Gaming has never been as good as it is today. Thanks to modern hardware and AI technologies, games now look quite on par with movies. With the advent of gaming hardware, technology, and new games that show off the potential of gaming, older games tend to be forgotten. This is where game remasters come into play, offering fans a new experience with their favorite games. With that being said, here are nine brilliant video game remasters you should play.
NOTE: If you buy something through this post, Player.One may get a share of the sale.
Mafia: Definitive Edition
Mafia: Definitive Edition is a remake of the original Mafia game that was released in 2002. The game has been completely reimagined from the ground up while staying true to its core narrative. While graphically the game looks pretty stunning, developer Hangar 13 has done a commendable job in creating new cutscenes and dialogue that now look and sound natural. The game was released just a few days ago for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and it has been a huge success among fans.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a remake of the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater game that was released in 1999 and 2000, respectively. After the terrible mess created by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5, the slate had to be wiped clean and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 brilliantly does that. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is the Tony Hawk game that everyone was waiting for. The remake stays true to its core not only in terms of gameplay, but also presentation. Topping it off with upgraded visuals and smoother gameplay makes Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 a commendable remake.
Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was originally released in 1993 on the original Game Boy. The game was completely remade for the Nintendo Switch in 2019. Link's Awakening involves the story of Hyrulian protagonist Link, who finds himself on a mysterious Koholint Island after being washed ashore by a storm. Now, Link has to overcome the challenges on the island like traversing through dungeons and facing off with monsters before he can return home. Even though the remake sports upgraded visuals and smoother animations, the game still makes sure to stick to the original story.
Final Fantasy VII: Remake
Final Fantasy VII was originally released in 1997 on the original PlayStation, and the long-awaited remaster was released just a few months back on April 10. The years 2019 and 2020 have been the years of video game remasters, but no other game has come closer to impressing fans as Final Fantasy VII has. The original version of the game wasn't graphically impressive in comparison with modern standards. However, the remake does a great job of reimagining the entire game with all of its intricate details in 4K quality. The combat has also been re-imagined, putting players right into the action instead of 1997's turn-based approach.
Shadow of the Colossus
Originally released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Shadow of the Colossus received a remake in 2018 for the PlayStation 4. The gaming community considers Shadow of the Colossus as one of the most remarkable games in the history of gaming. Even on the PlayStation 2, Shadow of the Colossus' featured a gigantic world, and the remake only makes it even more enormous. Returning players will find that the remaster plays similar to the original game, however, the controls have been reworked for a much better gaming experience.
Resident Evil 2: Remake
Resident Evil 2 was released on the PlayStation to critical acclaim in 1998. The game was also ported to other consoles of the time including N64, Dreamcast, and PC. The classic title received a complete remake in 2019 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Although Resident Evil 2: Remake sports upgraded visuals, gameplay mechanics, and controls, the game remains faithful to the original version. Redisent Evil 2: Remake lets players experience the horror-thriller as both Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, who work together to make it out of a zombie-infested Raccoon City. Mr. X is in the remake as well, and has more stalking presence through the game, making fans wonder if he is watching you or not.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
The Spyro trilogy consists of Sypro the Dragon, Sypro 2: Ripto's Rage, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon, all three released for the original PlayStation in 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively. Sypro Reignited Trilogy was released in 2018 for the PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The original Spyro games were incredible platformers for their time and the Reignited trilogy does a great job in capturing the essence of all three games and expanding them in terms of size and scope on modern hardware. Despite the remarkable remake, the games still offer fun to solve, and sometimes some frustrating puzzles too.
Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy
The Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy consists of the first three Crash games: Crash Bandicoot, Cortex Strikes Back, and Warped, released for the Original PlayStation in 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively. The Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy was released on the PS4 as a timed exclusive before becoming available on Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. After not seeing a single Crash release on the PS3, fans began to wonder if developer Naughty Dog was done with the franchise only to be taken by surprise when Activision announced the N.Sane Trilogy for the PS4. The trilogy also lets players crash through levels both as Crash and his sister Coco.
Resident Evil 3: Remake
After the successful launch of Resident Evil 2: Remake, it was certain that Resident Evil 3 will also receive a similar treatment. Expectedly, just a year after Resident Evil 2: Remake's release, Resident Evil 3: Remake launched in April 2020 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The game involves the story of S.T.A.R.S member Jill Valentine, who has to make her way out of the Raccoon City amidst a zombie outbreak. Just like Mr. X in RE2: Remake, Jill Valentine is constantly pursued by the terrifying Nemesis. Although the remake remains faithful to the original 1999 version, it has been structured in a more streamlined manner to connect narratives from both RE2 and RE3.
