5 Video Game Remasters That Are Worse Than The Originals

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As technology advances significantly every couple of years, remasters are created to safeguard classic works and introduce them to contemporary audiences. Yet, not all remastered game versions exceed their originals. On occasion, they accomplish the seemingly impossible: they worsen something that was previously exceptional.

Poor design decisions, absent features, or numerous bugs often lead to such issues. These problems not only annoy the enthusiasts but also tarnish beloved classics. Regrettably, this has occurred more frequently than we’d like in recent times, and this compilation focuses on the most egregious instances. Therefore, from lack of multiplayer options to design flaws, here are some remasters that surprisingly fell short compared to their predecessors.

1) Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition

In 2021, the updated version of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy titled “The Definitive Edition” hit the market. Its main intention was to modernize the classic games GTA 3, San Andreas, and Vice City for contemporary hardware. However, this Definitive Edition turned out to be one of the poorest remasters ever produced. On PC, the experience was almost unplayable due to numerous glitches. For instance, textures would suddenly appear or distort, lighting issues were prevalent, and non-player characters (NPCs) failed to act as intended. It seemed like a repeat of the infamous Cyberpunk 2077 version 1.0 launch.

It’s quite surprising that the remastered versions seemed to perform worse than the original ones. However, this was due to a specific reason. The development studio didn’t rebuild the entire games from scratch for the remasters. Instead, they based the remasters on the mobile game versions. Unfortunately, these mobile adaptations were not as powerful or robust as the PS2 originals in any aspect.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that the “Definitive Edition” carried over all the glitches from its mobile counterparts. To put it mildly, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy was riddled with problems. Although Rockstar subsequently rectified most of these issues through subsequent updates, the “Definitive Edition” will forever be associated with a botched remaster in popular memory.

2) Life is Strange Remastered

Narratives with an emotional touch, such as Life is Strange, are more captivating when accompanied by striking visuals. Enhanced facial expressions can intensify the influence of dialogues. Unfortunately, while Life is Strange Remastered did improve graphically, it introduced some inconsistencies. For instance, the game’s comic-like aesthetic was replaced with a realistic look, which seemed at odds with what made the original so popular. Additionally, the lighting in the remastered version was altered, making certain areas too dark and causing a significant loss of detail.

It’s clear that the optimization was subpar across all platforms, but it was particularly noticeable on the Nintendo Switch. The Switch version had prolonged loading times, pixelated textures, and lighting issues that shouldn’t have been present if the original game had been ported over instead. Reflecting back, the original Life is Strange still looks quite good today, with the only dated aspect being the facial animations. If you can overlook this, chances are you’ll conclude that the original version surpasses the remastered one in quality.

3) Silent Hill HD Collection

The “Silent Hill HD Collection” was essentially a revamped version of the second and third games in the series, but let’s be honest, “remastered” might not accurately describe it. Unfortunately, Konami misplaced the final versions’ source codes for both games. This predicament forced them to construct the remastered editions using earlier builds of “Silent Hill 2” and “3”. Consequently, numerous glitches and issues infiltrated the final version of the “Silent Hill HD Collection”.

Frequent frame rate issues, game freezes, and glitches plagued the HD Collection. However, what truly aggravated players was not just these technical problems but also the changes made to the game. The iconic fog that defines the atmosphere of the Silent Hill games was significantly diminished, even disappearing entirely in certain areas. This alteration not only distorted the original aesthetic but also eliminated the spooky ambiance, sparking widespread criticism among fans.

One significant flaw in the HD Collection was the use of new voice actors to re-record all dialogue. Some fans argued that these new performers failed to capture the emotional depth exhibited by the original cast, which tarnished the overall experience. Although the game boasted improved textures, it fell short in preserving its aesthetic charm. Add to this a slew of technical issues at launch, and the HD Collection quickly gained a reputation as a disappointingly poor remaster among fans.

4) Crysis Remastered Trilogy

Back in the day, the Crysis games were infamous for their high hardware demands. To put it into perspective, they ran similar to games with ray tracing technology, but this was in the early 2010s. Therefore, when the announcement of the Remastered Trilogy came about, concerns arose. Regrettably, those fears seemed well-founded once the Crysis Remastered Trilogy was released in stores.

In the remastered version of Crysis 1, there were problems with the lighting and textures didn’t appear correctly. There were also some reductions in quality, such as an oversaturated appearance and lack of mod support for the game. In the remastered versions of Crysis 2 and 3, the detail in environmental destruction wasn’t as pronounced as it was in the original games. Additionally, the vegetation was rendered at a different refresh rate which gave the scene a jerky appearance.

However, a significant disappointment for long-term series enthusiasts was the absence of multiplayer modes in the game. Although some may praise its enhanced or polished graphics, it’s fair to say that the Crysis Remastered Trilogy boasts superior visuals compared to the originals. Nevertheless, the lack of mod support and multiplayer features means there are still compelling reasons to continue playing the original games despite the passage of time.

5) Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

It’s hard to argue against the fact that the remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn, which came out in 2024, might not have been entirely necessary. The original game, launched as a PlayStation 4 exclusive in 2017, remains impressive even today. When news of its remaster broke, there was a divided response among gamers. Some felt that a simple upgrade to the resolution for the PlayStation 5 would have sufficed instead of a full remaster. However, it’s now available for those who want an enhanced experience.

In terms of the remaster’s quality, opinions can vary. Without a doubt, the remaster enhances details across all elements, including machines and character models. However, it also brings some changes. The lighting is now brighter, giving the remaster a more vibrant look compared to the original’s somber tone. As with any remaster, issues not found in the original version have seemingly been introduced.

What stands out most is Aloy’s character model always being clipped. Conversely, the water effects and textures didn’t show any enhancement and might even appear worse. The contrast between the original and remastered versions of Horizon Zero Dawn is as stark as night and day. In essence, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers a mix of pros and cons. For those who appreciate intricate details, the remaster is definitely the choice. However, for those who admired the original for its somber visuals, they might view the remaster as a significant letdown.

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2025-07-25 22:42