Video game remakes often receive a lot of mixed reviews. When game developers announce a remake of a beloved game, some are excited at the notion of getting to play that game again in an entirely different form. In contrast, others prefer not to touch it at all and stay loyal to the original.
Fortunately, some of these remakes were a definite hit with the masses that they surpassed the original. And we’re talking about some of the most popular game remakes in gaming history here.
The video game industry is filled with remakes and sequels, and it’s difficult to find a game that doesn’t have a remake or sequel, let alone the games that actually surpass their original.
In this article, we’ll talk about five games that have gone above and beyond the originals. We’ll discuss what made them such a hit with gamers and why they were so successful.
1. Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Final Fantasy 7 is a game that was originally released in 1997 and has since become a cult classic. It was remade for the PS4 as Final Fantasy 7 Remake in 2020. The game follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins an eco-terrorist group called AVALANCHE to fight against Shinra Electric Power Company.
The remake of Final Fantasy 7 was well-received and praised by critics and fans alike, with many praising its visuals, level designs, and story. Final Fantasy 7 Remake also had more content than the original game, including new sidequests and cutscenes that helped flesh out its characters’ backstories better than before.
In addition, new areas were added to some locations in Midgar that weren’t available in the original version of Final Fantasy 7. Although the story itself sort of veered away from the original. Regardless of this, fans of the original absolutely loved the new face of FFVII.
It also even gained new fans that had them trying out the original game as well! And if you haven’t played it yet, you definitely should check out our FF7 Remake 100% Guide to enjoy it to the fullest and also uncover all its secrets and hidden mechanics.
2. Resident Evil 2 And 3
The Resident Evil games are a survival horror series that has been around since the late ’90s and has garnered a massive fanbase. Especially in recent years, with its recent hit, Resident Evil: Village, released in 2021.
A couple of the series’ staples are Resident Evil 2 and 3. They focus on a group of special agents called STARS, investigating various bioterrorism cases. In 1998, Capcom released Resident Evil 2 for PlayStation and Nintendo 64, followed by Resident Evil 3.
The Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes were well-received and praised by critics and fans alike, with many praising its gameplay mechanics and its narrative, especially when both were released so close to each other.
The games were entirely remade with the new RE Engine, complete with realistic graphics created with motion capture, stellar voice acting and story, and amazing fighting mechanics. No wonder these two remakes reawoke the RE fandom with excitement.
Fans of the series are now more excited than ever for the next remakes Capcom has for the Resident Evil series.
3. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Ever since the days of the original PlayStation, Crash Bandicoot has been a staple of gaming. The lovable marsupial with a penchant for spinning his way through levels is one of the most iconic characters in video game history.
So when Activision decided to reboot the franchise with this remastered trilogy, it was cause for celebration. The original three games have been given new life with updated graphics, new sound effects and music, and even some extra content that wasn’t available in the originals.
If you loved these games back in the day, or if you’ve never played them before but are looking for something nostalgic and engaging to play on your PS4, then Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is absolutely worth checking out!
4. Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver
Pokemon has been a major player in the video game industry ever since it first came out. The original game was released in 1996 for the Gameboy, and it quickly became a smash hit. The franchise has since been expanded with several sequels, spin-offs, remakes, and more.
In 2009, Nintendo released HeartGold and SoulSilver to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pokemon Gold/Silver on Game Boy Color. This updated version featured better graphics than the originals and some new features like online play.
The games were a huge success, and they’re still beloved by fans today. The updated graphics are especially impressive, considering the original Pokemon Gold/Silver only came out in 1999.
5. Super Mario 64 DS
Super Mario 64 DS is a remake of the original Super Mario 64, and it’s one of the few remakes that managed to surpass its predecessor.
Although the original Super Mario 64 is still very playable today, it hasn’t aged well at all. The graphics are dated, and the controls were never particularly good—they were fine for 1996, but they feel clunky by today’s standards.
Super Mario 64 DS fixed all this. The updated graphics are crisp and vibrant and look great on the DS screen. The controls have been completely overhauled to make them more responsive and modern-feeling. And additional characters, levels, and modes are now available for play!
If you’re looking for an old-school platformer with modern sensibilities, then Super Mario 64 DS is worth checking out. You can even use a VPN for all devices to use emulators and play it on any device, anywhere, and anytime.
Which Remake Do You Want To Play?
Remakes are always hit or miss but not with these five games. If you’re a fan of the originals, these remakes are worth checking out. They don’t just update old graphics and sound; they add new features and levels that make them feel like completely new games.
Whether it’s a remake of a game from your childhood or a remake of something you’ve never played before, taking the time to play these remakes is well worth it. You’ll get to relive some fun moments from your past while also experiencing something new and exciting!
Im currently waiting for the Super Mario RPG remake, always enjoy remakes of classic titles.