Ubisoft’s decision to re-release Beyond Good & Evil with a 20th-anniversary edition in early 2024 has turned plenty of heads, both for the wrong and right reasons. The announcement came after an unfinished version was released on the Ubisoft Plus platform by mistake and details of the now-confirmed re-release appeared on the official Xbox storefront. It took several hours before Ubisoft could clean up its mess, which isn’t a good look following what the company tried to pull off when errant pop-up ads started appearing on Ubisoft’s games. Nevertheless, reviving a 2003 cult classic is a bold and strategic move.
The original Beyond Good & Evil, launched on PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC, and GameCube, captivated audiences and critics alike with its engaging narrative and unique gameplay. It followed Jade, a reporter and fighter, who joins a resistance movement to expose a conspiracy on an alien planet. Despite not being a commercial hit at the time, it gained a cult following for its thematic depth and gameplay that combined action-adventure, puzzles, stealth, and racing elements over the years.
Eventually, this resulted in a sequel being greenlit, but production on the said game hasn’t gone well lately.
While not the much-anticipated full-on sequel, the 20th-anniversary edition promises a significant upgrade, with the Xbox listing (since deleted) mentioning support for “4K, 60 fps with improved graphics, controls, and audio, along with brand-new autosave and cross-save features.” These enhancements aim to modernize the game for today’s hardware capabilities, making it more appealing to contemporary audiences and long-time fans.
This re-release serves multiple purposes. First, it rejuvenates interest in the Beyond Good & Evil franchise, which, as we have previously mentioned, has seen its sequel, Beyond Good & Evil 2, in, putting it lightly, a prolonged development phase since its initial tease in 2008 and official announcement in 2017. By revisiting the original after all this time, it’s a chance to keep the franchise relevant and maintains audience interest in the forthcoming sequel. The enhancement of the original game with modern technology also allows new players to experience a classic in its best form.
Moreover, the re-release is a response to fans’ consistent interest in the title. The original game, despite its commercial performance, or, to be more specific, the lack thereof, has been lauded for its narrative and gameplay innovation. It’s an official acknowledgement of the game’s loyal fan base.
The timing is intriguing, as it aligns with the growing trend of remastering classic titles. Ubisoft, in particular, is believed to be working on either a remake or remaster of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. This trend caters to nostalgia and fan’s interest in retro gaming, allowing new generations to experience seminal games in updated formats.
Ubisoft’s decision to re-release Beyond Good & Evil aligns with this trend, ensuring its legacy continues and reaches a broader audience.
However, Ubisoft’s announcement and the accidental release highlight the challenges in managing game development and releases. The unfinished version’s leak and subsequent confusion underlines the need for tighter control over game development and release processes.
If we’re lucky, Ubisoft will announce good news regarding Beyond Good & Evil 2 soon. Unfortunately, based on all that happened earlier this year – the sequel’s creative director passed away – this is unlikely. But, it’s at least a step forward for a company looking to improve its public image.
The French publisher recently confirmed that it’s giving away Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate for free ahead of the release of the free update for Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Finally, it’s set to release Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on December 7 with the release of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown following suit on January 16.
