Review: Beyond Good and Evil HD
Ubisoft’s beloved title Beyond Good and Evil has taken the HD leap to both PS3 and Xbox360. Perhaps one of the best games released last generation, Beyond Good and Evil HD takes you back to the beautiful world of Hillys. Hit the jump to find out our verdict on the game.
The game is set in the year 2435 on a mining planet called Hillys. Jade , who is the main protagonist,is in charge of an orphanage. The children of the Orphans are all victims of the Domz, who are an alien race abducting life forms of other planets for food. Along with Jade is her uncle (The Pig) named Pey’j. Then we got the IRIS Network and the Alpha Section. The Alpha sections are sworn protectors of Hillys, promising the people of the world to be safe from the treacherous Domz. IRIS Network want the same thing, only they have reasons to believe that the Alpha Section are working for the Domz.
This is where the story takes off. Jade is then contacted by a scientist for a photograph job on wildlife. This is where the IRIS Network see’s her most valuable for. In order to expose the Alpha Section for the fraud they are they need Jade’s photo skills. Without spoiling to much the story is just as good as it was back then and is still perhaps one of the greatest of it’s time.
Now for some gameplay. Using the camera in the game is a must. It helps you collect more money and also evidence against the Domz. Not only that, but it’s a way to expand your exploration of the world. There are vast amount of lifeforms roaming Hillys and the only way your gonna get to capture them is by traveling with your hovercraft. This is your main transportation throughout the whole game. It’s easy to control and has plenty of upgrades that can be added over time. Your character life energy can be upgraded, but other then that there isn’t a whole lot to character building. As for attacks your pretty much button mashing either square or if your with a partner such as Pey’j then you can use triangle to activate their attack. This usually stuns or distracts the opponent, allowing you attack from behind. Stealth is also used in this game.
The stealth in this game is excellently executed. This gives players more control over whats happening on the field. You can either run in and fight off all the guards or you can sneak and hide your way around them, plucking each one at a time.
Both the Music and Graphics have been beautifully restored in High Definition. However, in some parts you can tell that some of the texture have been stretched out. This isn’t as distracting as it sounds, since most of the surrounding environment hides these areas from view. As an addition, surround sound has been added to create a more life-like world. Voices coming from the characters can be heard from directions and sound much more rich and clearer then ever before.
Players who have played the game the first time may notice a few new features. The game is now packed with an Extra menu along with leader boards. Sadly, these aren’t something to be excited about. The online leader board seems to be broken and the extra menu is filled with just art work. It’s a nice addition and all, but really was not needed.
The game does suffer from frame-rate issues from time to time and controls can seem a bit strange, but other then the few minor complaints the game is a blast. Fans of the original game will not be disappointed with the HD transition. And if you didn’t get a chance to play the game back in 2003 then I highly suggest you pick up this neat gem from either the PSN or XBL store.
Now if only Ubisoft would start working on Good and Evil 2 again.
SCORE: 8/10