The History of Beyond Good and Evil

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The mid-2000s were a formative period for Ubisoft. New studios joined its repertoire and bolstered its stature as an international brand. Old studios came into their own with classic series that would define the generation. And series that would come to be classics in the next generation were slowly being cultivated for their future stardom.
Yet to many gamers, nothing defined this era of Ubisoft more than Beyond Good & Evil. The culmination of nearly four years of work at Ubisoft Montpellier to craft the ultimate action-adventure game, Beyond cast players as Jade, an investigative reporter tasked with uncovering a conspiracy that threatens her homeworld’s future, and repelling the machinations of a dastardly alien threat. While parts of its varied design evoked comparisons to Zelda and Ratchet & Clank, the whole of the experience was unlike anything else before it; an epic journey that balanced eccentricity and seriousness with considerable finesse, and proved emotionally affecting like few other games in its genre.
Yet when it came to sales, it was a considerable disappointment, with only a modicum of copies finding their way into people’s hands. And while this wouldn’t stop Ubisoft from producing a sequel, the company would nonetheless go on to spend more than a decade trying to get it off the ground - hardening the game’s fan base beyond all measure.
This is the history of Beyond Good & Evil.
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[@TheFallingFlamingo]

I've reached a point in my life where I watch more video game retrospectives than I actually play video games.

[@olgagerman9216]

omg so true... incredibly sad

[@MentokTheMindTaker]

I often listen to them while I'm playing games or at work

[@dannyjoseph140]

yeah so true lately idk why is it like that though

[@Thatguy-hp2eh]

@@dannyjoseph140 I know why. Games these days are not as interesting as they were 10's of years ago. Lootboxes, DLC's, early acces where they were lazy to finish the game. They won't have the same message or impact. That's why people get so easily bored. Looked at games like rust, 7days2die for example or it's nostalgia why new games are not good.

[@karakun1]

@@Thatguy-hp2ehor maybe we’re just at that point that games has become irrelevant in our lives and that we have come to that point in our live that we need to think ahead for ourselves then video games. I mean we do play once in a while but it’s definitely not the same as it was back then.

[@constantinethegreat5907]

This game is one of the greatest games of the 6th generation, it was beyond its time....

[@XZYSquare]

good one

[@remarkable4478]

HAHA he said it! he said it! 👆🏻😃 🥳

[@constantinethegreat5907]

@@remarkable4478 I speak truth and nothing but.

[@booyahcubes5941]

Absolutely without a doubt one of my all-time favorite games. The story and the characters became, in my mind, an instant classic as soon as I was introduced to them. The world was so colorful, vibrant and upbeat with a hint of darkness which made it so memorable. Sucks that it was overlooked but still kinda glad it was, if that makes sense.

[@lukabrdar6732]

Audio and character voice is spot on

[@globglenn4259]

I get what you mean, kind of like there's very few people who got to share a unique experience without everyone overhyping.

[@goldeneagle3088]

The guy is literally a David Attenborough for video games.

[@stoked9004]

Indeed, and I hope that this channel will continue growing. It's priceless.

[@SamVillano]

Golden Eagle Planet Earth but with this guy

[@TheGhostOfSabotage]

Yeah, he's like a good mature cheddar cheese. :D

[@ssx47]

not just video game documentary at hole

[@mercuraz]

Steve Petitt iirc

[@UnboundChris]

Sweet jesus, this has been my favourite game since it came out, I'm so pleased you're covering it!

[@july858585]

BGaE has a legendary status for me. I was not able to play it when it was released because my parents had an office PC at the time and my PS2 had a faulty DVD drive and my copy of BGaE was not readable. But I remember all positive reviews I read in magazines as a kid I had been imagining all adventures you can do in BGaE all the time. Fast Forward.. ten years later I bought used PS3 and Beyond´s remaster, got my platinum on first playtrough and can confirm that this is a legendary game! I still remember the last boss fight with reverted controls, what a nightmare! Basically Beyond is "the open world game" I have ever wanted - compact, story and atmosphere are great, level design and game mechanics were briliant! Masterpiece trully.

