5 Gaming Remakes That Are Far Better Than The Original

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As a gamer, I’ve seen so many of my old favorites get a second life! Games like Final Fantasy 7 and Halo: Combat Evolved have been remade, and Final Fantasy 7 even got a whole trilogy of remakes! It just proves how much we love revisiting those experiences. Nostalgia is a huge driver for these things – we see remastered collections and surprise sequels all the time. But the best remakes don’t just bring back the memories; they actually improve on the original, taking it to a level it could never reach before. It’s awesome when a remake truly elevates the source material.

Remakes often spark debate, particularly when updates unintentionally remove elements fans loved about the original game. A prime example is the PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls, a classic from the PS3 era. While the remake boasts improved graphics and gameplay, some players feel it loses the unique atmosphere of the original. This is a common concern with many games that are updated for newer consoles.

5. Resident Evil 1 Remake

Many consider the original Resident Evil remake to be a benchmark for how to successfully reimagine a classic game. While the first Resident Evil came out in 1996, it wasn’t until 2002, with a remaster for the Nintendo GameCube, that its full potential was realized. This remake didn’t just update the graphics; it refined nearly everything – from the sound and character appearances to the overall feeling of the game’s world.

For some longtime fans, this remake remains the best in the Resident Evil series, even surpassing the highly acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3. This remaster is often credited with initially boosting the franchise’s popularity, and it continues to sell well on today’s consoles. It still feels great to play, offering a polished take on the classic fixed camera angles and focus on horror that defined the early Resident Evil games, before the series shifted towards more action-oriented gameplay starting with Resident Evil 4.

4. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Platforming games often see the biggest improvements from remakes because their controls can feel clunky compared to newer games. That’s why the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is considered a major step forward for the series – the original games on older PlayStation consoles were often frustrating to play. Bringing the first three Crash Bandicoot games together in one package made them much easier to enjoy, and the updated controls and other improvements made the experience even better.

Beyond improved visuals, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy includes several additions like more frequent save points and new time trials, offering players more content than the original games. It expands on the beloved platforming experience, filling in gaps and making it even more enjoyable. While each game in the collection isn’t perfectly restored, the combination of classic gameplay and modern updates creates a consistently fun and rarely frustrating adventure.

3. Pokémon Heartgold & Soulsilver

Many Pokémon games have been successfully remade, like LeafGreen and FireRed which updated the very first games, and Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby from a later generation. However, HeartGold and SoulSilver are often considered the best remakes. They took everything the Pokémon series had learned over the years and brilliantly applied it to the original Game Boy games from Generation 2. As part of Generation 4, HeartGold and SoulSilver featured updated graphics similar to Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, which were already highly praised Pokémon games.

These remakes of the Johto region were made with obvious care and attention to detail, beautifully updating the original pixel art with a more modern 2D/3D style. New additions, like having your Pokémon visibly follow you, along with updated music, cutscenes, and a larger Pokédex, really enhance what some fans felt was the weakest region in the series. Plus, the game includes a return to the Kanto region, giving players a lot more content than they usually find in a Pokémon game.

2. Shadow of the Colossus (2018)

Many consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the greatest games of all time, largely due to its incredibly vast and beautiful world. The original game, released in 2005, was famous for its epic battles against gigantic creatures and its immersive exploration of a mysterious landscape. Almost 13 years later, the developers, Team Ico, remarkably surpassed expectations with a remake that’s even better than the original. This version of Shadow of the Colossus is a standout remake, boasting impressive graphics and performance.

The Shadow of the Colossus remaster is considered one of the best remakes of all time because it carefully improves upon the original game without changing what made it special. While the controls remain familiar, the game’s stunning world has been visually upgraded with realistic physics – from the way grass and water move to the lighting in each area. This also extends to the massive Colossus creatures, making the experience much more immersive than it was on the original hardware.

1. Metroid: Zero Mission

The first Metroid game definitely shows its age, with awkward controls and simple graphics. However, it was groundbreaking for its time and laid the foundation for popular games like Hollow Knight and Ori and the Blind Forest. Without a modern update like Metroid: Zero Mission, the original might have become too difficult and frustrating for players to enjoy, and could have been forgotten over time.

Metroid: Zero Mission is a fantastic refinement of the original Metroid, and many consider it one of the best 2D Metroid games ever made, alongside the remake, Samus Returns. This Game Boy Advance version improves nearly every aspect of the original, including the controls and the soundtrack, which has become a series highlight. The game also expands on the story and environments without feeling bloated, resulting in a focused and enjoyable experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

What really sets this remake apart is how much fun it is to play again and again. The quick movement and freedom to explore keep things fresh even after many playthroughs. This remake improves on the original by taking what was already good and making it even better – expanding and updating the experience in a way that feels truly next-level.

What remakes do you think surpassed the original games? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-05 02:11