For over ten years, video game remasters have carved out a significant niche in the gaming industry, standing alongside traditional new releases. While some of these remasters come off as half-hearted attempts to cash in on nostalgia, many represent sincere efforts to revive beloved classics, updating graphics and fine-tuning gameplay to align with contemporary gaming standards.
While numerous remasters simply offer a polished version of the original game, others venture deeper, almost crossing into remake territory. Some reconstruct their original counterparts using entirely new engines, integrating essential gameplay modifications and revitalizing graphics with fresh textures and character models. Though they remain fundamentally the same games we cherish, these remasters are refreshed to fit seamlessly onto modern platforms.
The distinction between “remaster”and “remake”can be ambiguous. For this discussion, any game that includes “remaster”in its title or description will be classified as a remaster.
8 Metroid Prime Remastered
Enhanced Dual Stick Controls
Like many GameCube fans of the early 2000s, I have fond memories of playing Metroid Prime, which was a unique reinvention of well-established gameplay mechanics. Unfortunately, first-person shooters struggled on the GameCube, largely due to Nintendo’s reluctance to embrace the C-stick for aiming. Thankfully, Metroid Prime Remastered addresses this issue with great effectiveness.
This remaster not only features enhanced graphical assets and updated music but also introduces dual-analog controls, allowing players to move with the left stick while aiming with the right. This refinement, once possible only through emulation, completely transforms the experience. For those nostalgic for original control schemes, they are still available, but the newfound flexibility of dual-stick controls offers a rejuvenating experience. Additionally, the game now boasts various difficulty settings, catering to both newcomers and veterans alike.
7 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Revitalized Classic with Character
Upon its release in 2006, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion captured the gaming world by storm. Yet, when compared to the technological advancements showcased in Skyrim, Oblivion’s graphics and character models are undeniably dated, still retaining some of Bethesda’s notorious gameplay quirks. The remaster, however, highlights how far Bethesda has come since then.
Oblivion Remastered offers entirely revamped graphics and character models, utilizing cutting-edge rendering techniques like ray tracing for a more immersive and visually appealing experience. The user interface has also been redesigned for improved navigation, which is a relief for those who struggled with the original controls. NPC AI improvements make interactions more engaging, although they still occasionally demonstrate classic Bethesda quirks.
6 Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
Revamped Zombie Mayhem
The original Dead Rising garnered attention for its unprecedented ability to depict numerous characters and zombies interacting within the same environment simultaneously. Although I have a deep appreciation for the original game, it had its share of challenges, which Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster has worked to address.
This remaster recreates the original within Capcom’s RE Engine—renowned for powering modern Resident Evil games—thereby allowing for increased zombie counts with improved clarity in character models. Quality-of-life enhancements, including auto-save features, have also been added. While some may argue that this detracts from the original’s challenge, I prefer to protect my gameplay progress rather than lose it to a random horde.
5 Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered
A Fresh Look for Timeless Classics
Initially launched on the PS1 during a pivotal time for 3D console gaming, the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver titles suffered from rudimentary graphics that have not aged well. Their revival through the Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered offers a long-overdue facelift, enabling gamers to enjoy these classics without visual distractions.
This remaster introduces toggleable high-fidelity graphics, replacing outdated character models with contemporary versions while preserving the essence of the original designs. Additionally, controls have been modernized for a more seamless experience, complete with helpful features such as an in-game map and compass, which I wished I had during my first foray into the Spectral Realm.
4 DuckTales: Remastered
A Nostalgic Adventure Reimagined
DuckTales, the beloved NES platformer, remains a standout title among tie-in games, treasured by fans for its engaging gameplay and memorable soundtrack. In 2013, Capcom and WayForward revived this classic with DuckTales: Remastered, bringing it into the current gaming landscape.
This updated version features hand-drawn character sprites alongside meticulously designed 3D environments, maintaining the core gameplay experience while diversifying level design. The soundtrack is further enriched by inclusions from the original cast and a remixed score from acclaimed composer Jake Kaufman. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a game inspired by the 2017 DuckTales reboot?
3 Spyro Reignited Trilogy
A Return to Nostalgic Adventures
Despite being one of PlayStation’s flagship franchises, Spyro faced challenges during the mid-2000s, with less favorable releases tarnishing its reputation. I have cherished memories of playing the original trilogy alongside my sister, so it was heartening to see the Spyro Reignited Trilogy resurrect those classic experiences.
This remaster rebuilds all three original games—Spyro the Dragon, Ripto’s Rage, and Year of the Dragon—in stunning HD. The aesthetic improvements are remarkable, with richer environments and animated character models breathing new life into the series. The mechanics remain true to the originals, although some features from later entries have been integrated into this collection. Any nostalgia-infused PlayStation fan is bound to be blown away by this engaging modernization.
2 The Wonderful 101: Remastered
Streamlined for Modern Consoles
One significant challenge in reintroducing games from consoles like the Wii U lies in adapting to their unique control schemes. The Wii U’s Gamepad often forced players to juggle between their handheld and TV displays, a design that never gained traction elsewhere. This discrepancy hindered the return of Platinum’s The Wonderful 101, one of my favorite titles on the platform. Fortunately, The Wonderful 101: Remastered successfully navigates this hurdle.
This remaster replaces the Gamepad functionality with a convenient pop-up sub-screen, ensuring that players can efficiently manage gameplay options with a simple button press. Additionally, the remaster enhances performance with improved resolution and smoother framerates, allowing players to delve deeper into the game’s vibrant action sequences, all paired with a fully reimagined orchestral soundtrack. Few experiences compare to hearing “The Won-Stoppable Wonderful 101” performed by a full brass ensemble.
1 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
A Nostalgic Return to Skating
For those who embody the spirit of the late 90s and early 2000s, few games capture that essence quite like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. These games resonated with audiences, regardless of skating skill. Generally, among fans, Pro Skater 2 is hailed as the best in the series, and remastering both the original Pro Skater and Pro Skater 2 into Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 was an astute decision.
With classic modes focused on time-limited goals, the remaster calls back to the series’ origins. While some might lament the removal of Spider-Man, the inclusion of Jack Black as Officer Dick adds a humorous twist to the experience. For skateboarding enthusiasts and nostalgic gamers alike, this remaster successfully balances old and new, preserving what made the originals memorable while enhancing them for a modern audience.
Leave a Reply