The 15 Best Video Game Remakes Ever Made
Going back to an old video game can be a great way to unwind and bring back the feelings you had when you first played it. However, games take more effort to rewatch than movies or books, and are sometimes not up to modern standards.
Luckily, the video game industry is obsessed with reworking the games we grew up with. It’s not uncommon these days for old games to appear as HD ports or full remakes. In some cases, these games are completely reimagined as new experiences.
However, the best remakes add welcome changes to the game, such as quality of life improvements, updated graphics, and even new content, while still keeping the spirit of the original game, so new and old fans alike can enjoy them equally. The 15 games on this list do just that.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
Like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII for the PSP was a spin-off prequel that added context to the events of the original Final Fantasy VII , Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion does the same for the new Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. Reunion sticks to the original game’s story, script, and overall gameplay structure, but features a new graphics engine, an updated combat system, and a new cast featuring voice actors from the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. While some of the changes to the case are controversial among fans, there’s no denying that Reunion’s gameplay is better.
Available on: Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox Series X/Xbox One
Trials of Mana
For over 24 years , Trials of Mana was known as Seiken Densetsu 3 , the elusive SNES sequel to Secret of Mana that never left Japan. It’s a shame, because Trials of Mana’s unique structure, in which players could replay the main plot multiple times to see events from the perspective of the game’s six unique protagonists, was a novel idea back in 1995. Although unofficial fan translations have existed since 1999, it was not officially localized until 2019 when it was released as part of Collection of Mana on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. A full 3D remake of the game was released a year later in 2020.
The 3D remake expands on the gameplay and world, offering larger areas to explore, deeper combat mechanics and voice acting, and brand new visuals and music. While some of the original game’s visual charm was lost in the move to 3D, the only real blow to the 3D remake is its uneven voice acting. Otherwise, it’s a much more accessible way to experience Trials of Mana’s unique branching story structure.
Available on: Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4
The Last of Us Part 1
Technically , The Last of Us has received two enhanced versions since it launched on PS3 back in 2013. The first was The Last of Us Remastered for PS4 in 2014, followed by a remake from scratch on PS5 called The Last of Us Part 1, which better matches the graphics and gameplay of The Last of Us Part 2 sequel . Ironically, thanks to PS5 hardware The Last of Use Part 1 now looks even better than The Last of Us Part 2.
While The Last of Us Part 1 follows the same story as the PS3 version (including the original DLC chapter Left Behind ), the gameplay has seen significant improvements, most notably a set of accessibility and difficulty options to allow players to customize the experience according to to your taste. , making it the perfect choice for players of all skill levels.
Available on: PlayStation 5
Dead space
2023 kicked off with a remake of one of the best survival horror games, Dead Space . The PS5 and Xbox Series X game is pretty much the same as the PS3/Xbox 360 version, but with some important caveats. The biggest change is the addition of voice acting for protagonist Isaac Clarke. Isaac was the silent protagonist in the original game, but was voiced by Gunner Wright in the remake. (Wright also voiced Isaac in the original Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3 for PS3 and Xbox 360.) While this changes minor story elements and eases the sense of isolation at times, it also makes Isaac a more compelling character and fixes bugs. problems from the script of the original game.
Along with the new voice acting, the Dead Space remake also changes the structure of the game. The giant space station where the game takes place was originally broken up into in-game chapters, but is now a single contiguous environment. This greatly simplifies the search for additional side targets.
Available on PC , PlayStation 5 , Xbox Series X.
black mesa
Black Mesa is unlike any other remake on this list. This remake of the original Half-Life is actually a fan project that took almost 20 years to complete. It was created and released with the blessing of Half-Life’s original development studio, Valve.
Black Mesa recreates the original 1998 Half-Life in its original engine, the same engine that Valve used to create Half-Life 2 . Valve even ported the original Half-Life to the original engine in 2004, but with minimal gameplay changes or improvements. Black Mesa, on the other hand, includes brand new elements such as physics-based puzzles and an ambitious reworking of the game’s later chapters.
Available on: PC
live live
Like Trials of Mana , Live A Live is a modernized remake of a 90s RPG originally only released in Japan. Prior to the remake, Live A Live was respected by hardcore RPG fans and importers for its new story and gameplay ideas, but was only playable in Japanese or using an unofficial fan translation. But in 2022, Square Enix finally remastered the game in its proprietary “HD-2D” style, which combines pixelated sprites with 3D backgrounds and post-processing effects, as well as an official English localization.
Unlike other RPGs with one grand narrative, Live A Live is divided into several smaller stories, each with its own characters, setting, and even combat system. Completing all stories unlocks the final chapter, which ties all previous storylines together. Live A Live’s unique story approach has been a major inspiration for other games including Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI and, most recently, Octopath Traveler. It’s a very influential game, and thanks to the remake, it’s now easier than ever to play.
Available on: Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation (Digital only)
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
The original Link’s Awakening for the Game Boy is one of the strangest games in the Zelda series. While technically a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past , Link’s Awakening eschews most of the common Zelda tropes. You won’t find Zelda, Ganon, or Triforce here, and the game doesn’t even take place in Hyrule. Instead, Link explores the strange island of Koholint in order to awaken an ancient creature called the Wind Fish.
The Game Boy version is loved for its quirky humor and touching story, but its gameplay is dated. Thankfully, in 2019, Nintendo remastered Link’s Awakening for the Nintendo Switch, giving the top-down adventure a new 3D visual style and making much-needed changes to the controls and interface. Admittedly, the performance of the game could be better. The frame rate often drops while exploring the desert, which is annoying if you are sensitive to such visual clutter. However, Zelda fans, especially those who like the weirder and wackier side of the series, should definitely give it a try.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Tony Hawk professional skater 1+2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 does everything a remake of the two original Tony Hawk games should do: play like Tony Hawk.
