Update: We've added some new announcements to our list of remasters, as well as filling out previous releases from the past year.
Original Story:
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 released and upcoming games that have been touched up for new-generation platforms. 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
State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Original Version (review): Life is hard after the zombie apocalypse. Fighting roaming hordes and going on dangerous supply runs, your survivors in State of Decay need to keep it together or pay the ultimate price.
New Version: The new Xbox One iteration includes the Lifeline and Breakdown add-ons, plus new weapons and missions. It also has improved graphics and runs at 1080p.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 Remaster
Release Date: May 12
Original Version: A moving story about a group's pilgrimage to save the world of Spira from a beast called Sin. Strategic turn-based battles combine with a stunning atmosphere and surprising plot developments.
New Version (review): This remaster already hit PS3 and Vita, but the PS4 version promises that NPCs and monsters will get visual upgrades this time around (instead of just the main cast). It also has the new audio drama and remastered soundtrack of the previous iteration.
Final Fantasy VII
Release Date: Spring 2015
Original Version: This classic RPG is a milestone for the genre, blending together a cinematic story, top-notch battles, satisfying progression, and jaw-dropping (for the time) visuals. Plus, Sephiroth.
New Version: This is not the full remake that fans have been wanting ever since the PS3 tease years ago. Instead, this PS4 release is based on the PC port with upscaled graphics.
God of War III
Release Date: July 14, 2015
Original Version (review): The conclusion to Kratos' rampage of revenge includes outrageous spectacle and brutal combat. You get lots of weapons and cool abilities, and rack up multiple counts of deicide.
New Version: A photo mode seems like the only major addition here. Otherwise, the key appeal is the smoother framerate and 1080p resolution.
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 old enough that it predates our current website, so we don't have a full review online – but it scored 9/10)
New Version: The full original game, plus Legendary Dark Knight Mode and three new playable characters from the series' past: Vergil, Lady, and Trish.
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.