[@WhooFlungPoo]

Dont think it had a platinum.

[@CAnAbrAvA2011]

Even though there is no platinum, 100% on this game really feels like a platinum

[@spidaxtreme]

Man when the controls inverted during that last boss the music went badass.

[@MrBryan-hr1rp]

So glad you can finally play this legendary gane, this right here was my childhood

[@Kevin51611]

I remember seeing this game in Best Buy during the 2003 holiday season. I didn't see any advertisements for it. But the name "Beyond Good & Evil" intrigued me. So I had my mom go back to Best Buy and get it. It's one of the best games I've ever played in my life.

[@SamVillano]

“And while this wouldn’t stop Ubisoft for producing a sequel...” truer words have never been spoken

[@bfkc111]

Wasted on a lame joke... The reason however is that the designer of this is one of Ubisoft's star-designers, sort of their "Miyamoto", though the Prince of Persia guy also qualfiies for that role.

[@rocketscientist14]

I miss prince of Persia so much.. can’t wait for beyond good & evil 2 tho!!!

[@Mintcar923]

rocketscientist14 Ubisoft seems underrated.. They have a lot of good games under their belt

[@ace0071000]

@@Mintcar923 Right? It's not like they even had much in a way of bad games. Mediocre? Yeah, there was a period of mediocre games, but they're still enjoyable for many

[@Nick930]

Love these projects. Thanks for helping keep the memories of these classics alive my friends!

[@ArcadeMarx]

Nick,my man! Your videos are great

[@Pestbringer89]

when i was a kid and first played it when it came out, i was so amazed of the graphics. Its funny looking back now.

[@DrazenX195]

BGaE is honestly a masterpiece of a game. Beautiful, thought-provoking, fun, tense, it really had it all. Jade and Pey'J were incredible characters and you just get so attached to them. When I first saw the trailer for 2. I'd be honest, it never occurred to me it would be in the same universe because the tone was so wildly different. The more I've seen of it. The less interested I am in it. The new cast looks so.. bland and edgy. Just throwing out profanities left and right. It's such a different tone than the first. While it does seem like they want to explore their vision of the original being a galaxy spanning epic. The more we hear about it's gameplay systems seem to suggest a focus on more Ubisoft style open world gameplay rather than a tight narrative bolstered by the freedom to explore wherever. I'm extremely skeptical of the game but I really hope it turns out great. The franchise deserves a second chance and I hope it goes great.

[@m.a.k.dynasty4504]

Given the fact that BG&E 1 came out 16 years ago in which the game industry, entertainment, and the world in general has changed, the drastic changes were more than likely to be expected. The developers now have the reigns and well as the technology to accomplish what the original game couldn't. Most importantly l, they're taking their time on the game and having one of their best and most trusted studios working on it in the form of Ubisoft Montpellier. As well as many other of their studios. This game is more than likely in good hands.

[@RandyX8]

This is literally my favourite game of all time

[@angethelinguist2958]

Mine too!

[@RandyX8]

@@angethelinguist2958 nice! It's so good

[@davidoaklund8786]

Randy mine too! And the kotor games.

[@Reviolence]

This game is easily on my top 5 of best videogames of all time. Love it!

[@RandyX8]

I'm glad to see so many people like this game too😄

[@TheAlphaWoomy]

I bought this game day one on the GameCube and I loved it, even to this day it's one of my favorite action/adventures games. The HD remaster is amazing as well!

[@FVMMOdin]

Thats when I completed it for the second time!

[@MuzzySkeleton]

Always liked to play BGaE when I just wanted to chill. It was such a comfy game. Let's see how 2 does

[@YorkJonhson]

Yeah, I always loved the atmosphere of the first game. It was a lot smaller than what they had first set out to make, but I thought that was part of the charm. A colorful hand-crafted world filled with interesting characters, as opposed to a massive procedurally generated one that's so big that it comes across as empty.

