In recent years, video game remakes have truly exploded in popularity. Almost every year, a major remake arrives, aiming to reignite fond memories for long-time fans and introduce classic masterpieces to a new generation. While some might argue about games dwelling in the past, there’s no denying the sheer excitement of seeing our cherished old favorites reimagined with stunning modern flair. Remember when Cloud from Final Fantasy 7 was just a cluster of purple polygons? Now, he’s a bona fide supermodel. (Don’t worry, the iconic spikes are still intact!)
But what truly defines an excellent remake? That’s a question that gets harder to answer with each passing year. It used to be enough for a remake to simply boost graphics. However, as the gaming industry evolves, so do player expectations and gameplay mechanics, leading to a transformation in what remakes offer. Today, a successful remake provides a fresh experience for both veteran players and newcomers, breathing new life into decades-old concepts. The finest remakes achieve a delicate balance: they faithfully recreate the essence of the original while boldly introducing exciting new elements. Sometimes, this means the game plays exactly as you remembered it, now unburdened by past hardware limits. Other times, it’s a radical reimagining that presents an an alternative vision of the original’s core concept.
With these thoughts in mind, let’s dive into the ultimate showcase of video game remakes. We’ve handpicked 15 standout examples, not just for their overall brilliance, but for how each project successfully elevated its upgraded ambitions and delivered fresh perspectives on timeless classics.
15. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS, releasing on March 14, 2010 (NA).
While only the second mainline entry in the incredibly popular Pokemon series, Pokemon Gold and Silver stood out by letting players explore two distinct regions and earn a remarkable 16 badges – double the usual amount. This meant tackling twice the “end-game” challenges, capturing two sets of Legendary Pokemon, and defeating 16 gym leaders. The Nintendo DS remakes beautifully enhance this expansive journey, bringing it to life with vibrant color, improved music, a streamlined user interface, and Wi-Fi features, all leveraging the console’s superior hardware. Plus, new content like the National Dex (expanding the Pokemon roster from 251 to 493), the challenging Battle Frontier, and the beloved Pokeathlon mini-games offer even more to discover.
Crucially, HeartGold and SoulSilver introduced the innovative Pokewalker, a precursor to modern location-based gaming, allowing players to level up their favorite Pokemon by walking in the real world (or by cleverly shaking the device!). These remakes truly invigorated the classic adventure, offering fun, challenging additions that captivated both new and returning fans.
14. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Developed by Grezzo and published by Nintendo for the Switch, released on September 20, 2019.
After the immense triumph of Breath of the Wild, Nintendo took a surprising turn for its next Zelda endeavor, moving away from Hyrule’s sprawling open world. Instead, they revisited the intricate, winding overworld of 1993’s Link’s Awakening. The 2019 remake is a near beat-for-beat recreation of this Game Boy classic, presented with a charming, toy-town art style. This faithful rendition revives the cherished memories of one of Link’s earliest quests, elevating it with a seamless map and more intuitive dungeon navigation. Thoughtful quality-of-life enhancements further sweeten the experience, like the ability to pinpoint important discoveries on the map and doors that actually stay open after being unlocked (a major relief for those who remember the original’s frustrations!). While its new Chamber Dungeons system didn’t quite hit the mark, the remake masterfully recreates the original with an enchanting touch.
13. Live A Live
Developed by Historia and published by Square Enix for Switch, PC, PS4, and PS5, released on July 22, 2022.
Many excellent games deserve remakes, but perhaps none needed one as much as Live A Live. This 1994 Square Enix RPG predated Chrono Trigger and influenced countless beloved classics that followed. Its unique structure, which traces seven characters through distinct historical eras in separate vignettes, was revolutionary then and remains so in the 2022 remake, masterfully weaving together its themes and overarching narrative across disparate storylines.
The 2022 remake revitalized Live A Live with stunning HD2D graphics and a reorchestrated soundtrack, while carefully preserving its captivating story and offering its first official localization outside of Japan. As a final brilliant touch, the remake introduces a small yet profoundly impactful piece of new content in its concluding hours, casting its ending in a hopeful new light and making its emotional resolution even more powerful.
12. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Developed by Konami Digital Entertainment and published by Konami for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, released on August 28, 2025.
Many remakes aim to transcend past technological limits, but Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater takes an intriguing approach by embracing its origins. Its vast Soviet jungle still features loading screens, and its playable areas are designed around the constraints of the original PlayStation 2. While “faithful remake” is a common descriptor on this list, few embody it as completely as MGS Delta – it’s essentially a PS2 game dressed in stunning PS5 visuals.
