Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition - PS5/Xbox/Switch Review - A Near Perfect Remaster?

Summary

The video reviews the 20th Anniversary Edition of *Beyond Good and Evil*, highlighting its impressive visual upgrades, such as 4K resolution, improved textures, and enhanced shaders. It also discusses the game's new content, including a speedrun mode and tie-ins to the anticipated prequel. While the PS5 and Series X offer smooth 60fps gameplay, the Switch version faces significant performance issues, with a capped 30fps and visual downgrades. Despite minor bugs, the remaster is considered the definitive version for both newcomers and long-time fans, offering a deep dive into the game's history and providing a glimpse into *Beyond Good and Evil 2*.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 20th Anniversary Edition of *Beyond Good and Evil* offers a substantial visual upgrade over the original 2003 release, with improved textures and assets.
• 😀 The game now runs at 4K resolution on PS5 and Xbox Series X, providing a significant boost in image clarity compared to previous versions.
• 😀 Ubisoft has worked hard to retain the original design of the game while upgrading assets like textures, shaders, and character details for modern consoles.
• 😀 The remaster includes additional content, such as making-of documentaries, concept art, and footage of removed levels, offering fans a deep dive into the game's development history.
• 😀 A new speedrun mode is added to the 20th Anniversary Edition, along with new content linking the game to the upcoming *Beyond Good and Evil 2* prequel.
• 😀 On PS5 and Series X, players can choose between two modes: resolution mode at 4K or performance mode at 1440p, both aiming for 60 FPS.
• 😀 Although the game mostly runs at 60 FPS, occasional frame drops to 30 FPS can occur, especially during moments with heavy visual effects like explosions or water reflections.
• 😀 The Xbox Series S offers a stable 60 FPS experience at 1440p resolution, but frame rate dips can still happen during intense in-game effects.
• 😀 The Nintendo Switch version runs at a capped 30 FPS, with significant frame drops below this target in specific areas, like during intense effects such as water reflections.
• 😀 Visual downgrades on Switch include lower texture resolution and less detailed character models compared to the PS5 and Series X versions, but it still maintains some of the shader effects.
• 😀 Despite the visual and performance limitations on Switch, the 20th Anniversary Edition remains the best way to experience *Beyond Good and Evil* today, particularly for new players and long-time fans.

Q & A

What improvements were made in the 20th Anniversary Edition of *Beyond Good & Evil* compared to the 2011 HD release?

The 20th Anniversary Edition features substantial visual upgrades, including improved textures, shaders, and materials, with a new asset overhaul. The game is now presented in 4K resolution (or 1440p on performance mode) on current-gen consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, targeting 60 frames per second.

What new content was added to the 20th Anniversary Edition of *Beyond Good & Evil*?

The edition includes extra content such as a couple of hours of making-of documentaries, concept art, pre-release videos, and footage of removed levels. Additionally, there’s a new speedrun mode and new content that ties the game to the long-awaited prequel, *Beyond Good & Evil 2*.

How does the 20th Anniversary Edition compare to previous versions in terms of visual quality?

The 20th Anniversary Edition offers significant visual improvements over previous versions, including 4K resolution, enhanced textures, improved lighting effects, and sharper in-game assets. Some textures are newly built from scratch, while others may be AI upscaled, ensuring better quality and a more polished appearance.

How does the Nintendo Switch version of *Beyond Good & Evil* compare to other platforms?

The Switch version retains many of the features of the PS5 and Series X versions but with visual downgrades. It has a lower resolution range (900p-1080p docked, 720p portable) and simplified textures. While it keeps certain shader effects, some environmental textures, reflections, and character details are noticeably downgraded.

What are the performance issues with *Beyond Good & Evil* on the Nintendo Switch?

The Switch version is capped at 30 FPS, but it struggles to maintain a consistent frame rate. There are noticeable drops below 30 FPS, especially during intense moments with alpha effects or large numbers of enemies on screen. In extreme cases, the frame rate can dip as low as 12 FPS.

Does the 20th Anniversary Edition of *Beyond Good & Evil* support both resolution and performance modes?

Yes, the game offers a mode selection for both resolution and performance modes. On PS5 and Series X, players can choose between 4K resolution at 60 FPS (with occasional drops) or 1440p at a more stable 60 FPS with fewer frame rate drops.

How do the visual upgrades affect the characters in *Beyond Good & Evil*?

Key characters such as Jade, her sidekick Paige, and other important figures receive substantial visual upgrades. These upgrades include higher-resolution textures, new shaders, and more detailed skin effects, like specular highlights and glistening skin. Even minor characters, such as those in the lighthouse area, now feature more realistic geometry and textures, including fingers instead of simplified claws.

Is the Nintendo Switch version of *Beyond Good & Evil* able to maintain 60 FPS like other platforms?

No, the Switch version does not reach 60 FPS and is capped at 30 FPS. It struggles with frame rate drops, particularly during scenes with alpha effects and multiple on-screen elements, and is unable to maintain a stable 30 FPS at all times.

What is the significance of the new speedrun mode in the 20th Anniversary Edition?

The new speedrun mode adds replayability and challenge to the game. It allows players to race through the game’s levels in the shortest time possible, which is a fun and competitive feature for both new and returning players.

What frame rate issues occur when playing *Beyond Good & Evil* on PS5 and Series X in resolution mode?

In resolution mode, *Beyond Good & Evil* targets 60 FPS but experiences occasional drops to 30 FPS due to a double buffer vsync system. These drops typically occur during intense visual effects, such as explosions or transparent effects, leading to brief frame rate stutters.