Top 8 Bluepoint Games That Redefined Classic Gaming!

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Summary

  • Bluepoint Games remastered various classic Sony titles, leading to significant success.
  • The studio began with a unique title, Blast Factor, before tackling iconic games like God of War.
  • Collaborations with original developers and improved hardware resulted in impressive remakes like Shadow of the Colossus.

Bluepoint Games is well-known for creating exceptional remakes of famous Sony games from scratch, but its roots go deeper. Over the years, this Texas studio has demonstrated its skill in enhancing numerous classic game series. While they also show creativity in using other companies’ intellectual properties, it appears that after being acquired by Sony, Bluepoint has become a significant piece in Sony’s modern strategies for the PlayStation brand.

Over time, Bluepoint Games Inc. has built a reputation of trust with both gamers and Sony, consistently delivering high-quality remakes of iconic franchises at console launches, as well as polished remastered collections on the seventh generation of Sony’s consoles.

8. Blast Factor

A Unique Neon-Tinged Shooter Exclusive To The PlayStation Network

It’s striking to reflect on how Bluepoint Games, a studio now synonymous with some of PlayStation’s most memorable titles, had rather unassuming origins. Starting as a Texas-based team in 2006, their first project was the indie-style twin-stick shooter, Blast Factor, which might come as a surprise given their current status.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can attest to the fact that Blast Factor, one of Sony’s exclusive titles on the PlayStation Network, stands out with its vibrant neon design and top-notch single and multiplayer modes. While it may not have revolutionized the gaming world, it certainly is a commendable endeavor from Bluepoint Games, a studio renowned for remakes and remasters. Although it received mixed reviews, and remains their sole unique title in their nearly two decades of work, its impact and modest size make it a remarkable digital-only release on the PlayStation 3.

7. God Of War Collection

A Concise HD Touch-Up Of A Generation-Defining Hack & Slash

Strengthening the game libraries of hack-and-slash enthusiasts on PlayStation 3 ahead of the 2010 launch of God of War 3, Bluepoint Games remastered the high-definition versions of both God of War and God of War 2. This was done before Sony Santa Monica’s final chapter in the “fury-driven trilogy” made its debut.

To begin the series of Sony’s Classics HD lineup for PlayStation 3, the God of War Collection, released in 2009, was the initial venture by Bluepoint Games into remastering classic games for modern hardware. By leveraging the enhanced graphical capabilities of Sony’s seventh-generation console, this collection allowed players to experience the first installments of the God of War series in 720p at a smooth 60 frames per second for the very first time on their screens.

6. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

Bluepoint’s Visual & Gameplay Remaster Of The Uncharted Trilogy

Previously known for enhancing classic games like the God of War Collection and Ico & Shadow of the Colossus on PlayStation 3, Bluepoint Games faced a new challenge when they tackled the upgrade capabilities of the PlayStation 4 in the Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection project.

Initially, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection was warmly welcomed due to its enhanced textures, superior lighting, and revamped trophy system in the remodeled versions of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. However, this collection faced some criticism for excluding the multiplayer content from its gameplay. Developed in collaboration with original creators Naughty Dog, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection marks the debut of Nathan Drake on eighth-generation hardware by upgrading its PlayStation 3 foundation with graphical effects and enhancements that couldn’t be achieved on the original hardware.

5. Ico & Shadow Of The Colossus Collection

A Respectful HD Re-Release Of Japan Studio’s Classic PS2 Titles

Despite the impressive work by Bluepoint Games in remastering these titles, it’s evident that they approached the iconic games with great respect and diligence, as evidenced by the fact that they didn’t significantly change any of the original game mechanics.

In collaboration with the original developer of both games, Japan Studio, a 2011 remaster of classic PlayStation 2 games was released for Sony’s modern seventh-generation hardware. This update included high-definition textures, 3D capabilities, and support for 7.1 surround sound, enhancing the originals without fundamentally changing them. With The Last Guardian not set to be released until 2016, PlayStation gamers had the chance to enjoy Japan Studio’s celebrated titles as a prelude to that time.

4. Gravity Rush Remastered

A Franchise-Defining Remastered Re-Release From Portable To Home Console

Despite enhanced performance, presentation, and gameplay thanks to Bluepoint Games’ remastering expertise in Gravity Rush Remastered, its impact within the series still stands strong but unyielding.

Due to Bluepoint Games remastering and re-releasing the original PlayStation Vita exclusive “Gravity Rush” on Sony’s eighth-generation console in 2015, more players were able to enjoy this captivating tale that combines fun and self-discovery. The improved lighting and draw distances compared to the handheld version, along with using the same graphics engine as its sequel, make “Gravity Rush Remastered” the ideal way to experience one of Sony’s most distinctive games in recent times.

3. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

A Collaborative Effort To Bring The Action-Stealth Franchise To More Players

Despite Bluepoint Games primarily focusing on remasters and reimaginings of Sony first-party properties, their collaboration on the 2012 launch of the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is a notable exception. This collection, which includes seven action-stealth titles, spans from the series’ roots in 1987 home computers to its 2010 portable edition. However, Bluepoint’s main contribution was centered around remastering the popular PlayStation 2 entries of the Metal Gear Solid franchise.

The 2012 re-release of games like Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and their expanded versions received high praise from critics when they were remastered. By leveraging the power of seventh-generation consoles to display Hideo Kojima’s masterpieces in 720p at a smooth 60 frames-per-second, the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection features modern trophy and achievement systems as well as additional enhancements. This remastering project stands out as exceptional and serves as the foundation for further high-definition ports within the series.

2. Shadow Of The Colossus (2018)

Bluepoint’s First Merging Of Original & HD Classic Content

Although Bluepoint Games is skilled at porting classic games onto modern systems, they have recently achieved success by shifting their focus towards blending their original ideas with accurate recreations of past releases.

In 2018, Bluepoint Games revisited the PlayStation 4 with their remake of the 2005 classic “Shadow of the Colossus.” This wasn’t just a return to an IP they had previously worked on with the critically acclaimed “The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection,” but a complete overhaul of the game, tailored for the advanced hardware and modern standards of the eighth console generation. They incorporated 4K assets that truly shine on the PlayStation 4 Pro, and refined both the control and camera mechanics from the original. The 2018 version of “Shadow of the Colossus” is essentially a tribute to Bluepoint Games’ past projects as well as the groundbreaking original game itself.

1. Demon’s Souls (2020)

A Front-And-Center Remake As A Launch Title For Sony’s PlayStation 5 System

Despite the trend in the industry suggesting that unique software may not significantly boost console hardware sales as much as before, Sony appears to continue focusing on offering distinctive gaming experiences through its PlayStation 5 system. The arrival of Sony’s latest ninth-generation hardware in 2020 was accompanied by a strong lineup of launch titles, aiming to set it apart from the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series consoles. Among these standout games is Bluepoint Games’ complete remake of the genre-defining classic, Demon’s Souls, developed from scratch.

Behind the scenes, Japan Studio played a significant role in developing Demon’s Souls, resulting in an enhanced version of the 2009 original that stays true to its spirit while receiving substantial upgrades. The game takes advantage of the advanced technology found within the PlayStation 5 console, offering 4K textures and smooth frame rates ranging from 30 to 60 frames per second. In addition, a fresh set of musical scores and voice lines have been recorded for this remake. For contemporary players seeking the definitive experience with the PlayStation classic, Demon’s Souls in 2020 could be considered the perfect choice.

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2025-03-09 05:35