Beyond Good and Evil was never worth 20 years of angst
Ubisoft’s 20th anniversary edition of Beyond Good and Evil allows players to experience the complete game—collecting all items and photographing all animals—over a single weekend. The author revisits this childhood favorite with fresh perspective, finding that while the game retains considerable charm through its distinctive world and innovative camera-based interaction mechanic, it remains fundamentally sparse and brief in scope and content. This modest scale raises questions about the publisher’s two-decade investment in the franchise, particularly regarding its much-delayed sequel. The article argues that Beyond Good and Evil, while a sweet and enjoyable experience, is ultimately not substantial enough to justify the extensive development drama and attention that Ubisoft has devoted to the IP over 20 years. The piece questions whether the original game’s brevity and limited offerings truly warrant the franchise expectations and sequel commitment that have kept Ubisoft focused on this title for so long.