Highlights
- Beyond Good and Evil 2's long development may signal a change in direction, potentially returning to the iconic art style of the first game.
- The 20th Anniversary Edition's embrace of the classic art style could be a hint that the sequel might follow suit.
- Despite issues and leaks, there's potential hope for Beyond Good and Evil 2 to become a reality with a proper sequel that feels like the original, but better.
Beyond Good and Evil 2 is at the top of the list of games that are currently stuck in development hell. From Hollow Knight: Silksong to the KOTOR Remake, there are some big titles that have yet to see the light of day, and Beyond Good and Evil 2 is one of the most notable of these games. The follow-up to its 2003 predecessor is closing in on a decade in production, but the recent release of Beyond Good and Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition is at least a silver lining.
However, there is one major feature in Beyond Good and Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition that raises a big question regarding the sequel's art style. The most substantial update this sequel has gotten is an intriguing cinematic trailer that premiered at E3 2017. Although an upgrade in graphics was expected, many were shocked to see that Beyond Good and Evil 2 had a much different art style. The first game boasted a fun, stylized take on characters, but the sequel's trailer showcased that Ubisoft was moving away from the iconic aesthetic and opting for realism. However, the 20th Anniversary Edition brings the stylized art direction back into the spotlight, which could make some wonder if Beyond Good and Evil 2 will actually return to its roots.
Everything We Know About Beyond Good and Evil 2
Beyond Good and Evil 2 has been out of the picture for a long time now, but despite its internal troubles, concrete news may be on the way.
Beyond Good and Evil 2 Could Be Going Back to the Drawing Board
The first trailer for Beyond Good and Evil 2 left many divided, especially when it came to the art style. It looked like the sequel was leaning in a more realistic direction, which honestly didn't feel much like Beyond Good and Evil at all. The first game's aesthetic and stylized characters were one of the many aspects that gave the game its special charm, and it was disappointing to see it change so drastically. With recent confirmation that Beyond Good and Evil 2 is still in development, hopefully the 20th Anniversary Edition embracing the classic art style is a hint that the sequel could follow suit.
Beyond Good and Evil 2's Long Development Might Signal a Change in Direction
Beyond Good and Evil 2's development woes cannot be understated. The game's first trailer may have been revealed in 2017, but the sequel began to be teased as far back as 2008. This long production has made many lose hope in Beyond Good and Evil 2, but this development hell could potentially be because the developers are reworking the game's art style to be more in line with its predecessor.
However, there have also been pieces of concept art leaked through the years that have this more realistic approach to character design. Due to Ubisoft being quiet about the project, there's no telling whether this concept art is up-to-date or not. Ubisoft Montpellier has even been under labor investigation in the past due to claims of toxic management further plaguing the production. The sequel's confusing saga means that any information found through concept art or leaks could potentially be outdated if the studio has restructured both the game and the studio's work environment.
Potential Hope for Beyond Good and Evil 2
Despite the issues, Beyond Good and Evil 2 will hopefully become a reality sometime in the future. On one hand, the game could be taking a long time because of mismanagement, but on the other hand, the sequel could be in a long production because Ubisoft decided to backtrack and make the sequel's aesthetic resemble the first game more.
A proper sequel that feels like the original, but better, is hopefully what awaits Beyond Good and Evil fans on the horizon. Only time will tell if this is the case, but there is at least the bright side to knowing that the sequel hasn't been canceled yet.
