Remakes built from the ground up draw positive attention for nostalgic purposes. Sure, the appeal of a sequel or standalone is enticing, but remakes can enhance the playthroughs of classic video games. Naturally, there is a large margin for error when it comes to coveted remakes of classic video games.
While a remaster is usually a resolution or frame rate increase, a video game rebuilt from the ground up feels like a new game. Remakes might play from a different point of view or contain features not seen in an original. Here are some remakes built from the ground up that surpassed expectations.
10 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
The improvements that went into Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy were enough to be praiseworthy. Three of the original Crash Bandicoot games came together for a seamless experience from game to game. The levels are recognizable, but significant improvements were made to make it feel like a new experience. This high-quality remake is widely available on most gaming consoles, like the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC. Everyone's favorite marsupial is back for a memorable adventure!
9 Metroid: Samus Returns
The original Metroid II: Return of Samus was remade for the Nintendo 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns. When Metroid II: Return of Samus was initially released in 1991, it was a non-colorized adventure with everything we loved about the Metroid series.
In the Metroid: Samus Returns remake, players experience an adventure rebuilt from the ground up. This side-scrolling platform game comes with new abilities for Samus Aran in 3D graphics.
8 Shadow Of The Colossus
When it comes to video game remakes, developer Bluepoint Games is a world leader. The original Shadow of the Colossus is recognizable, even if the remake adds detail using high-quality assets. The performance of the game surpasses expectations. On PlayStation 4 Pro, the game can run at upscaled 4K at 30 frames per second or at 1080p at 60 frames per second. The result is a breathtaking experience in both cases.
7 Ratchet And Clank
Insomniac Games' Ratchet and Clank for the PlayStation 4 reimagines the original Ratchet and Clank for PlayStation 2. Nearly two decades later, the original has been remade in glorious HD graphics. This game was also inspired by the film of the same name. The attention to detail, in any case, is astounding. Ratchet and Clank is one of the best remakes released to date. The game made great strides in world design and video game animation.
6 Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 came with content lasting approximately 20 hours if you play both story modes. In Resident Evil 2, players control Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they attempt to outrun the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. The third-person behind the player camera angle worked well with the remake in the place of the original's fixed camera angles. Capcom has proven effective at creating ground up remakes. We are eagerly waiting for the Resident Evil 4 remake.
5 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
Developer Vicarious Visions is proving to be an expert developer at remakes thanks to games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 and the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. According to forbes.com, "Vicarious Visions is now working on a Diablo 2 remake for Blizzard as their main project, something that has been long rumored to be in the works."
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is an all-around masterpiece. This remake contains most of the original songs, a create-a-park feature, and an online multiplayer mode. It's more than you could ask for in a ground up remake.
4 The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brings content from the 1998 re-rerelease Link's Awakening DX and most of the features from the original game. Nintendo is relevant in the remake department; they might even be a leader. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening received acclaim, with critics citing the game's retro style that feels like new. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch.
3 Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver
The Pokémon frenzy spread from Japan to the rest of the world sooner than anyone could've predicted. Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver are remakes of the second generation of Pokémon games. Small nuances like following Pokémon (like in Pokémon Yellow) keep the game exciting. With vivid graphics and many new features, Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver are instant masterpieces in a cluttered remake category. Could Nintendo Switch ports be on the way?
2 Final Fantasy VII Remake
It took a while for this game to come to fruition, yet Final Fantasy VII Remake is a PlayStation crown jewel. The story centered around Cloud from Midgar left a cliffhanger for those new to the game. Fans are eagerly waiting for the second part of Final Fantasy VII Remake to release. The remake accomplishes precisely what one should by incorporating modern-day graphics with an original story.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time 3D
Whether you're a Mario or Zelda fan, there is a valid argument to support either. Although it would've been nice to see The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time come to the Nintendo Switch, the possibility isn't entirely ruled out. For now, there is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D on the Nintendo 3DS. The graphics have improved significantly since this is a remake from the ground up. It supports 3D graphics without the need for glasses.