[@AdrienTriangles]

@@YorkJonhson That last sentence is very pertinent.

[@fulldeep7707]

Considering it will be a online game I can't care less.

[@MuzzySkeleton]

@@fulldeep7707 k

[@MrBryan-hr1rp]

Until you had to do that chase the looters 4 mission with all the lasers everywhere

[@Al-jn2lb]

Please do a video on the Legacy of Kain series. The community that holds this series dear is immense and unlike any other.

[@Al-jn2lb]

@Ty Bey haha, that's the exact same for me. My intro was also Blood Omen 2. I recall immediately loving the game when they first show you how to use the midst ability and do a stealth execution lol. That was the first game I played where you could turn "invisible." I found it so awesome at the time lol

[@marin3933]

Id love to watch that video Legacy of Kain is one of my favorite series out there.. Still play it to this

[@AksamRafiz]

So sad that these brilliant documentary videos of games that once paved the way for the industry aren't getting the attention they deserve.

[@conyo985]

I played the heck out of this game. I've always wanted a sequel. The art style of this game still holds up and that intro is still memorable.

[@MatiasSchlos]

One of my favourite games of all time!

[@jesuuuuuus5684]

Me to

[@darnoc001]

Same here, one of the best games I've played.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Your videos are so DAMN GOOD! Loved it. Anxiously awaking Beyond Good & Evil 2 info hopefully next year!

[@skellyman101]

*Comment update*: it has yet to come

[@MrAwesomebassplayer]

The day I can go into a shop and buy it, is the the day Beyond Good and Evil 2 becomes a reality.

[@AnanaNegra]

Still waiting D:

[@felocie9262]

This aged poorly

[@deetwodcs4683]

Beyond good and evil 1 is my favorite ps2 game and story next to jak & daxter 1 and Jak 2. I wish it would come out, but they rather make another far cry game or AC game because that's easy and definitely will make money, it's always the same shit. Same gameplay loop and icon fest over and over again… I'm sorry, I lost all trust in Ubisoft and I hope they sell off the IP to another competent company. I have a whole essay on why I think they can't make the game because it's my favourite game story, and I'm so sad to see it get cancelled again by incompetent developers that spent a bucket lode of money on gorgeous trailers and half-baked gameplay footage, so that when they eventually get stuck in development the executives realize that they spent way too much money on a project that they can't finish! So what do they do? They put it on hold instead of pulling the plug and cancelling immediately to safe face since they have already cancelled this game twice and that's pretty embarrassing for them. Afterwards they pull the resources from this game to another far cry game while hoping the public forgets about it ever existing. That's my theory and I hope it's wrong because I really want to see this game come out.

[@gwina64]

I love that every poster for this game has jade holding the Camera, because that’s the focus throughout the gameplay, so gutted that the new game is about pirates and co op and massive empty open worlds, this game should be the template

[@donovanschoor1473]

this has been my favorite video game of all time since 2004. its incredibly underrated in every single way. a true masterpiece.

[@donovanschoor1473]

Still is. And still waiting on a remaster and sequel. But with the current state of Ubisoft, all hope has been lost for the latter.

[@KaeMcSpadden]

I got the PS2 version, and I loved it. Jade quickly became one of my favorite video game heroines.

[@jameslabbe4119]

Thank you GVMERS for spotlighting this masterpiece. In my 30's now, still waiting for BGE2....

[@voxelsaurusvex9405]

A shame its a multiplayer focused online only title....

[@thomo2127]

@@voxelsaurusvex9405 is that really that bad tho

[@voxelsaurusvex9405]

@@thomo2127 in my opinion, yes. Taking a single player focused game and forcing it into an online only multiplayer game makes no sense....

