You Won’t Believe Which PS1 Remaster Topped the List—#1 Will Shock Nostalgic Gamers

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Summary

  • Some old games are being preserved through remaster projects to maintain nostalgic value and update graphics.
  • Remasters keep original content with added features, like Croc and Tomb Raider 1-3, while staying faithful.
  • Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster upgraded UI and retained old charm, showing a commitment to preserving the games as they were.

Over the past few years, video game preservation has emerged as a significant issue. Unlike movies or books, numerous games are associated with their original consoles, necessitating the conservation of specific hardware to ensure an entire collection remains accessible. Unlike reprints for films and literature, old games do not receive new editions, and many publishers display little interest in adapting them for PC, even digitally. Regrettably, iconic consoles like the original PlayStation risk fading into obscurity as their library of classic games slips further into the past.

It’s great that certain game studios are rejuvenating classic games by enhancing them through remastering projects. Although there’s some similarity, it’s important to note that remasters differ from remakes. Remasters are essentially the original game with improved visuals, better performance, or additional features, whereas remakes involve creating a new game from scratch that retains the spirit of the original but may not be identical. Games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 and Medieval (2019), which are ground-up, faithful remakes, wouldn’t fall under this category.

6. Croc: Legend Of The Gobbos

A Scaly Adventure Polished Into A Gem

The updated version of “Croc: Legend of the Gobbos,” featuring improved controllers, a smoother camera, and an expanded “Crocipedia” content library, is a heartfelt tribute to the original game. Though “Croc” may not have ranked high among PS1 platformers due to its awkward controls and camera, there are many players who fondly remember this charming collectathon. This remake addresses some of its major flaws, making it more enjoyable for those with nostalgic feelings for

In a similar fashion to many high-quality remasters, you can switch between the updated and original visuals using a simple button command. However, according to Stephanie Sterling’s observations on the Croc remaster, the new graphics seem excessively polished for a game with such primitive landscapes. Consequently, it is recommended to play the game with the vintage, pixelated graphics rather than the overly sleek ones for an authentic experience.

5. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

A Nostalgia Trip With A Modern Boost

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled appears to be a complete remake, but it’s actually a precise replica of the PS1 original, given a stunning visual upgrade and some extra (optional) features from other versions of the Crash racing games.

In Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled, all of the original content remains unchanged. However, additional microtransactions have been added for those who wish to purchase extra items. Enhancing the game’s modern feel are online multiplayer capabilities and customization options. The remixed soundtrack harmoniously accompanies the visual upgrade. Although there isn’t an option to switch between graphics, you can choose between the new and original soundtracks instead.

4. Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars

Two Cult Classics, Finally Given Their Due

For years, it’s been challenging to find or play legally, but Suikoden 1 and 2 have consistently been ranked among the greatest Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) ever made. The first game is often seen as a prelude to the second installment, which frequently appears on “Best RPGs” lists. The HD Remaster doesn’t introduce significant changes; instead, it aims to make these games more accessible. These classics didn’t require a complete overhaul; they simply needed to be brought back into the spotlight.

This remastered version enhances the user interface, refines the artwork in the background while maintaining its unique essence (however, it appears overly polished in certain areas), and even fine-tunes the problematic localization. The remaster also incorporates convenience features such as skipping battles and automatic saves, which lessens the hardship of gathering a large group of party members.

3. Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered

Lara’s Origins Get the Glow-Up They Deserve

Back in the ’90s, I was part of the gaming revolution when the original Tomb Raider trilogy carved out its niche in the realm of 3D platforming. Although later games and Lara’s contemporary makeovers have eclipsomed its legacy, the remastered version of Tomb Raider 1-3 stands tall today. What sets it apart is its dedication to preservation – it’s like stepping back into the ’90s gaming world with a fresh coat of paint, making these classic games enjoyable even in 2024.

The fresh graphics are both vivid and intricate, preserving the unique, pixelated allure of the originals, while allowing players to switch back to PS1 visuals whenever they wish – a delightful throwback to gaming’s evolution and a practical means for locating hidden keys or switches that remain somewhat challenging to spot in their high-definition textures, despite the update. The controls retain their tanky feel, and the puzzles and platforming continue to be as awkward as ever, but for enthusiasts yearning to revisit the formative years of a gaming legend, this version offers the ultimate experience.

2. Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy

A Platformer Legend Rebuilt With Precision In Mind

The visually stunning Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy could be easily confused for a significantly upgraded remake, similar to Toys for Bob’s Spyro: Reignited. Developers of the N. Sane Trilogy referred to it as a “Remaster Plus”, indicating that they used the original three Crash games’ level layouts and character models as their foundation.

Even though Vicarous didn’t get hold of the original three games’ source code, they surpassed simple upscaling by incorporating their own artwork and revising the soundtrack and dialogues to align with the originals in terms of atmosphere, accuracy, and tone. Whether it can be categorized as a “super remaster” or a remake built upon some of Crash Bandicoot’s original elements, there’s no denying that it stands out as one of the finest PlayStation remasters available today.

1. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered

A Restoration With True Heart And Soul

These two masterpieces, “The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2“, stand among the finest narratives ever encapsulated within interactive media. Despite being products of the PS1 era, they possess a level of maturity and intellectual depth that continues to resonate. The combat system is balanced and remarkably inventive for its time, although some players might find it challenging due to the lack of tutorials or the peculiarities of manipulating blocks from that era.

The enhanced textures harmonize with the ominous, shadowy atmosphere of the original PlayStation 1 game, while some of the updated models (particularly those that extend beyond character upscaling) add an appropriately eerie touch. For fans who appreciate or wish to explore the classic aesthetic, there’s an option to switch back and forth with a simple push of the analog stick. The combat has been streamlined thanks to the use of the same analog stick for camera control, and assigning jumping and combat actions to the triggers and bumper buttons can significantly boost Raziel’s chances in battle.

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2025-04-30 08:43