Let’s be honest: gamers have always had a soft spot for nostalgia. There’s nothing like revisiting the games we grew up exploring or enjoyed during certain moments in our lives. Video game remakes and remasters bring old favorites into the present day — whether through polished visuals, updated mechanics, or even complete reimaginings.
But what exactly makes a remake or remaster truly great? And which games nailed the balance between staying faithful to the original while refreshing it for a modern audience?
Let’s break it down and explore some of the best video game remakes ever made.
The Difference Between a Remake and a Remaster
Before we dive into our top 10 list, it’s worth clarifying the difference:
- A remaster is an updated version of an existing game. Developers typically enhance the graphics, improve the audio, and sometimes tweak controls to suit modern hardware. The core story and gameplay, however, remain largely unchanged (e.g. The Last of Us Part I).
- A remake is a complete rebuild from the ground up. New mechanics may be added, storylines expanded, and entire sections reimagined (e.g. Final Fantasy VII).
Both approaches tend to aim to be sensitive in their approach and look to make classic titles playable and relevant today, but remakes usually generate the most hype.
Why Remakes and Remasters Matter
They’re not just about graphics — remakes preserve gaming history. They breathe new life into titles once relegated to basement shelves, giving younger audiences access to these formative classics. But that’s not all — they also let longtime fans relive their favorites through a modern lens. When done well, remakes and remasters bridge generations of players and keep iconic worlds alive.
The Top 10 Video Game Remakes and Remasters
Ready to see which games made our top 10 cut? Let’s find out how many of your lifelong favorites made the list…
1. Resident Evil 2 (Remake) — 2019
Original release: 1998
Capcom rebuilt this survival horror masterpiece using their RE Engine, replacing the original fixed camera angles with an over-the-shoulder perspective, modern visuals, and a darker, more immersive tone. Both faithful and fresh, it remains one of the most beloved remakes of all time.
2. Final Fantasy VII (Remake) — 2020
Original release: 1997
Instead of simply retelling the same story, Square Enix reimagined Midgar with real-time combat and expanded lore. The visuals have also been significantly enhanced compared to the original. While the remake covers only a small portion of the original story, it dives much deeper, giving fans even more to sink their teeth into.
3. Shadow of the Colossus (Remake) — 2018
Original release: 2005
Shadow of the Colossus was a cult classic, and Bluepoint Games stayed true to the original by preserving its minimalist gameplay. The visuals were modernized for the PS4, bringing the Colossi vividly to life.
4. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 (Remaster) — 2020
Original release: 1999 & 2000
These two remasters perfectly capture the nostalgic feel of the originals while adding updated graphics and online play—ideal for kickflipping straight back into your late ’90s and early 2000s childhood.
5. The Last of Us Part I (Remake) — 2022
Original release: 2013
The gap between the original The Last of Us and its Part I remake is much shorter than with most other remakes—likely, at least in part, to align with the release of the HBO series in January 2023. Fans of the remake praised its improved visuals and technical polish, which allowed them to relive the game’s story alongside the live-action adaptation.
6. Demon’s Souls (Remake) — 2020
Original release: 2009
Often hailed as the blueprint for Dark Souls, Demon’s Souls received the full Bluepoint remake treatment. What was once a PS3 classic became one of the most visually stunning titles on the PS5 —all while preserving its famously punishing difficulty.
7. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (Remaster) — 2017
Original releases: 1996-1998
These three classic platformers were rebuilt with HD visuals, tighter controls, and even bonus content. It’s both a love letter to longtime Crash fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers—though the original is still worth experiencing.
8. Spyro Reignited Trilogy (Remaster) — 2018
Original releases: 1998-2000
Another much-loved classic, Spyro’s adventures were lovingly remastered in 2018 with vibrant visuals and smoother gameplay. The result was a hit with both new players and longtime fans alike.
9. Metroid Prime (Remaster) — 2023
Original release: 2002
Metroid Prime has long been considered one of the greatest first-person adventure games ever — and its remaster revived it with modern HD visuals and refined controls. Fans say it’s far more than a simple coat-of-paint update, delivering a fresh gameplay feel while still honoring the original.
10. Diablo II: Resurrected (Remaster)— 2021
Original release: 2000
This iconic ARPG from Blizzard received a faithful facelift, featuring updated graphics and cross-platform play. With the original gameplay and content fully preserved, it’s become a standout remaster for both longtime fans and newcomers.
When Remakes Miss the Mark
Not every remake or remaster is a slam dunk. Some remove beloved features—as seen in Warcraft III: Reforged—while others leave fans wondering why they were made at all. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, for example, was plagued with technical issues and lacked polish. These less-successful attempts highlight just how important it is to respect the source material while delivering meaningful updates.
Dream Remakes Fans Are Still Waiting For
Some classics are practically begging to be remade, with fans regularly calling for them on forums and across the internet. Whether developers are listening — or already quietly working on something —remains to be seen. But here are a few of the most wished-for remakes:
- Chrono Trigger — Widely considered one of the greatest RPGs of all time. A modern remake could introduce this masterpiece to a new generation and delight longtime fans.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — A full HD remake could do for this N64 classic what Link’s Awakening did for the Game Boy original — revive it with style.
- Metal Gear Solid — Rumors swirl constantly. A true ground-up remake could finally give stealth-action fans the return they’ve been waiting for.
- Half-Life 1 & 2 – Legendary shooters that fans still hope Valve will one day revisit, remaster, or completely remake.
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