Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition

The remastered graphics of the game have received praise for enhancing the original art style while providing improved detail and lighting, making the visuals feel fresh and polished. However, some players noted that certain updates can clash with the original aesthetic, and while the overall improvements are appreciated, there are occasional graphical glitches and limitations in settings. Overall, the remaster successfully revitalizes the classic experience, though some aspects may still feel dated compared to modern standards.

The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many praising its emotional depth and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere. While the remastered soundtrack is noted for its higher fidelity, some players feel it lacks the original's energy and charm. Despite minor bugs affecting music playback in certain areas, the soundtrack remains a standout feature, with many players expressing a deep emotional connection to both the original and updated compositions.

The gameplay retains the core mechanics of the original while introducing subtle improvements, offering a mix of combat, stealth, and puzzle-solving that, while not deeply challenging, remains enjoyable and well-balanced. However, players have reported technical issues such as crashes and stuttering, which detract from the overall experience. Despite its dated mechanics and occasional lack of depth, the game is praised for its engaging story, diverse gameplay elements, and nostalgic charm, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting significant stuttering, crashes, and poor performance, particularly on high-end systems. While some users experienced stable performance and minimal issues, the overall sentiment suggests that the game requires further optimization, especially regarding its frame rate cap and the impact of DRM. Players are advised to be cautious, as performance issues may detract from the experience.

The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting minor visual and audio glitches, as well as some frustrating bugs that can hinder gameplay, such as freezing during loading screens. While some users have experienced smooth performance, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck, others advise potential new players to wait for patches to address these issues. Overall, the remaster is seen as a promising but currently imperfect experience, with lingering problems reminiscent of the original version.

The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its profound themes, heartwarming moments, and a nostalgic connection to its characters, evoking strong feelings in players. Many reviewers noted the impactful music and touching scenes, particularly those involving Jade and Pey'j, which resonate deeply and can even bring players to tears. Despite some minor visual changes to character expressions, the overall emotional depth and passion behind the game's development shine through, making it a memorable experience.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its magical and immersive qualities, enhanced by a memorable soundtrack that complements the engaging story and characters. Many players appreciate the unique tone and the game's ability to create a captivating experience without overstaying its welcome. However, some users noted occasional issues with sound effects and background music that detracted from the overall atmosphere.

The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of genuinely funny writing and enjoyable characters, often blending sweetness with moments of sadness. While some players appreciate the comedic elements, others find certain aspects, like the changes in gameplay and texture quality, to be unintentionally humorous or even malicious. Overall, the game aims for humor but elicits a range of reactions from its audience.

Character development in the game has been criticized for not evolving beyond its 2003 iteration, leaving players wanting more depth and growth. However, the memorable character designs and cinematic presentation enhance the overall experience, making the characters visually appealing despite the lack of progression in their development.

Players appreciate the game's approach to grinding, noting that it feels engaging rather than tedious, with a completion time of around 20 hours. This contrasts sharply with the current trend of grind-heavy, open-world games filled with microtransactions and repetitive gameplay loops.

Reviewers express frustration with Ubisoft's monetization strategy, particularly criticizing the company's tendency to market their games as if they are available on platforms like Steam, while in reality, they require users to navigate through their own launcher. This has led to a perception of inconvenience and dissatisfaction among players.

Reviewers highlight that the game has a solid port, enhancing its playability and contributing positively to its overall replayability.