And what a PS2 game it is! Widely considered a peak in Hideo Kojima’s career, this once-revolutionary stealth title has evolved into a timeless classic. Its blend of playful Cold War espionage and a dramatic, cinematic narrative remains captivating. Snake Eater has seen many updates over the years, and MGS Delta compiles these improvements, enhancing them with incredibly polished modern graphics and a refined control scheme that finally lets Snake move with the agility he was always meant to possess. While not a revolutionary remake, it impeccably preserves a masterpiece for a new era of players.
11. Black Mesa
Developed and published by Crowbar Collective for PC, released on March 6, 2020.
Many remakes are developed by different studios than their originals, but only one on this list was crafted by dedicated fans. Black Mesa is a complete overhaul of Valve’s classic Half-Life, brought to life by passionate enthusiasts and officially endorsed by Valve itself. It’s easy to see why it earned that support: this is an absolutely phenomenal reconstruction of one of gaming’s most influential first-person shooters. It perfectly captures Half-Life‘s signature eerie atmosphere and superb combat, while subtly enhancing nearly every level with fresh touches, from re-imagined firefights to Half-Life 2-inspired physics puzzles.
However, it’s the redesigned final missions that truly cement Black Mesa as an essential chapter in the Half-Life saga. The original game’s concluding arc on the alien world of Xen was notoriously under-developed and tedious. Black Mesa entirely reimagines this segment, shedding the monotony and infusing it with breathtaking creative and alien wonder. While some might argue that Black Mesa‘s prolonged development meant its graphics felt a bit dated upon release from a purely technical perspective, a single glance at its stunning rendition of Xen or the chilling, abandoned corridors of the facility confirms its undeniable artistic brilliance.
Remake vs. Remaster: What’s the Difference?
As technology progresses, distinguishing between a video game remake and a remaster has become increasingly complex. In the PlayStation 3 era, the lines were clear: remasters took older, standard-definition games and enhanced their textures for modern HD screens. While visibly older, they offered a sharper look. These upgrades generally stayed within the original game engine, maintaining a familiar feel. For example, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is clearly an updated version of the original Unreal Engine 3 trilogy.
Today, the distinction is far less obvious. Despite its name, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is often mistaken for a full remake, thanks to its stunning visual redesign using the advanced Unreal Engine 5. Yet, beneath this glossy exterior, the game’s core mechanics still run on the decades-old Gamebryo engine. While Oblivion remains an excellent RPG, its gameplay undeniably reflects its mid-2000s origins. It simply looks like a future iteration of an Elder Scrolls game. This blurring of lines is only set to increase. Even Metal Gear Solid Delta, featured on this list and presented as a full remake, partially builds upon the code of the Bluepoint HD remaster rather than being developed entirely from scratch. Ultimately, deciding what constitutes a “remake” versus a “remaster” often involves a philosophical interpretation more than a concrete definition.
10. Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Developed by Square Enix Business Division 1 and published by Square Enix for PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2, released on April 10, 2020.
While the word “Remake” is right there in the title, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is so much more than a simple re-do. It’s a radical reimagining of the 1997 JRPG phenomenon, a fresh take on its enduring legacy, and, surprisingly, even a sequel to the very story it retells. This first installment in a planned trilogy expands just the initial 30% of the original game’s narrative – a quick trip through Midgar – into a colossal 30+ hour adventure. This ambitious direction might not appeal to everyone, but its sheer scope is undeniable.
This initial chapter of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy is a breathtakingly beautiful RPG that breathes new life into some of gaming’s most iconic characters and environments. The extended playtime allows for deeper story exploration, introducing rich new plot threads. We get enhanced backstories for the Avalanche team, more nuanced relationships between protagonist Cloud and his companions, and a more vivid portrayal of life in the Sector 7 slums. Moreover, the combat system has been completely overhauled into a dynamic, action-oriented, real-time experience that feels both thrillingly new and deeply respectful of the original’s turn-based battles. The bold approach of FF7 Remake sets a high bar, often making other titles on this list feel more like remasters than true remakes.
9. Shadow of the Colossus
Developed by Bluepoint Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PS4, released on February 6, 2018.
When Shadow of the Colossus first arrived on the PS2 in 2005, it was an undeniable landmark in gaming. Team ICO created a hauntingly beautiful, desolate, and profoundly emotional world, despite the hardware barely keeping up with their vision. While the game’s core experience remains timeless, its technical limitations and visual fidelity clearly constrained the studio’s grand ambitions.
Thirteen years later, Bluepoint Games delivered an exceptionally faithful remake. Their goal was to transcend those technical hurdles, allowing the game’s true artistic spirit to shine. With a significantly smoother framerate, breathtaking graphics, and a steadfast dedication to preserving the original’s events, systems, and mechanics, Bluepoint achieved a resounding success. This remarkable accomplishment not only earned them the opportunity to remake Demon’s Souls but also paved the way for their eventual acquisition by PlayStation.
8. Demon’s Souls
Developed by Bluepoint Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PS5, released on November 12, 2020.
