10 Games That Prove Video Game Graphics Have Come a Long Way

Man, I’ve been gaming for years, and it’s crazy to look back at how far graphics have come! We used to be amazed by simple pixel art, but now the new consoles and PCs are letting developers create these unbelievably realistic worlds. It really shows how much gaming hardware has improved over time, bringing these amazing titles to life.

We considered several games released since 2020, but we realized that revisiting older titles with updated graphics would best highlight how far video game visuals have come. So, let’s take a look at some games that really showcase the evolution of graphics over the years.

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

We were very pleased with Konami’s choice to update the classic Naked Snake game. Although the original had a certain appeal, its graphics hadn’t held up well over time, so the makeover was welcome.

The remake significantly improved the game’s visuals. Characters like Naked Snake looked better than ever thanks to updated models, and the game world was beautifully rendered, creating a truly immersive experience that kept us captivated throughout.

This example perfectly illustrated our point, and it was a wonderful way to revisit cherished memories.

2. Resident Evil 2

I was already really enjoying this remake, it was a fantastic way to experience the classic game. But when they added the current-gen upgrades? Wow. It totally blew me away! Seeing Leon and Claire trying to escape Raccoon City with those improved graphics and sharper resolution made everything feel both brand new and wonderfully nostalgic. It’s like rediscovering a favorite game, but even better!

The game’s beautiful graphics perfectly complemented its nostalgic feel, making the experience especially impactful. It wasn’t afraid to push visual boundaries, and remains a standout example of modern gaming graphics.

3. Silent Hill 2

Bloober Team really succeeded with this game. It’s a fantastic remake that improves upon the original in every way, especially with its stunning new graphics.

Okay, so I was playing as James, and honestly, the atmosphere was intense. The game just felt… evil, like the air itself was messed up. And the graphics? Seriously amazing. They’ve really pushed things forward, making a game I’ve played a million times feel brand new. It’s cool to see something familiar looking so realistic.

Silent Hill 2 still looks fantastic, and even benefits from modern graphical updates, making an already excellent game even better.

4. Shadow of the Colossus

Let’s be honest, we were a little worried about revisiting this PS4 remake from 2018. It’s hard to forget how frustrating the original game could be, especially since it wasn’t very straightforward. We remember feeling a lot of despair and frustration when battling each of the massive colossi, particularly because we were quite young when we first played it.

Honestly, Bluepoint did an amazing job with the graphics – it totally breathed new life into the game. I quickly fell back into the swing of things, and my old instincts kicked in during every boss fight. It’s no surprise this remake sold way more copies than the original – about 70% more, in fact! I think Bluepoint really learned a lot while working on this one, which definitely helped them make Demon’s Souls as incredible as it is.

5. Dead Space

Despite EA’s disappointment with the 2023 remake’s sales, completely rebuilding the game and using the Frostbite Engine was a good decision. The improved dynamic lighting and incredibly fast loading speeds made Isaac’s battle against the Necromorphs – and his inner demons – feel more immersive and captivating than ever before.

The levels now flow smoothly into each other and are incredibly detailed – something the original game couldn’t achieve with the technology available at the time. Now, Dead Space sets a new standard for remakes, fully utilizing modern technology to deliver a truly fresh experience.

6. Final Fantasy 7

The remake and its expanded version dramatically changed the original game, making Midgar feel completely fresh. Cloud Strife’s journey is now even more enjoyable with a tighter story and a much-improved combat system. Modern consoles and hardware allow for smooth gameplay and stunning visuals, enhancing the overall experience.

Honestly, playing this game felt like revisiting a classic, but it wasn’t just a simple remake. They really went the extra mile, and you can tell modern tech allowed them to do so much more than just update the graphics. It genuinely felt like a fresh experience built on something I already loved.

7. Mafia: Definitive Edition

The Mafia series is known for its movie-like style, but the original game was restricted by the PlayStation 2’s capabilities. Now, after two console updates, revisiting Tommy Angelo’s story of climbing the ranks of the Salieri crime family is a visually stunning and enjoyable experience – it’s easy to forget what the first game was like.

Hangar 13 successfully rebuilt the original Mafia from scratch, making it an excellent starting point for new players. Modern technology allowed for significant graphical enhancements, breathing new life into the classic game.

8. System Shock 1

It’s interesting to consider what Nightdive Studios saw in the original 1994 game that led them to remake it, especially since it’s been so long since its release and many modern gamers may not be familiar with it.

Your efforts to defeat the evil AI, SHODAN, are even more impactful thanks to a recent remake that surprisingly resonates with today’s world. This makes System Shock a game that was visionary for its time, and the updated graphics and improvements make it even better. The seven-year development process was clearly a success.

9. Yakuza Kiwami 2

This game truly lives up to the “Kiwami” in its name – a Japanese term meaning “ultimate.” Comparing the original and current versions really shows how far video game graphics have come.

This game rightfully won awards. It’s a fantastic remake of the original, with significantly improved graphics that make the experience much more immersive. Playing as Kazuma Kiryu is even better, and the new chapter focusing on Goro Majima is a great addition.

10. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

The original Crash Bandicoot games were vibrant, appealing, and full of personality. The N. Sane Trilogy built on that foundation with a stunning visual update, staying true to the core gameplay of all three titles. This careful remake really makes it special compared to other updated games.

The game received a significant visual upgrade with high-resolution textures, realistic lighting, and extended viewing distances, breathing new life into the original trilogy. Adding Coco Bandicoot as a playable character was a fantastic bonus. The improvements were so impressive – truly ‘N.Sane’ – that they really highlighted the dedication and hard work put into the remake.

That concludes our look at games that significantly improved graphics, demonstrating how much the gaming world has advanced. These improvements have made gaming experiences more immersive and realistic year after year.

2026-01-08 14:48