Update (10/13/15): We've added some new entries to our list of remasters, including reviews for recent releases like Tearaway Unfolded and Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, plus announcements for new titles like Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue.
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
Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Original Version (review): This action/RPG hybrid puts players in control of the horseman Death, brother to the first game’s hero, War. The formula mixes stylish combat, dungeon exploration, and plenty of loot.
New Version: Nordic Games bought the Darksiders IP when THQ went out of business, and the company is making tweaks to the resolution, textures, and physics. This rerelease also includes a variety of DLC that was available for the original, including weapons and armor.
Deadpool
Release Date: November 17
Original Version (review): An action game starring the fourth-wall-breaking antihero, Deadpool has some entertaining moments. However, the gameplay doesn't hit many high notes.
New Version: Details are slim, but we know the new version will have the DLC. Presumably, it will also look better.
Final Fantasy VII
Release Date: Winter 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 Square Enix revealed at E3 2015. Instead, this PS4 release is based on the PC port with upscaled graphics.
Day of the Tentacle: Special Edition
Release Date: 2015
Original Version: An adventure game from the glory days of LucasArts, this point-and-click classic features three characters and multiple time periods to deliver a kooky and clever tale.
New Version: It’s under development at Double Fine, but the specific features and upgrades for this new edition have not been announced.
Ratchet & Clank
Release Date: Spring 2016
Original Version: The Ratchet & Clank series is partly responsible for the platforming renaissance of the PS2 era (alongside the likes of Jak & Daxter). It's known for funny writing, outlandish weapons, and clever characters.
New Version: The upcoming PS4 exclusive is a reimagining of the original PS2 title. It has similarities, but also new content, making it a fresh start for the series. It is tied to the upcoming Ratchet & Clank film adaptation.
Resident Evil Zero HD Remaster
Release Date: 2016
Original Version: A exclusive Nintendo prequel that tells the tale of S.T.A.R.S. medic Rebecca Chamber before the infamous Mansion Incident. This survival horror classic packs in challenge, dual-protagonist gameplay, and intriguing cameos.
New Version: Similar to the Resident Evil HD Remaster that released this year, RE Zero's already impressive visuals will benefit from a high definition treatment. A more intuitive, modern control scheme is also available as an alternative to the sometimes clunky legacy tank controls. This is also the first time the game will be available on non-Nintendo platforms (PS3, PS4, 360, Xbox One, and PC).
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
Release Date: 2016
Original Version (review): Don't be fooled by the name! This isn't a remaster of Kingdom Hearts II; fans already got that with Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix. The original version of this game is Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, which was a 3DS-exclusive title.
New Version: The main attraction is finally getting a console version Dream Drop Distance, with improved visuals and controls. As an added bonus, the package also contains a short chapter starring Aqua called Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep 0.2 – A Fragmentary Passage, which uses gameplay elements in development for Kingdom Hearts III.
Next: The remastered titles that have already released.