime (10–15 hours) and tenuous sequel hook might feel insufficient for those seeking substantial new content. These critiques suggest that the anniversary edition’s replay appeal is largely dependent on pre-existing familiarity with the title. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most agreeing that the Anniversary Edition offers enough new content to justify multiple playthroughs, especially for fans of the original. IGN Italia and BaziCenter acknowledge that the core experience remains unchanged but frame the added modes and extras as valuable for dedicated players. GamersRD and GamingTrend emphasize the combination of speedrun challenges, unlockable cosmetics, and supplemental materials as key incentives for replaying. While some reviews, like Voxel and Impulsegamer, caution that the game may not appeal to all, the majority view it as a worthwhile revisit for its nostalgic and exploratory elements. The mixed reception underscores that the game’s replay value is strongest for those already familiar with its world, but the added features provide a solid foundation for both new and returning players to engage with its story and mechanics beyond the initial playthrough.