Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition, developed by Ubisoft Montpellier for Xbox Series X|S, remasters the 2003 action-adventure for current hardware. The release rebuilds the original single-player campaign while updating controls and progression for modern setups. Key additions include an Anniversary Gallery, a new treasure-hunt quest that ties into the sequel, and several convenience features aimed at contemporary play. The edition targets returning fans and newcomers who prefer narrative-driven exploration and varied gameplay loops.

What kind of game is Beyond Good & Evil?

In this game you play Jade, a photojournalist and martial artist on the watery planet Hillys. The narrative drives investigation into an alien threat known as the DomZ and a planet-wide conspiracy, with support from Pey'j and the pilot Double H. Gameplay alternates investigative photography, stealth encounters, melee skirmishes, environmental puzzles and hovercraft racing, providing a mixture of mission-based objectives and open exploration moments.

Is it single-player only or does it add competitive modes?

In this release the campaign remains a single-player experience focused on story progression. The edition adds a dedicated Speedrun Mode for time-based challenge and leader tracking, which gives competitive players a reason to replay the campaign. Those additions sit beside the main narrative rather than replacing it, so players can choose standard playthroughs or pursue time-focused runs and personal bests after completing the story.

What does the game look and sound like?

Inside the remaster the original artistic direction is preserved while textures and lighting receive modern attention, producing sharper environments and clearer character models. The soundtrack receives new live-orchestra recordings for more than 15 tracks under composer Christophe Héral, which shifts the audio presentation toward a fuller, cinematic sound. The result keeps the game's tone while presenting scenes with higher visual fidelity compared with the original release.

Is it hard to get started and what keeps you coming back?

Onboarding mixes accessible mission checkpoints with occasional sections that require precise timing, so the learning curve varies across mechanics. Progression follows mission completion and story beats rather than deep role-playing systems, while updated achievements and cross-platform progression provide completion goals across sessions. Replay value comes from mission variety, time trials and the archival material for players who enjoy discovery and multiple playthroughs rather than a single linear run.

Who benefits most from this edition

The Anniversary Edition is a strong choice for players invested in the series' lore, because it pairs the main campaign with archival material and a new treasure-hunt quest that links to later entries. It suits those who favor narrative-rich, mechanically varied single-player adventures and enjoy replaying missions for mastery. Players seeking purely modernized combat systems should note the remaster's emphasis on preservation over wholesale mechanical reinvention.