The remake faithfully recreates the skating experience of the original games, but includes aspects of later games, including tricks not originally available, new game modes, and new playable characters. Fan-favorite courses are back, including School and Warehouse, and the soundtrack features nearly every song from the first two games, plus dozens of additional tracks.
Available on: Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox One
Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2
We’ve included Yakuza Kiwami 1 and Yakuza Kiwami 2 in the same game because we think both are worth playing and offer a great place for newcomers to get into the long-running open-world action series. Also, if you like Kiwami 1 , then Kiwami 2 is no problem. Both games are PS4 remakes of the first two Yakuza games, originally released on PS3. They retell the same stories, often including the same cutscenes and dialogue, but with improved graphics, reworked combat, and even brand new content. Some missions and story segments have also been cut or changed for a more streamlined playthrough.
Yakuza Kiwami 1 available on: PC , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One (digital)
Yakuza Kiwami 2 available on: PC , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One (digital)
Demon Souls
The importance of the original Demon’s Souls to modern games cannot be overestimated. Complex, goofy RPG gameplay revitalized the industry back in 2009 and set the stage for its spiritual successors like Bloodborne and Elden Ring . Yet very few actually played the PS3 version. Luckily, Sony Bluepoint has remastered the game for PS5, becoming one of the console’s first titles and introducing the cult classic to a new wave of gamers.
Demon’s Souls for PS5 is mechanically identical to the PS3 version, although menu tooltips and other small interface tweaks make it easier to understand. However, the biggest differences are the new visuals, music, and sound. It’s one of the most beautiful PS5 games out there, although some of the aesthetic changes go against the established story and themes of the original game, which may disappoint fans of the PS3 version. Luckily, the gameplay hasn’t been affected and gives PS5 owners a great way to experience one of the most important games of the past 20 years.
Available on: PlayStation 5
System shock
When System Shock came out in 1994, it changed just about everything. Built on the same engine as the equally important Ultima Underworld, System Shock featured deep role-playing systems, first-person shooting, and interactive environments. This powerful combination was unlike any previous game and influenced everything from Bioshock and Dishonored to Dead Space and The Elder Scrolls .
Unfortunately, despite its importance, the original System Shock is difficult to play in 2023. Luckily, the 2023 remake of Nightdive streamlines the experience with modern control schemes and visuals. The System Shock remake is just as exciting and complex as the original, but its modern touches make it much more accessible.
Available on: PC (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X coming soon)
Metroid Prime Remastered
Despite the name, Metroid Prime Remastered’s visual update made the game feel more like a remake than a simple re-release. Metroid Prime Remastered doesn’t just improve on the original GameCube game’s existing textures and geometry, as you’d expect from an HD port. Instead, every part of the planet Tallon IV has been rebuilt with higher quality assets. This is by far the most beautiful game on the Nintendo Switch.
While the visual improvements are great, the gameplay is mostly identical except for a few minor changes to the user interface and a new control scheme, but that’s not a bad thing. The original Metroid Prime is still relevant, and the remastered graphics of Metroid Prime Remastered make the atmospheric first-person adventure more immersive than ever.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2 is one of the most significant remakes on this list, going even deeper into the realm of “reimagining”. Compared to the PlayStation 1 original, Resident Evil 2 Remake (affectionately dubbed “RE2make” by fans) is a whole new game. And yet the spirit of the beloved survival horror classic is still there. RE2make’s dark corridors, swaying reticle and slow motion evoke the same feelings of tension and claustrophobia as the original’s tank controls and fixed camera angles. The plot twists are just as creepy, but implemented with much more gory details.
However, the RE2 does more than just vibrate nails. Like the PS1 game, RE2Make challenges players to play through the game multiple times to see the story from the point of view of the two main characters Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as well as unlock power-ups by completing challenges such as beating the game as fast as possible.
Resident Evil 3 went through similar changes, but they weren’t as successful as RE2Make. However, there is another Resident Evil game that deserves a spot on this list…
Available on PC , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One.
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 was a game changer in 2005. The game single-handedly changed the survival horror and third-person shooter genres at the same time, and many of its innovations are still relevant in 2023. This is a favorite game that is still relevant today. in many ways, and many were skeptical that a remake was ever needed at all.
And yet, somehow, Capcom managed to remake one of the best games of all time without screwing it up. Resident Evil 4 (not a “remake” this time) sticks to the overall story and structure of its namesake, making sensible changes and upgrades where needed, especially in controls and gunplay. While it’s admittedly not as drastic an update as the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes, Resident Evil 4 is arguably the best Resident Evil game since Resident Evil 4 .
Available on PC , PlayStation 5 , Xbox Series X.
Remake of Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII: Remake can hardly be called a real remake, despite the name. This is much more than just a remake of the beloved PS1 RPG, but rather a complete reimagining. As the first game in a planned trilogy, FFVII Remake takes place in Midgar, which served as the opening sequence of the original FFVII and lasts between two and four hours. FFVII Remake turns the story into its own game, 30 to 40 hours long. Absolutely everything has been reworked: the graphics are amazingly realistic, the combat system is now a mixture of action and turn-based play, the areas are much larger, there are many new side quests, and in general, just more work.
While the story still follows the same major events, it’s worth noting that this is Final Fantasy VII – things aren’t always what they seem, and VII Remake does its best to imply that future installments could change events in interesting ways. that the fans want. see firsthand. And with only a few months left until the release of the next chapter, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth , it’s time to catch up.
Available on: PC , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4