[@thomo2127]

there is a solo option you don't have to play multiplayer and it being multiplayer isn't really that big of a deal if the game is as good as what they promise it to be who cares if its multiplayer

[@voxelsaurusvex9405]

@@thomo2127 it's online only though and has a mandatory internet connection requirement. That's the problem, the game has no legacy for future generations.

[@zachsouth314]

I played this game originally through a very emotional time in my life. Loved the remaster and clung to every bit of news about the sequel. It needs to happen.

[@AUM_-po9sc]

Yep, another must watch from GVMERS.

[@JawasRandomStuff]

Im always hyped when you guys upload!

[@al470ex12]

a master piece of a game!, it got me closer to my dad as we did play through's of it every second weekend, the story, the characters the world purely beautiful. and every time I started I was excited to take a pic of that damned penguin on the roof!

[@anrede8495]

I am glad that Beyond Good and Evil enriched my childhood years. This game will always have a special plays in my heart. The developers did an absolutely amazing job.

[@MrBryan-hr1rp]

This game is cursed to be forever underrated, like Dragon Prince on Netflix. Time to lift the curse.

[@KrugerGesagt]

Truly, one of the greatest games of all time and the greatest game of its generation

[@petrecismigiu2813]

I think we'll be history until the next one comes out.

[@collinz126]

Always love your documentary style videos on this channel. Just bought Beyond Good and Evil and it was 100% because of this video! Was always interested about it but this video convinced me.

[@seenbelow]

The imagery these folks created back then is still so inspiring. Rayman 2 was the first game where I just stopped and stared at the world sometimes.

[@SomeGuyOnHisDreamBike]

Thank you for bringing back so many memories. I have worked more than three years on this game and you helped me to remember many things I have done that I have totally forgotten ! Great job.

[@karu1585]

If Gvmers ever leave youtube, im going 2. This Narrator is the best person who ever lived on this earth. PERIOD!

[@FVMMOdin]

This game has been so high on my list for so long. I remember this being the first game I could complete myself at a young age. Was so invested in the story and it actually surprised me with its length and gameplay variety. I love the fact that you covered it, and Im both anxious and excited towards the second instalment! Love the content u guys put out, keep it up!

[@awesomesource12]

Please please cover the game "fuel" I want to know it's history so badly

[@timofan2]

Same here

[@Ghostie.]

I agree with this guy.

[@voxelsaurusvex9405]

Fuel is a solid game, one of MANY MANY fantastic AA games that came out last gen.

[@GESJJDd]

my all time favorite, nothing even comes close, just your intro has me in tears...

[@Leikjarinn]

Beyond what other games are today, this game was and is so different and amazing

[@Parkerr__]

Beyond Good and Evil kinda just fell into my life around like 2009 I think. A cousin of mine gave it to me on the PS2 and I instantly fell in love with the characters and world. This game is so special and I hope the sequel is even half as good

[@woestewouter96]

Absolutely FANTASTIC that you used the in-game soundtrack for this one. I love each and every piece of it 👏

[@Serevarno]

I was a manager w/ gamestop/ebgames a couple of years after this game came out. I personally got at least 200+ people to get BG&E when they'd come in asking for suggestions. I only ever had ONE person come back and say they didn't like it. Every other person loved it so much and thanked me for recommending it.

[@natedawg1403]

The Ubisoft that once was is no longer

[@Svraoa]

Sadly...

[@Tatl]

Thank you for making a video about this game. This is probably one of the most beautiful games I've played, and I'm hoping for the best regarding the sequel. It's also heartwarming to see so many people share that feeling.

[@kamleshjethwani6036]

I've played it so many times. One of my favorites. Michel Ancel is a genius! Nice video!

[@ashb899]

i love this channel.. i just keep it on all day while i'm working :P

[@93Russki]

nice video! love you gumers!

[@jerr7670]

Wouldn’t mind a video about Eternal Darkness. I loved that game.

