Reviews of remakes and remasters: updates to classic games
As technology advances exponentially, it becomes possible to upgrade classic games of yesteryear and get remakes. While some are completely redesigned from the ground up to be compatible with pay by phone casino not on gamstop , other offerings have a more rudimentary finish to help bring the experience up to modern standards. The resulting remake, however, should faithfully capture the feel of the original while updating the content to modern gameplay and graphics standards.
With the recent cavalcade of remakes released this year, we thought now would be a good time to update our list of the best remasters of recent years. So, without further ado, let’s shake a leg and get down to business!
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Metal Gear Solid is one of the most prolific games of all time, even creating an entirely new genre of stealth action. Recreating such a classic experience is no easy task, but developer Silicon Knights has taken on it with gusto.
The Twin Snakes is a complete remake of the first Metal Gear Solid, leaving the core experience intact while adding a number of improvements. Voiced dialogue has been completely re-recorded with the original cast, increasing the quality compared to the PS1 game, and there are new cutscenes that help flesh out the story or improve gameplay.
While all areas and enemies in the game remain the same, the gameplay of The Twin Snakes has been tweaked to more closely match that of Metal Gear Solid 2. The AI has been improved and you have the ability to shoot from a first-person view, among other things. For those interested in gambling in Ireland: everything you need to know There is good news, an exclusive slot for the game has been added to local casinos.
The Last of Us remake
How the hell did you improve a masterpiece? Well, Naughty Dog has somehow found a way out with The Last of Us Part 1. While many of the attributes found in this 2022 remake are mostly graphical and technical, there are a few tiny details that have received an overhaul that are very welcome .
For example, additional features such as the lower floor of the Boston State Museum, which was largely empty in the original, now contain historical artifacts such as art paintings and busts of prominent American political figures, helping to breathe additional life into some of the more mundane environments in the OG .
Additionally, the AI of the Infested Hordes has been given a major overhaul, the additional features of the PS5 DualSense have been neatened up, and the HUD and other quality of life improvements have been brought in line with its more modern predecessor, The Last of Us: Part II. And that’s not to mention the amazing new facial animations, faster loading times, and an insane amount of accessibility features.
Demon’s Souls
Undoubtedly the definitive version of From Software’s gritty RPG, Demon’s Souls (2020) is one of those games that will constantly leave your jaw dropping thanks to its stunning visual fidelity.
Even though the core of the game remains intact, this is one of those rare remakes where the developer was able to use brand new, state-of-the-art technology from Sony’s next-generation system and simply crank up all the graphics scores to eleven.
Of course, there are quite a few tweaks under the hood, such as a more streamlined World Trend system, an increase in the number of players in multiplayer, and a general overhaul of some of the game’s general balancing, but it’s still a very authentic Demon’s Souls experience that’s perfect for newcomers and players alike. veterans.
Final Fantasy VII
Sometimes a remake can go the extra mile and completely revamp both the gameplay and presentation of its predecessor. Case in point: Square Enix’s modern reimagining of the beloved 1997 classic Final Fantasy VII.
That’s right, not only does this retool completely modernize the turn-based combat found in the original game and replace it with fluid real-time action, but Cloud’s story has been fleshed out more and the perspective has shifted to a third-person perspective rather than a fixed isometric view. found on OG.
While some may balk at all these changes, rest assured that this modern retelling is incredibly faithful and faithful to the original vision. In short, this is a must-have game for fans of Square Enix’s iconic RPG series.
Halo: Combat Evolution Anniversary
Halo is one of the most influential shooters of all time, but the series has come a long way since the original launched on Xbox. Of course, you don’t have to change Halo’s gunplay much; it helped define console shooters, after all.
The biggest change here is the graphics overhaul, and there’s a really neat feature that allows you to switch between the new and old graphics at any time.
Anniversary also adds additional video terminals that you can find, adding new pieces of story and context. Other major features are included that simply weren’t available when the original was released; collectible skulls that change gameplay, achievements, and online multiplayer and co-op modes.
While the Master Chief Collection brought even more changes and updates to the series, Halo Anniversary was a fantastic remake at the time.
Resident Evil 4
To say that the original Resident Evil 4 is a true classic would be an understatement of El Gigante’s size. Yes, Capcom’s fourth entry in its genre-defining survival horror series is largely considered sacred ground by many.
