March 7, 2024
With today’s developments in technology, many amazing video game classics could’ve been lost in time and forgotten. Thankfully, remakes have given us an opportunity to replay some of our favourite titles. Here’s a list of some of the best video game remakes of all time.
Why remakes deserve a category of their own
Remakes are made for modern-day technology. Because of this, they often differ from their original versions. One of the most prominent ways in which they can differ from their originals is graphics. Sometimes this can be both a blessing a curse. Some of our favourite classics that we played as kids might lose their nostalgia factor. More often than not, this is exactly what makes a remake “bad.” However, some of the best remakes use technological developments to their benefit while still keeping the original essence alive. This lets us enjoy our favourite old games in a new, more visually immersive way. In addition to that, new players are able to experience old classics as well. In this way, game developers can make sure that some of their best work is never forgotten. But besides just improving the visual elements of old games, remakes can feature new content. This makes our old favourite games even more fun when replaying them. But which game remakes are considered the best and why?
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a remake of The Binding of Isaac, a rouge-like indie game released in 2011. The remake was released in 2014 and features not only polished graphics, but many new elements that were not in the original game. Just like in the original, we play as Isaac, who is trying to escape from his mother through a series of random rouge-like dungeons. The objective of the game is to fight off monsters while collecting random items that modify Isaac’s appearance and abilities. The remake has given players new enemies, items, bosses, and challenges. In addition to that, it also features a multiplayer mode. Since its release, Rebirth has been regarded as one of the best remakes and the best rouge-like games of all time.
Grim Fandango Remastered
Grim Fandango is a 1998 adventure game made for Microsoft Windows. It was remade in 2015 and quickly rose to critical acclaim. The 2015 Grim Fandango Remastered features a new, polished look while still keeping the charm of the original graphics. In addition to that, it features a re-recorded soundtrack and improved controls. The remastered version introduced more modern features like point-and-click controls and widescreen support. Thanks to this, an amazing classic like Grim Fandango has become accessible to a new, contemporary audience.
Resident Evil 4
The original 2005. Resident Evil 4 is a horror survival game released for the GameCube. Since its initial release, it has been regarded as one of the best survival horror games of all time. The game was remade in 2023, and it quickly became one of the most popular remakes ever. This is proven by the fact that it was the fastest-selling installment of the series, with over 6,48 million copies sold. The 2023 remake was praised for its enhanced graphics and atmosphere, as well as gameplay mechanics. The visuals of the game were improved to make the story more horror-focused. In addition to that, the gameplay and combat were modernized to resemble that of the most recent installment in the series, Resident Evil Village from 2021. The remake also featured new weapons and reworked enemies and environments.
Dead Space
Just like Resident Evil 4, Dead Space is another horror survival game that was remade in 2023. The original game, published in 2008, is often regarded as one of the best games in the horror survival genre. Because of this, fans of the franchise have been anxiously expecting the remake since it was first announced in 2021. The remake did not disappoint and has received praise for its improved graphics and sound design. Alongside Resident Evil 4, it has soon become one of the best-selling remakes of all time. Unlike the original, the remake also features voice lines for the main character, Isaac. Another element that adds to the immersion of the game is the seamless transitions with no loading screens between levels. With all this, the remake features a more terrifying experience and haunting atmosphere expected by Dead Space fans.
Why you should give remakes a chance
In all fairness, some remakes don’t do their originals justice. However, from time to time, we can find remakes that raise our favourite video game classics to a whole new level. Be it with advanced graphics or new elements added to the game, remakes give us an opportunity to appreciate old games with modern elements. These improvements can enhance our overall enjoyment of the game. So try giving a remake of your favourite old game a shot. It might provide you with a new perspective on a beloved classic.