Video game remakes either keep the original intact or make major changes that can mix up the gameplay for newcomers and classic fans alike. While some would prefer games to remain unchanged, there are times when a game is so old that the updates feel monumental.
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PostsIt’s always good to return to a game you love and give it a refresher. Some introduce brand-new gameplay mechanics that were never present in the original title, while other times a remake tries to reimagine the story to create a cohesive timeline. So if you love remakes, consider these titles before you jump in.
10 Black Mesa
A Fanmade Remake Considered Canon
Black Mesa
First-Person Shooter Released March 6, 2020 ESRB m Engine Source Platform(s) PC Developer Crowbar Collective Publisher black mesa modification team Powered by Expand CollapseThe original Half-Life is a solid game and a must-have for anyone who has a gaming PC. Black Mesa started off as a fan project but is considered an official part of the Half-Life franchise by Steam itself.
With updated graphics that add extra details to the Black Mesa facility and Xen, you might just spend most of your time admiring the visuals. However, the gameplay is solid too, with the gunplay and movement feeling fresh and sometimes even better than the original game.
9 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Three Remakes In One
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Platformer Released June 30, 2017 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief Developer(s) Vicarious Visions Publisher(s) Activision Engine Alchemy Engine Platform(s) PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One Powered by Expand CollapseCrash Bandicoot is a mascot from the original PS1 era of gaming. Because of this, the leap to the modern era gives the game a massive graphical overhaul that, at times, makes the remakes seem like entirely different games if you’ve been around since the beginning.
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PostsGameplay remains mostly the same, but the quality of the controls is a breath of fresh air that makes the games much easier to play. This game also features a remastered soundtrack and brand-new voice acting to modernize the experience.
8 Resident Evil 2 Remake
Not Just A Remaster
Resident Evil 2
Horror Released January 25, 2019 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Intense Violence Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom Engine RE Engine Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand CollapseResident Evil 2 Remake is not just your run-of-the-mill remaster. Instead, this remake is built from the ground up while using the original game as a template for the locations and events that occurred in the Resident Evil timeline.
It has an over-the-shoulder camera view and graphical overhauls that make the blood and gore even more realistic than ever before. Yet despite all the changes, the game still manages to keep the spirit of the original survival horror experience as players experience the Raccoon City outbreak once more.
7 Silent Hill 2
Searching For Your Wife
Silent Hill 2
Survival Horror Horror Adventure Action 3.5/5 12 9.7/10 Released October 8, 2024 ESRB M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence Developer(s) Bloober Team Publisher(s) Konami Engine Unreal Engine 5 Platform(s) PlayStation 5, PC Powered by Expand CollapseSilent Hill 2 feels similar to the original title in many ways but also changes a lot in terms of gameplay. With an over-the-shoulder camera view, it mimics the success of the Resident Evil remakes in terms of gunplay and appearance.
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PostsHowever, Silent Hill 2 also contains some bonus endings that weren’t in the original, new voices, designs, and dialogue that make the entire experience worth playing. Whether you’re a fan of change or not, Silent Hill 2 modernizes the experience of running through fog trying to find locations on a map as you search for your wife.
6 The Legend Of Zelda Link’s Awakening
Expanding A Game Boy Classic
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Adventure Released September 20, 2019 ESRB E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy, Violence Developer(s) Grezzo Publisher(s) Nintendo Platform(s) Switch Powered by Expand CollapseWhen the original game is a Game Boy classic, it is only natural that any attempts to modernize it will result in massive graphical overhauls as well as new design choices that weren’t present in the original. Even with a near identical layout, the new toy-like designs and colors make it difficult to see the two games as the same.
The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening brought back that classic feel of the franchise with colorful biomes, puzzles, and dungeons that the original game did so well.
5 Super Mario 64 DS
More Characters And Collectibles
Super Mario 64 DS
Platformer Released November 21, 2004 ESRB e Developer(s) Nintendo, Nintendo EAD Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine 3d engine Platform(s) Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii U Powered by Expand CollapseSeeing a 3D game on a Nintendo handheld for the first time was life-changing. It was a peek at the future of gaming while celebrating what came before. Super Mario DS is a remake of Super Mario 64 which features new worlds, camera controls, and even characters for you to play as.
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PostsRather than starting with the titular red plumber, the game instead begins with Yoshi, who must free Mario, Luigi, and Wario from Bowser. From there, you’ll get rabbits that you can catch to unlock new goodies, puzzles that can only be solved by specific characters, and memorable minigames that make use of the touch screen.
4 Resident Evil 1 HD
The Ultimate Resident Evil Remake
Resident Evil HD Remaster
Survival Horror Released January 20, 2015 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Violence, Blood and Gore, Language Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom Engine MT Framework Platform(s) PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC Powered by Expand CollapseAt first glance, Resident Evil 1 HD seems like a graphical update and nothing more. However, there are plenty of changes that you might not realize unless you played the original games. There are a few new areas and puzzles included in this entry.
This game also features new enemies such as the Crimson Heads, which make backtracking through the Spencer Mansion more dangerous than ever before. There is also more modernized voice acting as well as a few new costumes if you play more recent editions of the game.
3 Pokemon Let’s Go: Pikachu And Eevee
Gotta Catch Them All
Pokemon Let's Go
RPG 4.0/5 8.0/10 Released November 16, 2018 ESRB E for Everyone: Mild Cartoon Violence Developer(s) Game Freak Publisher(s) Nintendo, The Pokemon Company Engine unity Platform(s) Switch Powered by Expand CollapsePokemon Go had an impact on what players expect from Pokemon. Rather than grinding Pokemon battles and weakening a wild Pokemon to catch it, some players just want to throw a ball and be done with it.
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PostsPokemon Let’s Go: Pikachu And Eevee is a remaster of Pokemon Yellow since all three starters are available to find. However, instead of just having Pikachu as your partner, each version of the game has you partner up with the Pokemon on the cover. With new controls that have you flicking your Joystick to throw Poke Balls, it’s a fun experience for old and new players.
2 Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain Of Memories
From The Game Boy Advance To The PS2
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
Action RPG Digital Card Game Released December 2, 2008 ESRB e Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Platform(s) PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, PC Powered by Expand CollapseKingdom Hearts has had its fair share of remasters but one remake happened early on. This is Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories, which transitions the Game Boy Advance version of the game onto the PS2. This means overhauled cutscenes and a replacement of pixels for 3D models.
Kingdom Heart Games are all over the place from the PS2, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS, and so many other consoles. So it’s nice to have games in one place even if they look drastically different from their original releases.
1 Final Fantasy VII: Remake
Changing Fate
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Action RPG 4.0/5 Released April 10, 2020 ESRB Teen // Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine Unreal Engine 4 Platform(s) PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC Powered by Expand CollapseFinal Fantasy VII: Remake feels like it’s going to be a one-for-one copy of the original game with updated graphics. However, once you play through it, you start to realize that this is not just a retelling of the original story, but an attempt to rewrite destiny itself.
This is one remake that feels like it’s its own spinoff even as it goes off the rails. With some of the best graphics of all time and gorgeous character models, this is a game that any fan of the original needs to experience as well as its sequel.
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