Surprisingly, the 2023 remake not only met expectations, but exceeded them with aplomb. Featuring all-new action set pieces, a sweeter portrayal of Ashley Graham, a rejected U-3 boss encounter, and some additional backstory for Louis, Ada, Leon, and Wesker, this modernized reimagining stylishly recaptures the terrifying magic of the OG.
While it may not boast the same level of fidelity as the other Resident Evil game on this list, it is undoubtedly a stunning remake that brings the original 2005 slapstick into the modern era once again.
Dead Space
2023’s Dead Space is another undeniable masterpiece that has seen an amazing level of improvement since its modern remake. Yes, Motive Studio, which remade EA’s iconic interstellar survival horror debut from the ground up, boasts some of the most impressive visuals we’ve seen this generation.
In addition, the brilliant remake also introduced several new side missions, a new security clearance system, a fresh backtracking mechanic that gave players the ability to return to any location in USG Ishimura whenever they wished, and even some redesigned scenery and new story tidbits . Plus, Isaac Clarke is speaking now, and luckily that’s not a bad thing at all!
Shadow of Colossus
The remake of this game may be the best visual update we’ve ever seen in a video game, and it’s simply breathtaking. This is made even more impressive by the 4K options that the PS4 Pro offers.
Besides the visual update, there have been some minor improvements to the gameplay, such as UI changes that make the gauges clearer and a control scheme that makes Wander easier to control. The remake adds various other additions, such as a stats screen to view all your milestones and lots of new Easter eggs.
The remake is undoubtedly the best place to play Shadow of the Colossus, and the BluePoint team has done a masterful job of updating the cult classic.
Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t praise the newly implemented Intensity Director system, which dynamically scares the player as they explore the blood-stained corridors of the iconic planet hacker. Ultimately, this is the best way to play the first magnum opus that kickstarts a new sci-fi horror series.
Resident Evil 2
There are remakes, and then there is Resident Evil 2; An experience built entirely from the ground up that feels like a vision of the future of the franchise. One of them moves forward, looking back.
On the surface, Resident Evil 2 recreates the original, letting you play as Leon and Claire as they make their way through police headquarters, sewers, and more. Somehow, Resident Evil 2 manages to emulate the horror of the original, even while creating an entirely new combat system. The game is similar to Resident Evil 4, but with tighter and faster controls.
Enemies have dynamic damage that allows you to deflate part of their body, affecting how they move. Every enemy in Resident Evil 2 can pose a threat to you, but none is more terrifying than Mr. X, who constantly stalks you.
Resident Evil 2 is a masterful reimagining of both the original game and the series as a whole. Capcom did an incredible job and it serves as a model for how all remakes should be done.
Metroid Prime Remastered
Don’t be fooled by the misleading subtitle offered by this unambiguous remake of the original Metroid Prime video game. Featuring all-new assets, remapped control options, and even a new hint system that hopes to keep players from getting lost, Metroid Prime Remastered released exclusively for Nintendo Switch this year to remind people of the brilliance of the original 2002 version and why they should be excited about the long-awaited fourth installment.
Metroid Prime Remastered takes all the secrets and deep exploration of 2D games and updates them in 3D space. Samus Aran’s task is to fight her way through the various zones of the planet Tallon 4 to regain her abilities, after which she can fight larger bosses and survive in more dangerous conditions. This sense of constant growth, improvement, and improvement is captured perfectly in this remake, demonstrating why Metroid Prime was one of the best games to ever exist in the genre.
Tony Hawk Pro Skate 1+2
Skateboarding games may not have gotten any better since Tony Hawk’s series left the PS2. Luckily, Activision and developers Vicarious Visions agreed, going the extra mile to offer the first two games in the series a video game remake from the ground up. The decision to put Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 into one package was a smart move because it means there are tons of maps, playable skaters, and moves to perform – and both games look better than ever!
Stunts featured in later games such as Tony Hawk’s Underground also appear in the video game remake. Combine that with the return of any game’s soundtrack, and it’s not hard to get back into the groove of grinding, wall-skating, and flipping on maps like Venice, Mall, and other iconic skateboarding maps. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is not only a reminder that sports games can be deep, but also endlessly fun.
Conclusion: Remakes vs. Remasters
Remakes and remasters serve different functions. Remasters are aimed at an audience that wants to return to their favorite game and see new bells and whistles. If your favorite shooter now runs at 4K/60fps, isn’t that reason enough to get back into the action? Likewise, remakes are a great opportunity for new players to experience a classic game they missed, but with a modern twist. Either way, always do your research before investing money so you know exactly what you’re getting.
