The 10 Best Remasters and Remakes of 2024

by

As a long-time gamer who’s seen the rise and fall of countless titles, I must say that this year has been absolutely incredible for video games! The three releases I’ve highlighted truly stand out from the crowd.

Refreshing an old game with either a remake or a remaster can breathe new life into a classic title. Remasters generally enhance the original game by improving graphics, music, and fixing minor issues, whereas remakes completely overhaul the gaming experience from its foundation, often incorporating fan-favorite elements. Some games, like the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, challenge these classifications because they also modify parts of the storyline. The boundaries between remaster and remake are becoming increasingly indistinct as developers continue to innovate. In essence, it’s always a joy to have additional games to enjoy, even when they are updated versions of beloved titles.

2024 stood out for the resurgence of numerous classic games, either through remastering or remaking, and it’s important to appreciate the remarkable job done in bringing them back in a fresh, invigorating manner. Here are ten notable examples, listed in no particular order, of the outstanding remakes and remasters released in 2024.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection

Check Out Ace Attorney Investigations Collection on OpenCritic

After the recent re-releases of the last two Ace Attorney series, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection was launched in September, delighting devoted fans of the franchise. This compilation not only resurrects the first spin-off title starring prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, but also makes the sequel available worldwide for the first time since its initial Japanese release. The games are presented with newly drawn assets, allowing players to switch back to sprites if they prefer, and offering additional features like an art gallery and a music collection. Fans who have longed to relive not just the first Investigations game but also the second one now have the opportunity to do so with this remastered collection.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Read Game Rant’s Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster Review

This revamped version, titled “Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster“, enhances the thrilling and comical journey of Frank West by upgrading visuals, revamping voice acting, and introducing fresh elements to rejuvenate your experience with “Dead Rising“. It caters to both novice and seasoned players, offering a revised control setup for newcomers to navigate the colossal and open Willamette Mall, while allowing veterans to opt for the original scheme for a more nostalgic yet polished adventure. In this thrilling saga, you have 72 hours to fend off zombies, traverse stores, save survivors, and eliminate psychopaths. New quick-forward features ensure that multiple playthroughs for specific tasks are engaging and less repetitive. The new “Deluxe Remaster” expands your choices significantly in this classic game, all while making it accessible for a new wave of gamers as well.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

Read Game Rant’s Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Review

Remade by the creators of “Triangle Strategy”, the updated version of “Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D” revisits the classic Erdrick trilogy, maintaining its original essence while offering a refreshed experience for players new and old. This revamped edition builds on the initial 30-hour journey, introducing a fresh vocation to explore and additional story elements that keep longtime fans engaged. Moreover, the addition of voice acting gives characters in “Dragon Quest 3” a more lifelike presence compared to previous versions, allowing the game’s diverse cultures to resonate more vividly.

The remastered Dragon Quest HD-2D version underscores the enduring strength of turn-based RPGs, all while marking a fresh start for the series. It’s stunning, it’s true to its roots, and it’s vast, leaving most Dragon Quest enthusiasts eager for more. The appeal of the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is further intensified by the upcoming release of the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake next year, promising to continue the narrative thread.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Read Game Rant’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review

In simpler terms, “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” continues the narrative started in the Remake Project, covering events from the start of the world to The Forgotten City. This suggests that the game will primarily focus on Barret, Cait Sith, Aerith, and briefly introduce Zack Fair. While the plot may not be as surprising as the ending of “Remake” suggested, “Rebirth” delivers by meticulously detailing every aspect of the journey, just like the series is known for. Many moments are expanded upon and enhanced – even a minor Chocobo chicks scene becomes a part where Cloud Jr joins the crew for a while. Essentially, “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” promises an unforgettable experience, both in terms of standard video games and what one would anticipate from a “Final Fantasy 7” remake.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

Read Game Rant’s Last of Us Part 2 Remastered Review

The remastered version of The Last of Us Part 2 on PS5 offers a fresh take on the cherished Naughty Dog game, enhancing immersion with DualSense technology. The “Lost Levels” and playable deleted scenes, complete with developer commentary, provide an exclusive look into the game’s creation process. Meanwhile, the “No Return” roguelike mode is a standout addition that adds depth to the overall experience. With its wealth of content, the remastered version ensures fans can savor this beloved story in its most definitive form.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered

