The best video game remakes

13 hours ago, by Enzo

Remakes hold a prominent place in the video game industry nowadays. Far from being mere graphical facelifts, the best of them reimagine classics by modernizing their gameplay, presentation, and technology, all while preserving what made them successful in the first place. Whether they seek to introduce a cult classic to a new generation or allowing players to rediscover a masterpiece in its best light, these remakes demonstrate that it’s possible to brilliantly combine nostalgia and innovation.

To no one's surprise, we are going to start with one of the most famous of the lot. The Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) successfully reinvents a game that was already considered nearly perfect. The combat, exploration, and storytelling gain depth while retaining the original’s exceptional pacing, making it the gold standard for modern remakes. And that’s not all, as Capcom also released the excellent Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019), a complete reimagining of its 1998 classic with an over-the-shoulder camera and spectacular production values. The Raccoon City police station becomes even more terrifying and immersive.

Let's go for something less frightening with the Pokémon Alpha Sapphire & Omega Ruby (2014) duo reinvents the cult classic adventure of the third generation, set in the Hoenn region. In addition to faithfully recreating the original storyline, this remake significantly enhances the experience with plenty of new features, including Episode Delta. It's often considered one of the best remakes in the franchise.

The 2016 Ratchet & Clank revisits the very first game with production values worthy of modern animated films. The iconic weapons, humor, and platforming sequences have been modernized to appeal to both new players and those looking for a trip down memory lane. Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020) completely rebuilds the first game with a new graphics engine and some narrative enhancements. The cutscenes, dialogue, and gameplay have all been significantly improveed. It transforms an excellent 2002 game into an adventure on par with today’s productions.

The highly acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) and Rebirth (2024) completely reinterpret Square Enix’s famous RPG. The storyline has been expanded, the characters have gained depth, and the combat system skillfully blends action and strategy. This new take on a JRPG classic goes far beyond a simple update and has generated enormous anticipation for Final Fantasy VII Revelation (2027).

Bloober Team’s remake of Silent Hill 2 (2024) enhances the original’s oppressive atmosphere with modern production values. The combat, exploration, and presentation all have been revamped to better meet current expectations. In this same genre, the remake of Dead Space (2023) improves nearly every aspect of the original game without letting go of its identity. The USG Ishimura spaceship is now fully connected, enhancing immersion and constant tension. Its work on the soundscape and graphics makes it a benchmark for modern survival horror.

Finally, how could we not mention The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019)? This reimagining of the original 1993 title transforms the classic Game Boy experience with a particularly charming diorama-style art direction. The puzzles, dungeons, and exploration remain faithful to the original while offering modern gameplay comfort. It’s an exemplary remake that fully respects the series’ legacy.

The best remakes don’t just aim to pander to players’ nostalgia. They breathe new life into major works by leveraging current technologies, all while respecting the identity that made them must-play titles. When crafted with as much care as the titles in this selection, they prove that a classic can be reborn in an even more polished form, sometimes even surpassing the original.