After experiencing the pinnacle of Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne, it was easy to view 2009’s original Demon’s Souls as a somewhat aged predecessor to FromSoftware’s later triumphs. Yet, the undeniable brilliance of this genre-defining game remained. Bluepoint Games’ 2020 remake aimed to fully restore that brilliance. It masterfully removed the technical limitations of the PS3 version and introduced subtle quality-of-life enhancements, modernizing the game so effectively that newcomers might genuinely believe it to be a recent entry in the Souls series, rather than its foundational beginning.
While Bluepoint meticulously honored the original vision in most aspects (it’s largely the same game, but with stunning photo-realistic graphics and fluid animations), some fans debated the changes made to certain locations’ art style and design. Regardless, the Demon’s Souls remake successfully elevated an already standout PS3-era game, introducing its profound challenge and atmospheric world to a vast new audience who discovered the Souls-like genre after its initial release.
7. Metroid: Zero Mission
Developed by Nintendo R&D1 and published by Nintendo for GBA, released on February 9, 2004 (NA).
The original Metroid was a revolutionary NES title in 1986, but honestly, it’s tough to argue that it holds up perfectly today. Thankfully, Metroid: Zero Mission came along to save the day. Released 18 years later, this wasn’t just a faithful remake with a few small tweaks; it was a game entirely rebuilt from the ground up, using the original Metroid‘s story and level design as a foundational blueprint. By daring to venture beyond the strict confines of the source material, Nintendo infused it with fresh ideas drawn from more recent 2D Metroid entries like Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion.
While Zero Mission itself is now over two decades old, making the term “modern” a bit anachronistic, it remains an impeccably crafted reinterpretation of one of Nintendo’s all-time greatest games. It’s still robust and compelling enough to be celebrated today, standing tall not just as a phenomenal Metroid adventure, but also as one of the finest remakes ever made.
6. Resident Evil 4
Developed and published by Capcom for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, released on March 24, 2023.
Capcom has practically become the king of remakes, having now masterfully rebuilt four of its iconic Resident Evil titles. Among these stands the legendary Resident Evil 4, Leon S. Kennedy’s thrilling journey into the Las Plagas-infested Spanish countryside. Of all Capcom’s reinventions, Resi 4 arguably needed a refresh the least, yet its remake is a truly astonishing achievement that elevates an already timeless classic.
While some purists might have missed a few of the original’s more quirky elements, they’ve been replaced by a darker, more profoundly horrifying atmosphere that perfectly aligns with Capcom’s recent string of remakes. The combat feels snappier and more dynamic, with a brilliant knife parry system that intensifies encounters with Armadura enemies and the Krauser boss fight. Crucially, the remake significantly improves the character of Ashley and the gameplay mechanics around her protection, dispelling any notion of an irritating, multi-hour escort mission. All these enhancements, paired with an incredibly impressive graphical overhaul, transform a masterpiece into an even more indispensable experience.
5. Persona 3 Reload
Developed by P-Studio and published by Sega for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2, released on February 2, 2024.
Followers of the Persona series are accustomed to enhanced versions of Atlus’s beloved RPGs, like the significant social link, story, and dungeon additions in Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 Royal. However, Persona 3 Reload marks the first time a mainline entry has received a complete, ground-up remake. Reload transformed the game’s core mechanics into a far more refined and stylish experience, integrating the sleek UI and menu systems pioneered by Persona 5, and entirely rebuilding its vibrant high-school settings and eerie Shadow Realm.
Perhaps the most thrilling enhancement in Reload is its refined battle system. Drawing lessons from subsequent series entries, combat is now significantly more engaging. New skills have been added, players can directly control and seamlessly switch between party members with a baton pass-like mechanic, and the brand-new Theurgy system enables Personas to unleash incredibly powerful Ultimate attacks. These and other changes have infused a cherished RPG with exciting new energy, firmly establishing Reload as the definitive way to experience Persona 3.
4. Silent Hill 2
Developed by Bloober Team and published by Konami Digital Entertainment for PC and PS5, released on October 8, 2024.
Team Silent’s original Silent Hill 2 is rightly lauded as one of the most impactful survival horror games ever, and Bloober Team’s 2024 remake only reinforces that legacy. While the PS2 classic possessed a uniquely unsettling atmosphere born from its technical constraints, the remake leverages modern graphics and audio design to craft an equally oppressive, yet complementary, tone. As players navigate the eerie, deserted streets of Silent Hill, a palpable sense of dread steadily envelops them.