[@AmazingKevinWClark]

I had this game on GameCube when it came out. I enjoyed it a lot. Seeing this game also reminds me of perfect dark for some reason lol. Probably because that was my Nintendo Era. Nes, super, 64 and GameCube. I got to grow up with all of them. Fun times. My favorite games are open worlds with character creations and dialogue options.

[@alanmartinezrodriguez884]

Beautiful game. Played it on my old Cube. A true hidden gem. Let's hope the sequel keeps its essence.

[@septimiusthedestroyer7394]

Ow man I'm so hyped for bg&e2 :-P

[@viniciusbarreiros1258]

great video, always very entertaining!

[@Krytair]

You guys make awesome videos about obscure games not everyone has heard about. Loved this game back then.

[@echoness_]

A game close to my heart.

[@blakearius]

Gah i wish 2010-2019 ubisoft was more 2000-2009 ubisoft

[@Wesley_C]

“Rise and Fall of Splatterhouse” “The History of Condemned”

[@TheBoulderlocal]

Great video and continual amazing content

[@jonasamorim4958]

NOW THAT IS A VIDEO I WAS WAITING

[@chris_toph8592]

This is my favorite game of all time. I really hope the next game will live up to the first and even sell better this time around. I've hoped for a sequel for so many years, and despite any hardships that may be come in the future, I'll continue to do so. Great video BTW!

[@Pewpewpew182]

Best retrospective gaming channel on KZbin period!

[@Nick930]

Ouch.. that hurts.. but the truth hurts sometimes

[@lucaslimbaga1290]

You guys deserve more subs.

[@00dDodo]

My favourite video game of all time, I just love everything about it from gameplay, soundtrack to story

[@elephant35e]

Played this game on PC all the time in 2nd grade, and a few times in 3rd - 4th grade. Rebought the HD version sometime in 7th grade on the Xbox 360 because my PC disc wouldn't install anymore. One of my favorite games of all time.

[@fonze916]

Love the content. I'd like to see you talk about Syphon Filter. They were great games but no longer being made.

[@hammer326]

YES!

[@-zbrdazdola-]

Holy shit great recommendation

[@Ji99i3]

Yes please I second this!

[@collinz126]

Absolutely. Hey, atleast Bend Studios is still killing it with their new game Days Gone though! It’s a great game

[@ShinjiIkariFTW]

1:55 that music is played at the end ,is so epic

[@doubleh4820]

Great video !

[@PituDituOfficial]

This game shaped me. It had a very rich and powerful story with lighthearted moments, memorable characters and superb soundtrack and visuals. I loved hovering through Hilys in that rusty ship, going to Mamago's, getting pearls etc. Also the twist with lighthouse and Pey'j in 3rd act destroyed me (I think this was the very first time the game made me cry true tears because damn that hurt deep). Beyond was like a good movie, a truly memorable one. A true gem, hopefully never to be forgotten.

[@jenst.2360]

One of the best games I've ever played. Thumbs up!

[@etansivad]

I might have been the only person out there to preorder this one gamecube. I loved the idea of a photography based game (I was school photographer for four years in college, worked in the darkrooms developing film) and this game looked like something special. Such a gem.

[@stefanscicluna2799]

God i loved this hame looking forward for 2

[@prinzbach]

I played the game when it came out and I loved it. Still worth a play nowadays! Chill experience and amazing OST.

[@esvegateban]

I remember this game as fondly as The Longest Journey.

[@gustavsjoblom7864]

Great vid! Love this game. Any chance a Jak & Daxter video is coming up?

[@jordanfoster2955]

I loved this game back then and i still do now

[@jrchannel7405]

People usually praise games they played during their childhood and a lot of them are blindfolded by nostalgia. However I'm 27 and just finished this game yesterday for the very first time on my GameCube and MAN!!! I loved it!. The final arch is a bit rushed and the "big revelation" is a kinda dumb but overall I think it was very good and charming. I came across this game because I love photography and wanted to play photography related games. Another cool surprise is that the game was in English and Spanish, a pretty uncommon thing here in Latin America for a GameCube title, better yet, the game was not just subtitled in spanish, it is actually fully voice acted in spanish! I love it so much I'll re play it again but in English this time ;D

[@fommax_kicks7557]

I absolutely LOVE this game since the HD-remaster. Let us believe in the upcoming sequel. Thanks for the vid!

