The journey for a sequel to "Beyond Good and Evil" has been a long and trying one for Ubisoft creative director Michel Ancel. He's dealt with fans calling for a sequel to the cult classic games as well as his own creative desires to bring his vision to life. He finally got his wish with a stunning trailer to close the publisher's E3 2017 press conference that revealed a unique and personable game coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Under development at Ubisoft Montpellier, "Beyond Good and Evil 2" is both a prequel and a spiritual successor to the original title released in 2003.
Players will explore multiple alien worlds in a vast solar system ruled by corrupt corporations. System 2 has a complex social hierarchy as the corporations have used experiments to create human and animal hybrids that fit within their own social pecking order.
Colorful characters and world
The trailer drops viewers directly into the detailed world of "Beyond Good and Evil 2" as a space monkey named Nox pulls a fast one on a space pig. He makes a fast getaway using a gauntlet and a jet pack to really kick up the action in the trailer. He meets up with his partner in crime, Shawnee, on a hover bike and the two make a run for it from pursuing cops. The chase scene is extremely reminiscent of "The Fifth Element" with a similar hover car chase, futuristic city with a mix of old architecture, and even down to the music.
In a trailer breakdown video, Ancel explained the gauntlet and jet pack will be used in gameplay to make use of the verticality of the city environment. The creative director also hints that vehicle chase scenes like the one in the trailer will be part of gameplay.
"Beyond Good and Evil 2" players will allow players to have a spaceship with a crew that serves as both home and garage.
The game will allow players to explore different planets and moons in what is described as a "massive, seamless environment."
Connections to 'Beyond Good and Evil'
There are multiple callbacks in the "Beyond Good and Evil 2" trailer to the original game starting with the small pig statue Knox gives. The final call back is perhaps the most interesting of all as the captain of the spaceship at the end is shown to have jade-colored eyes.
Ubisoft and Ancel do not have a release date for the game yet, though it does not appear to be ready for a 2017 release. In fact, the development team is asking for ideas and feedback from fans via the "Space Monkey Program." Sign-ups for the program will be available on the Ubisoft blog soon.
