Best Video Game Remakes That Improved Upon The Originals

Video game remakes are everywhere these days because they come with a ready-made audience right off the bat. Why not take something you already love and amp it up, right? Fans often still love the original game the most — especially when a remake actually delivers a worse product than the original — but that isn't always the case!

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By  Lucas Simons

Some excellent remakes blow the originals completely out of the water, improving them across the board, whether by polishing up gameplay, boosting graphics, adding cool new features, or (even better) fixing those pesky issues from the first game.

Here are the 10 best video game remakes that outshine their iconic original counterparts.

10 Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Visuals Spruced Up Combined With Exciting Character Upgrades

• Originally released in 1998-2000 and remade in 2018.

Ah, Spyro! The little purple dragon that soared through the 3D platforming skies in the late 90s and early 2000s. It’s a bit of a tragedy, really, how this beloved icon was left in the dust for much of the 2010s, only popping up in the Skylanders universe.

But in 2018, the fans were treated to the delightful release of the remake of the original 3 games, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. For those who were among the lucky ones to experience the original, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a golden ticket for a nostalgic adventure. The visual upgrade is nothing short of spectacular, all while keeping that delightful charm of the original intact — and bundling the first three games into one neat package.

Spyro Reignited takes a delightful leap into the modern era with a complete overhaul of its graphics, a revamped soundtrack, and a few charming surprises along the way, all while staying true to the beloved original designs fans know and love.

9 Yakuza Kiwami

Rebuilt From Scratch For A Deeper Narrative And Enhanced Fighting System

• Originally released in 2005 and remade in 2016

The storied Yakuza series has come a long way since the PlayStation 2 days. This action thriller series has a huge fanbase and tons of mini-games to dive into. Before Yakuza 0 dropped in 2017, the Yakuza series was pretty much a hidden gem in the West, but that changed fast.

After that, Sega got a burst of energy and kicked off the rework of the series with Yakuza Kiwami, the remake of the original game. Yakuza Kiwami ditches the old combat system in favor of the one from Yakuza 0 — the standout champion of the series.

Of course, the remake also got way more than just visual upgrades. With cutscenes, the fighting engine from Yakuza 0, even more wacky mini-games, and a deeper dive into the major characters, this stellar remake is a wonderful standout in the Kiwami subseries.

8 Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Revamped Enemy AI And Graphics For More Tactical Gameplay

• Originally released in 1998 and remade in 2004

Metal Gear Solid has undeniably carved out a legendary niche in gaming history. But, just six short years after its debut, the original game got a nice makeover for the GameCube, rebranded as Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. In this iconic remake, the classic game got a fresh coat of paint while keeping the essence intact.

With thrilling gameplay that keeps players on their toes, graphics that have taken a giant leap forward, and an art style that really ties the whole experience together, Twin Snakes offers a delightful return to Shadow Moses Island.

Sure, it might be a bit of a relic at this point — after all, the remake hit the scene two decades ago — but for a true fan of the series, it might be a good idea to dust off that GameCube and keep it close for this particular remake.

7 Pokemon HeartGold And SoulSilver

Introduced Stellar Gen 5 Improvements And The Charming Pokewalker

• Originally released in 1999 and remade in 2009

Pokemon Gold and Silver quickly became the talk of the town when it first came out. Released in 1999 for the Game Boy Color, these classic JRPG games quickly climbed the ranks to become the third best-selling entries in the series. Seeing that booming success, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver were released in 2009 as a delightful trip down memory lane in the form of remakes.

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Pokemon Gold and Silver were nothing short of groundbreaking back in the day, taking on the incredible legacy set by the already titanic franchise, so it’s only fitting that their remakes aimed to outshine the originals. While the remakes still have that blocky pixel art (a style now missed by many fans), they come with a sprinkle of charming 3D models that really elevate the experience.

The remakes also come with fresh locations that weren’t part of the originals, enhanced battle mechanics and stats, plus an exciting lineup of legendary characters from other games making their grand entrance. All in all, it's a vastly more enjoyable experience than fans could’ve ever hoped for, and it remains the gold standard by which all Pokemon games are compared.

6 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time 3D

Integrated Sharper 3D Visuals And A Smoother Interface

• Originally released in 1998 and remade in 2011

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a beloved classic, to put it mildly, with many fans arguing it's among the greatest games ever made. But at some point, graphics and handling had to evolve, and Ocarina of Time found itself stuck in a bit of a time warp. Eventually, when Nintendo launched their 3DS handhelds, they decided to give some of their all-time greats a fresh makeover for a new audience, and that included this game.

The revamped graphics and controls of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, released in 2011, turned the game from occasionally frustrating to a genuinely enjoyable experience. Still a gem in 2023, this game boasts charming graphics, a killer soundtrack, smooth controls, and a vast world to explore. With a cast of iconic characters, diverse settings, mind-bending puzzles, engaging boss fights, great pacing, and a surprisingly reasonable length, it’s a must-have for any gamer.

