Ever revisit a game you loved as a kid only to find it doesn’t hold up as well as you remembered? That’s where modern remakes come in. We’re seeing a lot of developers lovingly recreate classic games with updated graphics and gameplay for today’s consoles. And these aren’t just simple touch-ups – they’re full-scale revamps, with improved controls, better accessibility, and quality-of-life features that make these older titles feel brand new.
This year has a great selection of remakes and remasters for everyone! Whether you want to share classic games with a new generation, revisit your childhood favorites with improved gameplay, or simply avoid the hassle of finding old consoles, there’s something here for you.
2025’s Must-Play Remakes
Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater
$32.46 | SHOP AT AMAZON
If you’ve never played Hideo Kojima’s classic stealth game, or if you found the original difficult to control due to its camera, now’s the perfect time to try it. Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater has been completely remade with a modern, over-the-shoulder camera, allowing you to fully enjoy the game’s detailed environments without struggling with the old, fixed camera angles.
This remake stands out because it perfectly captures the quirky spirit of the original – including the unforgettable ladder scene, which is still fantastic. It also updates the stealth gameplay to feel as fluid and modern as Metal Gear Solid V. Both newcomers and longtime fans will appreciate this: new players can easily experience a classic story, and veterans can enjoy the jungle missions without struggling against clunky controls.
As a big fan, I’m happy to say you can easily find this everywhere! Both Amazon and Walmart have it, and you can get it as a physical copy or digitally – whatever you prefer.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
Square Enix has delivered what fans have long requested: a complete remake of Final Fantasy Tactics. This new version features a modern user interface and full voice acting. If you’ve been interested in trying tactical Japanese role-playing games but were put off by the original’s complex menus, this remake makes it easier than ever to experience a classic and highly-regarded story.
The world of Ivalice feels more immersive thanks to voice acting, and adjustable difficulty levels let you enjoy the story at your own pace. Longtime strategy game fans will still find plenty of depth in the job system and challenging battles, while new players can ease into the game without being overwhelmed.
Steam and console versions are widely available through major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
Building on the huge popularity of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remake, Vicarious Visions (now a part of Blizzard) has created another fantastic revival of a classic game. They’ve added new stages, more playable characters, and modern improvements that make it feel both familiar and fresh.
The game feels incredibly realistic and fun – it perfectly blends believable skateboarding with over-the-top video game action, just like the original games. Whether you’re aiming for the highest score or just enjoying the classic levels with a fantastic updated soundtrack, this remake truly captures what made the Tony Hawk games so popular.
You can find it on all devices, and the price is the same at most major stores like Amazon and Walmart. Even if you ignore everything else, the music makes it a great value.
2026’s Most Anticipated
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
Square Enix is completely rebuilding one of the most expansive games in the Dragon Quest series. The remake of Dragon Quest VII will update its complex time-travel story and huge world with modern combat and a smoother gameplay experience, making it easier for today’s players to enjoy this classic adventure.
As a huge fan, I’m already seeing a ton of excitement for this! It’s great that Amazon, Walmart, and other big stores are promising to match the lowest price if you preorder – that definitely makes me want to jump in now!
Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake
The partnership between Rockstar and Remedy to recreate the original Max Payne games is very promising. The series is known for its distinctive slow-motion action and gritty stories, and updating those with modern graphics and improved controls could be amazing.
This remake is looking like a major release for 2026, and we might see lots of opportunities to preorder, including some special limited editions. Hopefully, that turns out to be the case!
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake
Okay, so everyone’s been talking about a Knights of the Old Republic remake, and honestly, I’m hyped! KOTOR is already one of the best RPGs ever made, and the idea of getting that amazing story and character creation with today’s graphics and gameplay? That would be incredible. I’m really hoping it lives up to the buzz.
Even though we don’t know exactly when it will be released—especially with the recent announcement of a new KOTOR game, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic—many people will still want to buy this game.
Other Remakes Worth Your Time
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Nintendo has handled this remake with impressive care and good judgment. Rather than drastically changing the look of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, they’ve gently improved the paper-based art style, making it more vibrant while preserving the original game’s unique appeal. The classic turn-based battles are still fun, and the game’s already hilarious writing remains just as funny today.
This game is perfectly suited for playing on the go, with humor that really hits the mark and RPG elements that are engaging without being too complicated. If you never played this classic GameCube title, or want a convenient way to enjoy it, this Switch version is the best way to do so – you can find it at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.
Shadow of the Colossus
Bluepoint Games beautifully rebuilt Team Ico’s classic, creating one of the most visually impressive games on PlayStation. Each battle in Shadow of the Colossus feels like a grand puzzle, and the improved graphics make the colossal creatures feel incredibly large and realistic.
When it first came out in 2005, this game offered a uniquely immersive experience thanks to its simple story and beautifully crafted world. It’s more like an interactive work of art than a typical video game, and this remake improves the technology, making it enjoyable for players who may have struggled with the older version’s technical issues.
You can often find Shadow of the Colossus on sale at Amazon and Walmart, making it a great game to own for any PlayStation player.
Final Fantasy VII Remake & Rebirth
Square Enix is remaking Final Fantasy VII in stages, and the result is truly remarkable. This reimagining not only updates the gameplay with modern features but also expands on the original story and adds more depth to the characters. The combat system is a great blend of fast-paced action and thoughtful strategy, and the characters feel more fully developed than before.
Now is a great time to start watching this series, with the third installment coming soon! It consistently looks and feels high-quality, and the story keeps even dedicated fans guessing.
You can find these games on most platforms at popular stores, and buying them in bundles is often a great way to save money.
Making Smart Remake Purchases
Great remakes don’t just update the graphics; they significantly improve how the game feels to play, adding features that make older games more enjoyable for modern audiences. Sometimes, these remakes can even surpass entirely new, high-budget games because they take well-established, successful game designs and enhance them with current technology.
We’re still seeing a lot of remakes, and that’s great! Whether you’re experiencing beloved stories for the first time or rediscovering old favorites, the next couple of years promise a wonderful range of updated classics. They might just become your new favorite type of entertainment!
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2025-12-18 06:42