Review: Beyond Good & Evil HD

System: Xbox 360 (via XBLA, available for PS3 via PSN in May 2011)

Played on: Xbox 360

Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier (original game)/Ubisoft Shanghai (HD conversion)

Publisher: Ubisoft

Score: A-

In this console generation, publishers have taken the film studio model of rereleasing content with upgraded visuals. The trend started off in 2009 with the release of Sony’s God of War Collection on the PS3. Since then several publishers have begun to look back at the last generation to see what can be resold under the “HD” banner. It can be said that no game is more deserving of this than Ubisoft’s 2003 masterpiece, Beyond Good & Evil. Upon its release, it met with overwhelming critical reception but underwhelming sales. At a price tag of 1200 MSP, there is no reason to pass up this classic a second time.

Hailing from the mind of Michel Ancel, BG&E is about Jade, an intrepid reporter from the planet of Hillys. The planet is under invasion from an alien species know as the Domz. It is up to Jade to capture evidence of their activity, and unravel a vast conspiracy that has the potential to shake the foundation of the planet’s very society.

At its core, BG&E shares a lot of elements and inspiration from classic Nintendo franchises. The majority of the game plays like a classic 3-D Legend of Zelda adventure where your visiting towns for information, gathering sub-quests and exploring dungeons. There is also a collection element similar to gathering stars like the 3-D Mario games and a photo shoot mechanic weaved into the plot reminscent of Pokemon Snap. Even though it burrows elements, BG&E manages to integrate them organically in such a way that it does not feel like these are borrowed play mechanics.

What truly makes BG&E special is its audio presentation. The voice acting is exceptionally done a great job developing Jade her supporting cast as people you not only care about but feel for as well. The score ranges from beautiful, haunting piano melodies to island rhythms. Needless to say, whether your racing a hovercraft, sneaking around an industrial base or bearing witness to an emotional scene, there will be a perfectly fitting melody.

Upon its initial release over seven and a half years ago, BG&E had a uniquely stylized art style that has aged well and benefited greatly from an HD makeover. It is an example of how effective use of art direction is often better than striving for photo realism. Some of the basic mechanics of BG&E have not aged as well as the visuals, however. In the dungeons and in certain side quests there is a hefty amount of sneaking from the “vision-cone” school of guard patrols and some of the fixed camera angles are less than optimal.

At a price of 1200 MSP there is simply no reason to pass up on BG&E. It is an under appreciated classic that has been given the second chance it deserves to reach the success many feel it was denied. BG&E shines in both presentation and gameplay, and is destined to be a classic. For those craving something original in today’s climate of sequel’s and shooters, you owe it to yourself to take a trip to the planet Hillys.