5 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Splendid Reimagining Of The Original Game With Expanded Storylines And Enhanced Combat System

• Originally released in 1997 and remade in 2020

Final Fantasy 7 Remake takes such a wild detour from the original PlayStation 1 classic that labeling it a mere remake feels a bit unjust — it's a reimagining of perhaps the most iconic Final Fantasy game ever made. The ambition and scope resulted in it only being a partial remake of the original FF7 story, but even as a partial remake, the side missions and main plot really make it a worthwhile experience.

The game looks sharper and plays like an absolute dream, bringing Midgar to life with breathtaking visuals. And, thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, heart-pounding soundtrack, and stunning graphics, a lot of gamers are convinced that the remake outshines the original blockbuster.

Perhaps the best part of the remake is the great action RPG combat style that Final Fantasy has been rocking lately. However, it must be noted that the plot approach has sparked a bit of a debate, with some loving the boldness of this remake while others…don’t. But who knows? Maybe future Final Fantasy remakes will take a page from this playbook.

4 Dead Space

Introduces Volumetric And Dynamic Lighting To Enhance Horror Immersion​

• Originally released in 2008 and remade in 2023

When Dead Space hit consoles in 2008, it redefined what horror games could be. While it certainly borrowed a few tricks from Resident Evil 4, it steered clear of the usual zombies and headshots, opting instead for smarter combat strategies and an immersive UI. In short: it’s a wonder, then and now.

However, the Dead Space Remake in 2023 really shines as it cleverly twists away from the original game. It takes bold steps that keep both newcomers and old fans on their toes. For instance, Isaac now has a voice, bringing a delightful consistency to the entire series.

Now, console players might argue that the remake takes the crown by a hair, but let’s be real — any true fan knows the original still holds its own and plays like a dream even now. Back in 2008, it was a horror classic, and it still holds that title today. The only difference is that players get to pick from a fancier option now.

3 Shadow Of The Colossus

Rebuilt Graphics Engine With Classic Puzzle Mechanic

• Originally released in 2005 and remade in 2018

Even now, no game quite matches the unique experience of Shadow of the Colossus. Back in 2005, it was a game-changer — an expansive world filled with colossal beasts that demanded some clever climbing to strike their weak points and bring them down. Yet, it remains a bit of a niche gem due to its unique style.

However, that changed in the 2018 PlayStation 4 remake, elevating it to must-play status.

The graceful colossi got a stunning makeover with impressive graphics and smoother controls, taking the slaying experience to new heights. Players are on a mission to hunt down the colossal creatures of a forbidden land. It's a journey filled with stunning landscapes and the awe-inspiring presence of 16 giant colossi that roam freely.

All the assets in the new game got a makeover, but don’t worry — the core gameplay remains true to the original. With some slight (but very welcome) tweaks to the control scheme, it’s hands down the best way to dive into this game if someone hasn’t already.

2 Demon’s Souls

Both Cinematic Mode And Performance Mode Have A Dynamic 4K Resolution

• Originally released in 2009 and remade in 2020

Back in 2009, when Demon’s Souls hit the PS3, it flipped the gaming world upside down with its ingenious plot and a risk-reward system that had players hooked. It was a one-of-a-kind game, and that's what set it apart from the rest. In the decade+ since its launch, however, FromSoftware have continued to improve and hone their craft, making the original Demon's Souls feel more like a prototype of future masterpieces.

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The PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls truly upped the ante when it released in 2020. Bluepoint Games took a beloved classic and transformed it into a visually stunning experience that feels right at home in today's gaming landscape. But, it wasn’t just the graphics that got a facelift; the gameplay also underwent some exciting changes that really elevated the game's overall quality. For instance, the recent tweaks to Demon's Souls' multiplayer have certainly lightened the load, making the whole experience a breeze compared to before.

Even though it can feel a bit stiff compared to newer FromSoftware offerings, its graphics are unparalleled in comparison, making it the most gorgeous title of the Soulsborne games. To highlight this, the remake comes with a great photo mode that allows players to snap up all those jaw-dropping moments the game has to offer. In addition, the remake offers a wild game mode called Fractured Mode that flips the game’s levels horizontally — even veteran players get a delightful sense of novelty.

1 Resident Evil 4

Modern Gameplay With Refined Camera Controls And Rebalanced Combat

• Originally released in 2005 and remade n 2023

It was only a matter of time before a Resident Evil remake was mentioned. The franchise has achieved legendary status in the world of horror gaming, kicking off its spine-chilling journey on the PlayStation 1. So, it’s no surprise that those earlier titles are more than deserving of a modern makeover.

And when it comes to the crown jewel of the franchise, the Resident Evil 4 remake definitely takes the cake. This remake doesn’t just pay homage to its classic predecessor; it practically raises the stakes for what we can expect from modern remakes.

Every element of the story has been polished into a more cohesive package, and that’s not even touching on how the game fully leverages modern graphics to present a chilling take on rural Spain. The heart of the gameplay still beats with the same rhythm that made it a classic, now jazzed up with some modern perks like a snazzy parrying system, a quick-select for players’ arsenal, and the delightful ability to actually run.

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