Read Game Rant’s Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered Review

As a dedicated gamer, diving back into the world of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered feels like stepping foot in a cherished memory. It harks back to the essence that made the original games so captivating, stirring up fond memories and nostalgia while subtly enhancing the experience without overpowering it. The visual aesthetic remains unchanged but is refined to fit modern hardware, allowing me to immerse myself in the atmosphere just as I did 25 years ago. Among the numerous remasters out there, Soul Reaver 1&2 stands out as one of the most evocative, transporting me back to a bygone era of gaming with its immaculate environmental storytelling and ingenious level design. In today’s sea of releases, this remaster shines like a beacon, showcasing a remarkable ability to preserve the past while still offering a contemporary experience.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Check Out Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on OpenCritic

Against all predictions and anticipations, fans are now blessed with the dream version of “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” rerelease. The fresh iteration of “TTYD” on Nintendo Switch demonstrates the remarkable potential of a faithful remake, boasting updated visuals that elevate this version to be the ultimate edition. Moreover, it introduces entirely new character sprites, improved cinematic lighting, offers an all-new localization for English players, and rectifies long-standing issues. Essentially, everything fans could ever hope for is embodied in this remake, making it a shining gem amidst a fantastic year for gaming.

Persona 3 Reload

Read Game Rant’s Persona 3 Reload Review

Persona 3 was a groundbreaking game for the series when it initially launched, and now it’s back to elevate expectations for what a Persona remake should deliver, while simultaneously becoming Atlus’ fastest-selling game. Despite lacking the content from FES and Portable, Persona 3 Reload offers a substantial journey that will keep even longtime fans occupied for quite some time. It incorporates lessons learned by the franchise since the initial release of P3, particularly drawing from Persona 5. This results in a refreshed gameplay experience that feels like an entirely new adventure due to subtle adjustments inspired by Persona 5.

Over time, many players found disappointment in the aging of the original P3, as opportunities to play it decreased. Therefore, a remake that enhances its audio mixing, visuals, and offers new gameplay is an ideal solution. It’s amazing how this classic game can be preserved while also being modernized to fit today’s gaming trends, marking a triumphant comeback for Persona 3. Simultaneously, it demonstrates how a remake can significantly transform yet still maintain its original identity, providing a revitalized experience all at once.

Silent Hill 2

Read Game Rant’s Silent Hill 2 Review

As a gaming enthusiast, let me tell you, revisiting Silent Hill 2 was like stepping into a forgotten dream. Initially, I had my doubts when they announced a remake of this iconic horror game. But now that I’ve played Bloober Team’s version, it feels like a fresh breeze blowing through the eerie town. It not only introduces Silent Hill 2 to a new wave of gamers, but also cleverly enhances its survival horror elements in ways that make the experience even more thrilling.

In the remake, players will experience a larger, more authentic and immersive version of the familiar town, complete with brand-new structures to explore. The combat has been refined to include specific enemy patterns that must be understood to stay alive, while other features like secret messages hidden in TVs throughout the original game take it to chilling new depths. The return of Silent Hill 2 in this manner was quite unexpected for the year 2024.

Sonic X Shadow Generations

Read Game Rant’s Sonic X Shadow Generations Review

13 years following its initial launch, the remastered version of Sonic Generations, now known as Sonic X Shadow Generations, is back for fans. This package deal includes updated cutscene dialogue, new Chao to discover, and even a dedicated game for Sonic’s counterpart, Shadow, called Shadow Generations. The collection offers the time-traveling adventure loved by fans, featuring both titles with standalone value as individual purchases. However, they are combined to symbolize the shared journey of Sonic and Shadow, encompassing their collective experiences.

Upgrading from 30 FPS to 60 frames per second undeniably enhances the visual appeal of Sonic Generations, and the revamped Chaos Control mechanic in Shadow Generations adds a fresh spin to the gameplay formula that Generations is recognized for. The updated dialogue in Sonic’s narrative attempts to address the past criticisms regarding its minimal storyline, while Shadow Generations offers a satisfying resolution to the black hedgehog’s ongoing saga after nearly 25 years. Combining the experiences of Sonic X Shadow Generations, this remaster not only offers an exhilarating and distinct gaming experience, but also contributes significantly to making it one of the top platformers in 2024.

Read More

2024-12-16 18:24