8 Best Video Game Remakes and Remasters

Today, we bring you our picks for the best video game remakes and remasters that may be worth your time as a first-time player or a revisitor. While many instances of video game remastering and remaking can be disastrous, there are many that executed the concept well and managed to garner more fans.

Mafia: Definitive Edition

Best Video Game Remakes and Remasters

Let’s start this list off with a great entry. 2002’s first Mafia game had a beautiful story and the gameplay was somewhat realistic. The developer’s effort in making a memorable and enjoyable game was quite obvious. 2020’s Mafia: Definitive Edition is a full-on remake of this classic. It looks and feels way, way better than the original and from the start to the finish, it was like watching a movie. It especially reminded me of masterpieces like The Godfather. The revamped, super-realistic visuals are breathtaking from the start to the finish in this epic crime story about friendship and family.

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Yakuza Kiwami 2

Best Video Game Remakes and Remasters

Both Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are great examples of video game remakes done right. Both games are really modern and look divine. The original games of the mid-2000s are quite dated and these remakes are the way to experience the game now. For this entry, let’s discuss Yakuza Kiwami 2. This remake of the original Yakuza 2 features new music, and reworked physics along with stunning visuals. The combat feels fresh and exploring the world was never better. Dragon Engine does have its flaws but there is no denying that this is an exceptional remake of a classic.

Resident Evil 2

Best Video Game Remakes and Remasters

The original Resident Evil 2 of 1998 defined the survival-horror shooter genre and the 2019 remake is perfect. It’s like a completely different game, with a third-person camera angle instead of the awkward static camera placement in the original and of course, vastly improved gameplay and graphics. It’s scarier than ever and the terrifying atmosphere really suits the game.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

Best Video Game Remakes and Remasters

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is a collection of the brilliant Mass Effect Trilogy in one. All of the game has received improvements but it’s most noticeable in the first game. Originally in 2007, the gameplay was clunky and the combat felt like a chore. In this remaster, the combat system feels more like those of the later games and the game looks fresh. There are much more visible details on the characters, locations, and objects. It’s more accessible and smooth overall.

Demon’s Souls Remake

Best Video Game Remakes and Remasters

2009’s Demon’s Souls is the game that revolutionized third-person ARPGs but it really didn’t get the attention it deserved then. After the success of the Dark Souls games, many revisited Demon’s Souls and it even gained a large number of new fans. This remake for the newer consoles (Not on PC, unfortunately. Hopefully, we’ll see a release in the future) looks hauntingly beautiful and probably, it’s the current best-looking Souls game, maybe even surpassing Elden Ring.

Black Mesa

Black Mesa is a fan-made remake of the brilliant first Half-Life game that was originally released in 1998. The game looks and feels way better than the original did, and that’s what anyone would expect from a good remake. Everything is more accessible and it’s smooth to control. The gun-handling has also seen a substantial improvement and it makes for tense firefights. I highly suggest playing the original before playing this third-party remake, however. And you’ll be able to appreciate just how far the game has come.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires II might’ve been a part of your childhood. This addictive strategy game was quite popular ever since its release in 1999. The Definitive Edition is… the definitive way to experience this masterpiece in modern times. The game looks beautiful and there are many more graphical effects that make the game all the more satisfying to look at. It’s high quality, both in terms of visuals and the improvements to gameplay.

The Last of Us Part 1

Say what you will about The Last of Us 2, but its gameplay, graphics and the amount of little, mind-blowing details were uncountable. The Last of Us – Part 1 looks and feels like the second game, except many gamers consider the first to be the superior entry. It looks insanely good compared to the original and really, the original also looked exceptional for its time. PC players will be happy to know that a PC version will come out in March 2023. I for one am really excited.

What do you think are the best video game remakes and remasters? Let us know!