[@RiderOfKarma]

I loved the game so much. I'm trying not to overhype myself for the new one but the trailers look insane!

[@zodaxa6141]

So much good memories, i almost forgot about this game.

[@Fatman311]

I remember giving this game a try when it went budget, having heard of it but not really known much about it. To this day, it's an absolute gem, the example that I proudly hold as 'the best least violent game I've ever played', and I constantly recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it.

[@TheShadow7426]

This game is an absolute gem, I'm so glad I played it!

[@s-wo8781]

This was just recommended to me. Haven't thought about this game in years. Beyond Good and Evil 2 is never going to come out.

[@scottpickering2382]

Nice documentary, Shame BG&E never got the recognition it deserves but I’ll never forget what a unique experience the game was with it’s characters and world building. The ability to travel to other planets would’ve been quite an experience and more in-depth than Ratchet and Clank, also a great game franchise.

[@Legion-495]

Totally gonna put that into the Thread.

[@minobg79]

Thanks for another amazing video. I would like you to cover Singularity, also a hidden gem game made by Raven, which suffered from poor marketing and therefore poor selling numbers. It is sad, because it was great game with interesting plot, which would leave a ton of options for creating a whole series out of it.

[@GuvernorDave]

My favourite game of all time. Clicked this video so fast

[@FireStorm2845]

You guys should do a documentary on timesplitters, that's a fascinating story, and a beloved series.

[@robgable2426]

Most Underrated Game Ever!!! One of the Best Games I've ever played.

[@Rihcterwilker]

Just convinced me to install it. Game does look beautiful and really smooth to play.

[@palcsoke]

Why haven't I watched this the moment it came out, I don't understand. Thank you for understanding me and the fan base I belong to so well.

[@conoreffinmurray]

One of my all time favorite games. I really hope they make a second game, and that it’s good.

[@xheralt]

I bought -- and enjoyed -- BG&E for the PS2 back in the day. Still have the game and a working console to play it on!

[@jonbaxter2254]

The sequel should be good when it comes out in a decade

[@ludwigf8729]

Isn't BGaE2 a prequel?

[@IskenderCaglarM41B441]

Jon Baxter It has online drm and possibly rpg elements. It is going to be complete shit.

[@brodi81]

@@IskenderCaglarM41B441 Yea I think they are overthinking the game.

[@m.a.k.dynasty4504]

@@IskenderCaglarM41B441 You don't know that?

[@m.a.k.dynasty4504]

@@brodi81 They aren't. This is where they want the franchise to go next.

[@Syrus7sk]

I love this game dearly but I have no idea why I bought it. I don't remember seeing any marketing or glowing reviews, but somehow I bought it. Glad I did.

[@xXOPxLunaXx]

New intro! Yay!

[@chillhour6155]

rest in peace beyond good and evil, you we're a soulful and touching experience

[@twotonepostmalone2239]

I feel real fortunate I played beyond good n evil on the original Xbox. Big fan. I wish I could say i cant wait for a sequal, but ive been waitinf for almost 17 years now

[@Zenzuu]

“Rise & Fall of Dukem” “History of Quake” please.

[@matthew2734]

Great and very informative video as always!!, I'll have to check it out and, get the Xbox 360 - Beyond Good and Evil Remaster !!

[@camma12]

I really need to replay this game

[@cosmikitty6969]

This was my favourite game as a kid

[@Fatman311]

Just re-watching this after seeing a PC Gamer post pointing out that BG&E2 has now been in development hell longer than Duke Nukem Forever was.