Top 8 PlayStation Remakes & Remasters That Redefine Gaming Classics

Summary

Sony’s PlayStation brand revitalizes older IPs through modern remakes, appealing to nostalgic players.
PlayStation 2 games like Ratchet & Clank and Sly Cooper got HD remasters, preserving classic titles for new audiences.
Remakes like Gravity Rush Remastered and LocoRoco Remastered breathe new life into forgotten franchises with updated visuals.

Over the past 30 years, Sony’s PlayStation brand has frequently revisited its extensive library of games to offer modern playing options for classic experiences. As technology evolves between different console generations, some original titles from a series may become obsolete or significantly change if a remaster or remake is influenced by advancements in technology.

Over a consistent rhythm, PlayStation has consistently strengthened its stream of releases by frequently revisiting some of the most respected series in the gaming industry, ranging from anthology collections that span multiple genres to complete overhauls of iconic titles.

8. PS3’s Classic HD Collections

Bringing Some PlayStation 2 Greats Into HD For The First Time

Examples of HD Collections: Ico & Shadow of the Colossus, The Sly Collection, Ratchet & Clank Collection, Killzone Trilogy, Jak & Daxter Collection

During the transition from the sixth to seventh generation of gaming consoles, where there was a push towards high-definition games, the newly launched PlayStation 3, by Sony, introduced many of its franchises from the PlayStation 2 era into the high-definition (HD) era. Although most current PlayStation players can play remastered versions of these titles in the ‘Collection’ series, thanks to the Classic Catalogue offerings on PlayStation Plus, Sony has not worked on these properties for quite some time.

Although the PlayStation 2 was primarily known for third-person action-platformers like Jak & Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, and Sly, Sony also revamped many of its lesser-known games in high definition (HD) for the PlayStation 3. For instance, the God of War series, which had been struggling, was rejuvenated, along with Team Ico’s pre-The Last Guardian titles. These HD collections allowed Sony to give a fresh lease of life to its IPs from the previous generation.

7. Ratchet & Clank (2016)

A Movie Tie-In With Ramifications Across The Property

Regardless of the 2016 version of “Ratchet & Clank” being a blend of the 2002 PlayStation 2 game and the Kevin Munroe-directed movie made during its creation, the PlayStation 4 game was highly praised for successfully recapturing the fun of the original game with stunning graphics.

Though not highly praised by critics compared to the related title, the 2016 reboot of Ratchet & Clank introduced significant changes in mechanics and story that appeared to reignite the fanbase. This revamp also served as an introduction for a new crop of PlayStation gamers to one of Sony’s most acclaimed platforming series. As a result, Ratchet & Clank (2016) paved the way for its adored PlayStation 5 debut title, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, during the system’s initial release window.

Rift Apart, which was released at the console’s launch.

6. LocoRoco & LocoRoco 2 Remastered

The Core Two Entries Of The PlayStation Portable Series Are Brought To Console

Although the PlayStation Portable, Sony’s popular handheld gaming device, has seen numerous games added to its library, the puzzle-platforming franchise LocoRoco by Tsutomu Kouno may have been overshadowed by older technology from Sony. However, with a themed stage in Team Asobi’s 2024 action-platformer Astro Bot and PlayStation 4 remasters of the two main games, the series is arguably easier to play now than ever before.

Stepping into the world of PlayStation 4 in stunning 4K graphics, I found myself immersed in the refreshed versions of two beloved LocoRoco games – LocoRoco Remastered and LocoRoco 2 Remastered. These titles, originally from Sony’s creative stable, were on the verge of being lost to time. However, their return not only rekindled my love for these unique gaming experiences but also served as a significant step forward in preserving the rich heritage of our video game industry. The original quality shines through in these remasters, and the updated visuals of the 2017 releases make them truly special.

5. MediEvil (2019)

A Keen-Eyed Middle Ground Between Remastered Visuals & Remade Assets

Initially, it was believed that the 2019 release of MediEvil was simply a remastered version of the 1998 PlayStation action-platformer for PlayStation 4. However, due to its status as a remake, the original game served more as a foundation than a blueprint for the game’s development, effectively breathing new life into one of the PS1’s best games.

As I dived back into the gritty world of MediEvil in 2019, Other Ocean Interactive skillfully blended loyalty to the classic version with a fresh take on its environments and controls. It was like stepping into familiar boots, yet feeling the modern touch beneath my feet. Many of the original talent were back, lending their voices and music, ensuring that the game’s distinctive spirit remained intact despite its complete overhaul.

4. Gravity Rush Remastered

A Remaster That Brought The IP To Consoles & Spurred On A Sequel

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but admire Bluepoint Games for their exceptional work on the 2015 remaster of Gravity Rush. This masterpiece didn’t just enhance its visuals with high-definition glory, but it also made the previously PlayStation Vita-exclusive game accessible on the PlayStation 4 by compiling all its additional content.

Despite the intricate world and innovative combat system in Japan Studio’s original 2012 release, which was designed for exploration, it seemed that weak sales on Sony’s second handheld device prompted those in charge to port the critically-acclaimed action-adventure game to Sony’s primary home console. Not only did Gravity Rush Remastered offer enhanced gameplay and graphics, but it also served as a victory for video game preservation efforts and made the unique title more accessible to a wider audience – likely contributing to the creation and launch of its 2017 console sequel, Gravity Rush 2.

3. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

The Second Part Of Square Enix’s Acclaimed Final Fantasy 7 Remake Trilogy

Despite standing independently within the celebrated JRPG series, the PlayStation game Final Fantasy 7, developed by Square, is part of a proposed trilogy of remakes. While the 2020’s Final Fantasy 7 Remake kicked off this extended development phase and focused on the party’s adventures in Midgar’s cyberpunk setting, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth refined both mechanics and presentation from its precursor and revisited some of the most memorable moments from the 1997 original.

In the semi-open world of Gaia, Cloud and his companions are navigated by us as we play Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This new installment builds upon the storytelling and mechanical triumphs of the 2020 remake, all while revisiting some of the original game’s most poignant emotional moments and intense battle sequences.

2. Shadow Of The Colossus (2018)

Bluepoint Studios’ Second Run At Japan Studios’ Revered PS2-Era IP

For numerous gamers who have enjoyed the “Shadow of the Colossus” franchise, their interaction with the PlayStation 2-introduced puzzle-adventure game might primarily be due to the efforts of Bluepoint Games based in Texas.

Despite Japan Studio’s 2005 version serving as a foundation for all Bluepoint Games’ adaptations, their work on the 2011 HD Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection and, most notably, the 2018 Shadow of the Colossus remake has received widespread acclaim. This latest iteration, specifically designed for PlayStation 4 and leveraging the 4K capabilities of Sony’s latest generation hardware, not only refreshes the original game but adds various new modes and collectibles to the already enhanced and celebrated experience.

1. Demon’s Souls (2020)

A PlayStation 5 Launch Title That Continues The Soulsborne Legacy

In recent years, there has been an abundance of games in the “Souls”-like genre, yet the 2020 remake of the initial game in the series not only boosted the launch of the PlayStation 5 but served as a gateway for newcomers to this genre. Moreover, Bluepoint Games’ 2020 remaster of FromSoftware’s 2009 original “Demon’s Souls” did more than just upgrade the game’s mechanics; it refined them and improved the visuals to demonstrate the power of the PlayStation 5.

Although much of the style and mood from the original FromSoftware game were carried over to the 2020 remake, Bluepoint Games’ version of Demon’s Souls developed a distinct identity for itself by producing fresh assets, level designs, and music, setting it apart from its celebrated predecessor.

2025-02-27 22:12