A recent rumor from PlayStation suggests that the tech giant might be working on another remake of an established IP that reports claim will be a "big" favorite among fans. For now, fans will have to wait until Sony announces the remake in December to learn exactly what the plan is, but there may be enough information available already to speculate on what the developer might have planned.
Some fans already have guesses as to what the title might be, and there are several PlayStation-owned games that have been floated around in the past as possibly receiving a remake. Some include games developed directly by Sony Interactive Entertainment, and others were made by third party developers with production funding coming from PlayStation in order to secure console exclusivity.
Previously Rumored PlayStation Remakes
There are a number of titles that have either been rumored to be in development, or have been requested by fans as remakes continue to bring classic games to modern consoles. Titles like a The Last of Us remake or Bloodborne for PS5 are seen by the community as the most expected for the upcoming announcement. Aside from these more recent titles, there are also a number of classics like Sly Cooper and Metal Gear Solid that have been rumored for PlayStation-helmed remakes.
Considering the fan outcry for them, each of these titles has a decent chance to be in development by PlayStation as the company continues to push the new PS5 hardware with new titles and remakes. Some like The Last of Us and Bloodborne do feel like they're still too recent, with some already playable on PS5, but others have a good chance to come true for players. Additionally, the information that came with the original rumor might be able to limit exactly which of these titles are the most likely candidate for the reveal coming this December.
Additional Information to Narrow Down Remake Possibilities
According to the original rumor, this project is in development within PlayStation Studios, which does still leave the list broad, but removes several key titles from contention. Specifically, the rumors of either a Bloodborne or Metal Gear Solid remake likely aren't involved with this specific case due to ownership and creation being split between PlayStation and either FromSoftware or Konami, respectively. That doesn't necessarily mean that either aren't currently in development, though it does mean that recent rumors are likely about a different game that is wholly owned by Sony, or one of the development studios it owns.
This does still leave The Last of Us, Sly Cooper, and others available, since they are either owned and developed directly by Sony Interactive Entertainment, or a Sony-owned developer. Additionally, this does open up the possibility of several classic titles from either the original PlayStation or PS2 era that hadn't already been hinted at through leaks or rumors. The only stipulation at this point is that the game essentially needs to be directly developed by a PlayStation Studios developer and owned in-house by Sony.
The Source For This PlayStation Remake Rumor
The source of the newest remake rumor comes from Irish singer-songwriter AVA, who spoke on the radio show The Lunchbox about working on a song for a remake of a game that would be announced in December. Additionally, this interview revealed the composer for this new song is Michael McGlynn, an Irish composer who specializes in classical, choral music. In both cases of composer and singer, their strengths would lend to the types of RPGs that focus on Western Fantasy, not uncommon for classic JRPGs from the early PlayStation eras.
Specifically, the focus on Irish music with both composition and vocals could lend a classical, Gaelic vibe that is often used when visiting fantastical locations with dragons guarding hoards and castles. It's a small detail to go off of, especially considering that it isn't clear from the interview whether or not McGlynn is only in charge of composing a new opening or theme song for the remake, or if he will be working on a whole new score. However, there is one high profile remake that has been rumored or requested to be remade by the now Sony-owned Bluepoint Games, which could fit this Western Fantasy or Irish theme.
Legend of Dragoon Might Finally Get It's Remake
The original Legend of Dragoon was originally developed by the now-defunct Japan Studio as well as Sony Interactive Entertainment, which does mean that this is a PlayStation-owned IP. Additionally, the setting and genre of the game are deeply seeped in Western Fantasy, with an opening theme that fits solidly in with McGlynn's previous catalogue of beautiful arrangements and AVA's pleasant singing voice. In that case, a Legend of Dragoon remake might fit best with the information given from this recent interview, as it would be developed completely in-house by PlayStation.
Rumors about the Legend of Dragoon remake have been floating around among fans for quite a while now, calling all the way back to several hints laid out by Bluepoint Games that eventually turned out to be the Demon's Souls remake instead. Still, even a complete lack of news from either Sony or Bluepoint hasn't been enough to keep fans from consistently asking for the Legend of Dragoon remake. Considering the original title's unique combat system that introduced rhythm action elements into the standard turn-based RPG strategizing, many fans still comment to this day that it was strange there was never a sequel in the first place.
Looking to the current trend of remakes in gaming, such as Bluepoint Games' own Demon's Souls remake and Shadow of the Colossus, the stellar classic could make for a strong candidate for a fresh coat of paint and updated mechanics. Bringing the classic title to PS5 in the same way that Bluepoint brought FromSoftware's first entry in the Souls series back could be a great step forward for JRPGs. The original Legend of Dragoon was already a strong step forward for JRPGs back on the original PlayStation, with impressive visuals, unique combat, and a story that wasn't afraid to regularly either kill or completely change the player's perspective on main characters.
PlayStation is rumored to announce an unconfirmed remake in December.