The PS4 and Xbox One are capable of delivering new and surprising experiences, but some of the best games available for the consoles are the ones you’ve played already. New features, better performance, and improved visuals provide more than enough of a reason to revisit older games, and we’ve assembled a list of the big titles that have won a second life on new hardware.
Note that this isn’t a comprehensive list of every remaster or remake available. Right now, it covers games – released and upcoming – that have been touched up for new-generation platforms (but not systems like PS3, Xbox 360, or Wii U). Moving forward, we will expand the scope and update the list as games are released and new announcements are made. Until then, read on and relive the past.
ANNOUNCED
Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition
Release Date: March 10
Original Version (review): Ninja Theory’s reboot of the original stylish action series goes in unexpected new directions. Thankfully, combat retains the finesse and skill that fans have come to expect.
New Version: Combat tweaks and rebalancing make this more than just a visual upgrade, and players also get the DLC (including costumes and Vergil’s scenario) as part of the package.
Final Fantasy Type-0 HD
Release Date: March 17
Original Version: Released only in Japan as a PSP-exclusive, this unconventional Final Fantasy title stars a class of magically powered students at the center of a war.
New Version: Various adjustments, like improved controls and better graphics, ease this game’s move to consoles. However, the highlight is the simple fact that Type-0 can finally reach fans around the world.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Release Date: March 24
Original Version (reviews – Pre-Sequel, BL2): A chaotic shooter from Gearbox, the Borderlands series emphasizes ridiculous action and entertaining cooperative multiplayer.
New Version: The Handsome Collection includes the two most recent entries – Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Players also get a load of DLC, extending the potential playtime even further.
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Release Date: April 7
Original Version (review): A punishing action/RPG from the minds at From Software, Dark Souls II is an infamously challenging (and intensely satisfying) experience that pushes your skills to the limit.
New Version: Updated graphics and performance are the main features of the new-gen iteration, along with increased online player capacity. It also includes the content from the Scholar of the First Sin patch, which adds various other improvements.
Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition
Release Date: Summer
Original Version: This installment splits the player’s time between Dante and newcomer Nero, slashing and shooting through bad guys with the series’ signature style. (This game is so old that it predates our current website, so we don't have a full review online – but it scored 9/10)
New Version: Details are slim about precisely what is changing, but given the announcement image (above), the integration of Dante’s brother Vergil into the storyline – and as a playable character – seems all but guaranteed.
Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
Release Date: TBA
Original Version (review): A shooter with a focus on teamwork and planning. Pulling off a perfect heist is tough – that’s why you have guns – but the rewards are worth the effort.
New Version: Though concrete details on this one are scarce, it would be reasonable to guess that the DLC – including new heists and weapons – are a part of the re-release.
Next: The remastered titles that have already released.