Best Video Game Remakes of All Time That I Recently Played
What are Video Game Remakes?
Video game remakes are rehash of old games from released over 10 or more years. Remakes are often called “Remastered” which is a term for updated graphics, soundtracks and refine gameplay. Sometimes they have an alternate storyline from original source material or additional content. Video game remakes are very profitable because of customer demand and having cult-following along with community feedback. In this blogpost, I will not be doing an editorial but list of video game remasters that are really enjoyable. There are remakes from PS1, SNES and others retro console era. Some of these remakes have positive reception and won tons of awards. Let’s go with my first pick of video game remakes list.
Final Fantasy VII – Square Enix
Final Fantasy VII was originally released on PS1 on January 31, 1997, and follows Cloud Strife who is an Ex-Solider assisting a group called “AVALANCHE” from stopping Shinra from draining planet’s life energy. FFVII Remake takes a new turn making it action-role playing game then turn-based strategy. The remake added new characters along with storyline that connected to original game. Also, it has updated graphics, English voice actors along with side missions. I really enjoy the remake and complete the first one but there is Rebirth and part 3 coming soon. If you want to buy it on Xbox, PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
Tomb Raider – Aspyr
Tomb Raider was originally developed by Core Design and released in 1997 for PlayStation along PC. In 2024, Aspyr acquired the rights to Tomb Raider and released a remastered compilation of series. Tomb Raider mainline was split into three games like I-III along with IV-VI. Remastered had updated and original graphics depending on player’s choice. It retains the same gameplay mechanics as the original but with photo mode along with outfits. Aspyr did amazing job and follow Lara Croft in her adventures to find artifacts along fighting antagonists. Feel free to buy Tomb Raider Remastered I-VI on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, PlayStation and PC.
Spyro The Dragon and Crash Bandicoot – Activision
Yes, both Crash and Sypro have trilogy remakes from Activision. These games come with three games from mainline series. Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon have updated graphics which stay true to original title in 1990s. I only owned Crash Bandicoot and had trouble beating it as a kid. Each game has new voice acting and gameplay for modern audience. I have beaten Ripto’s Rage and had fun playing Cortex Strikes Back. Fun fact: did you know that both Crash and Spyro are in Skylanders. If you want to buy Crash Bandicoot N Sane Trilogy and Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Both games are available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Day of the Tentacle – Double Fine Production
Original Day of the Tentacle was released in 1993 on PC. The plot is about three teenagers Bernard, Hoagie and Laverne to stop a purple tentacle from taking over the world. In order to stop it, our three protagonists must go back in time to help Dr. Fred’s ancestors to fix Chron-O-Jonh time machine. Remastered version has only updated HD cartoon graphics and commentary from developers. Players can switch between original and modern graphics. Day of the Tentacle is a great LucasArts point and click game with slapstick comedy along with commands. Make sure to buy it on PlayStation, PC, Mobile, Xbox.
Mafia – Hanger 13
Original Mafia game was released on September 25, 2002, Hanger13 reshaped the first game for modern audience. In 2020, Hanger announced “Mafia: Definitive Edition”, which follows former cabdriver named Tommy Angelo, who finds himself working with mob boss named Don Ennio Saileri. Tommy does odd jobs for Saileri but eventually turns into a police informant to take him down. Definitive Edition offers Free Ride mode along with noir mode as well. The game has updated graphics and controls as well. I found myself enjoying the game and completed it as well. There are other remakes of Mafia, I haven’t played but make sure to buy it on PlayStation, PC and Xbox.
Ni No Kuni Wrath of the White Witch – Level-5
Ni No Kuni is one of my favorite Japanese role-playing games of all time because my favorite animation Studio Ghibli is involved. Original game is developed was released in November 11, 2011, game follows Oliver, who loses his mother and gets transported into another world to save her. Oliver is accompanied by Drippy, a fairy that assists him on his journey along with Ester and Swaine. Ni No Kuni Wraith of the White Witch has a responsive battle system that allow for offense and defense. You can use familiars which are similar to Yokai Watch and Pokemon during combat. I did complete this game but haven’t played second game. The thing about remastering is updated graphics but if you buy it. It’s available on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and PC.
Closing
There are other remakes like Persona 3 Reload, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney HD Trilogy and Resident Evil series. Sorry I can’t name them all but let me know what your favorite video game remake is or remastered. There will be more remakes and remastered in the near future that gamers will look out for. This trend will never stop and provides fans with nostalgia to play their favorite game again. Thank you for reading this blogpost and tune into the next one from your truly. Note: Don’t forget there is some worst remakes out there.
Anjim Plays is a award-winning streamer from Washington DC, who is a advocate of blerd and gaming culture. I am willing to help others and work with brands.