Bloober’s rendition is remarkably faithful to the source material, adhering to the same narrative beats and exploring the familiar environments. However, its new over-the-shoulder camera immerses players more deeply into its terrifying world and makes confronting the town’s grotesque denizens feel more intuitive. These combat improvements are particularly evident in the boss encounters, which are now terrifying, re-imagined engagements rather than the drawn-out struggles of the past. Ultimately, it’s the modern presentation of this grim narrative that makes this remake essential: actor Luke Roberts delivers a profoundly troubled and nuanced performance as protagonist James Sunderland, grounding the tale in a powerful, inescapable sense of grief and guilt.
3. Resident Evil
Developed by Capcom Production Studio 4 and published by Capcom for GameCube, Wii, PS3, PS4, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Switch, released on March 22, 2002.
For truly faithful remakes that lovingly preserve the original’s core design while elevating every other aspect to modern standards, few titles compare to the iconic Resident Evil remake – affectionately known as the “REmake.” It meticulously honors every intrinsic element of the 1996 classic: the haunting pre-rendered backgrounds, the deliberate tank controls, and the tension-inducing limited inventory that forces agonizing strategic choices. These elements, though deeply familiar to those who played the original, are presented with stunning new polish. It embraces old-school gameplay with fantastic execution, which is remarkable considering this remake is now older than the original game was when it first released!
But the Resident Evil remake isn’t merely a visually enhanced version of its source material. It introduces several entirely new mechanics and plot elements that forge its own distinct identity. From the terrifying addition of deceased enemies reanimating as formidable Crimson Heads (unless players resourcefully burn their corpses) to a chilling new storyline involving the tragic Lisa Trevor, the Resident Evil remake excels not only as a faithful modernization of a PSOne classic, but also by boldly diverging from it to become an even superior experience.
2. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Developed by Square Enix Creative Business Unit 1 and published by Square Enix for PS5 and PC, released on February 29, 2024.
After its daring reimagining with the first installment, Square Enix faced an even greater challenge with the second chapter of its Final Fantasy 7 remake saga. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth had to recreate the most sprawling section of the original, redesign a vast array of locations (including an entire theme park!), introduce new characters, and faithfully re-stage one of RPG history’s most pivotal emotional moments. While not every ambition is perfectly realized, Rebirth stands as an incredible, transformative achievement.
The game’s sheer scope is its most striking feature. While it doesn’t completely abandon the linear pacing of its predecessor, much of Rebirth unfolds across expansive open-world hubs. While some might detect hints of a “Ubisoft-style checklist,” these zones are elevated by clever exploration mechanics, with each new area introducing a unique traversal gimmick – from customizable buggies to planes to Chocobos that can climb walls and glide across canyons. It’s a brilliant reinterpretation of the original game’s open-yet-often-empty overworld. Yet, it’s the continuation of the previous game’s narrative and emotional depth that truly makes Rebirth shine. These modern portrayals of Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith are among Square’s most compelling characters, and their journey – which feels more closely aligned with the spirit of the original than Remake‘s earlier deviations – is utterly unforgettable. And as for the revamped combat system? It’s even more exceptional here, possibly the best Final Fantasy has ever offered.
1. Resident Evil 2
Developed and published by Capcom for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Switch, released on January 25, 2019.
The remake of Resident Evil 2 masterfully took everything the original excelled at – its intricate, labyrinthine level design, its grotesque enemies, and its pervasive atmosphere of dread – and refined it for a contemporary horror audience. The Raccoon City police station is brilliantly re-envisioned and expanded, enemies are swifter, more lethal, and utterly unpredictable, while stunning lighting dramatically shrouds lurking horrors. Crucially, the static camera angles and clunky tank controls of the PS1 era were replaced with fluid third-person, over-the-shoulder shooting, seamlessly propelling this classic into the modern age.
Perhaps Resident Evil 2’s crowning achievement lies in how Capcom cleverly reinterpreted the original’s most memorable moments. Just when players think they’ve anticipated a terrifying encounter, Capcom subtly twists it, shattering any sense of certainty as you meticulously navigate its curated collection of horrific memories. This is a remake engineered to both genuinely frighten today’s horror enthusiasts and deeply satisfy the nostalgic yearning of long-time fans, miraculously achieving both right up to its gripping conclusion. Even with several subsequent Resident Evil remakes, this title remains the gold standard for video game remakes.
And there you have it: our definitive list of the 15 best video game remakes. Did your personal favorite make the cut, or perhaps did we place it a little lower than you’d prefer? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below!
Upcoming Remakes to Watch Out For
The future of remakes looks bright, with several exciting projects currently in development. In the coming years, get ready to re-experience (or discover for the first time) these classics, reborn with modern polish:
- Gothic (Alkimia Interactive, 2026)
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Ubisoft, 2026)
- Max Payne 1 and 2 (Remedy, TBA)
- Operation Black Mesa (Tripmine Studios, TBA)
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Saber Interactive, TBA)
- The Witcher (Fool’s Theory, TBA)
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (Ubisoft, TBA)