Top 10 Best Video Game Remakes of All Time, Ranked

Video game remakes have become a major trend across the industry in recent years. It’s easy to see why, of course, as they tug on the nostalgia strings of players and improve their beloved favorites with modern systems and graphics. Not all are built equal, though. Here, we take a look at what we consider the 10 best video game remakes of all time.

10) Shadow of the Colossus

Considered one of the finest visual upgrades in gaming history, the Shadow of the Colossus remake delivers breathtaking graphics and environments. With the added 4K options, players can truly appreciate the magnificence of this epic adventure.

There’s definitely a wonderful ambiance to the game which is brought to life with the higher graphical fidelity of the remake. While it’s true Shadow of the Colossus still feels its age at times, there’s something rather special about the way it plays and looks. We simply had to include it on our list.

9) Crash Bandicoot N’Sane Trilogy

PlayStation has brought many of its iconic mascot-led franchises back to life in recent years, but none tugs on the nostalgia strings like The Crash Bandicoot N’Sane Trilogy. The remake revitalizes the beloved platforming franchise with rebuilt gameplay, stunning tropical visuals, remastered music, and new voice acting. It’s a trip down memory lane that feels better than ever and is genuinely one of the best platforming experiences ever made.

8) Metroid: Samus Returns

Samus Returns brings the iconic Metroid series to the forefront with enhanced visuals and impactful combat changes. The addition of free aim and a melee counterattack adds depth to the gameplay, making it a definitive experience. Fans of the series will be looking forward to Metroid’s big return in the coming years, but Samus Returns is a high watermark that will be tough to beat.

7) Half-Life Black Mesa

Black Mesa started as a simple engine upgrade for Half-Life and evolved into a remarkable standalone game. With talented developers behind it, this remake offers a fresh take on the iconic shooter, demonstrating the team’s dedication and creativity. This is a passion project that ultimately proved among the best video game remakes of all time, and it’s arguably the best Half-Life game of all time. Given the caliber of the series in question, that’s saying quite something, indeed!

6) The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

The remake of Link’s Awakening for the Nintendo Switch showcases the timeless charm of the original Game Boy adventure. With dazzling visuals and enhancements, it transports players into a surreal and engaging world.

The attention to detail in the remake is nothing short of extraordinary. Every inch of the game world is meticulously crafted, from the lush forests and serene beaches to the bustling towns and treacherous dungeons. Each location is brimming with personality and character, creating a truly immersive and enchanting atmosphere.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the remake is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously feeling fresh and contemporary. It successfully captures the magic and wonder that made the original so beloved, while introducing new elements that cater to modern gaming sensibilities. This delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the present is what truly makes the remake a remarkable achievement.

Unfortunately, according to Nintendo’s latest comments on the matter, the publisher isn’t really thinking about the legacy of its older games moving forward. The modern design of games like Tears of the Kingdom represent the future of the series.

5) Dead Space

Already one of the best survival horror experiences ever made, the Dead Space remake hones its gameplay and presentation to take the adventure to new heights. The dark, cold of space is even more terrifying, and hacking the limbs off Necromorphs has never felt so good. The Dead Space remake offers a fresh take on the acclaimed survival horror game. With improved visuals, new side missions, enhanced mechanics, and reworked set pieces, it brings an even more immersive and chilling experience. It absolutely has to go on our list of the best video game remakes of all time.

4) Final Fantasy VII Remake

This modern retelling of an iconic JRPG feels very different from the original, and yet it still manages to weave in nods to the 1997 classic. Final Fantasy VII Remake is arguably the best game in the modern era of the franchise. The directors have introduced new story elements that both expand and change the story in new and interesting ways, but it’s all been done tastefully. We can’t wait to see where Square Enix takes the franchise moving forward as we eagerly await its next chapter.

So impressed are we with Final Fantasy VII Remake that it squeezes inside the top 5.

3) Ratchet & Clank

Blending elements from across the series, the “re-imagined” Ratchet and Clank gives players a fresh take on the beloved characters and story. Clever writing and superb cutscene direction produce some genuinely hilarious moments that rival Pixar in quality.

Generally speaking, the Ratchet & Clank remake captures the spirit of the original while offering new and exciting gameplay experiences. It’s arguably the best platforming experience ever made, and certainly the best to have graced a PlayStation console.

2) Demon’s Souls

The Demon’s Souls remake stands as a testament to the power of next-gen technology. With stunning graphical enhancements, this remake preserves the core gameplay while immersing players in a visually breathtaking world.

While it’s fair to say there aren’t too many changes to the core gameplay beyond balance changes and a few new items, it wasn’t as if it were necessary. What you have here with the Demon’s Souls remake is the definitive edition of an absolute masterpiece.

1) Resident Evil 2

Quite simply, Resident Evil 2 stands tall as the pinnacle of video game remakes, surpassing all expectations with its exceptional execution. Paying homage to its iconic predecessor, this masterpiece expertly captures the heart-stopping horror that made the original game a legend, while seamlessly incorporating a groundbreaking over-the-shoulder combat system that breathes new life into the franchise.

From the moment you step foot into the twisted labyrinth of Raccoon City, you are immediately immersed in a world teeming with dread and despair. Every meticulously crafted detail, from the hauntingly atmospheric environments to the grotesque creatures that lurk around every corner, serves as a chilling reminder that survival is far from guaranteed. The game’s commitment to recreating the spine-tingling tension of the original is truly commendable, leaving players on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the nightmarish streets and claustrophobic corridors.

Yet, it is not merely the faithful recreation of its predecessor that sets Resident Evil 2 apart. Introducing a modernized combat system, the game enhances the already visceral experience, granting players unparalleled control over their every move. The over-the-shoulder perspective not only adds a newfound level of immersion but also allows for precise aiming and strategic decision-making, intensifying the already nerve-wracking encounters with the hordes of undead and other monstrous abominations. This revitalization breathes fresh life into the classic formula, striking a perfect balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.

Resident Evil 2 not only respects the legacy of its predecessor but revitalizes it in a way that will leave fans old and new enthralled.