The 5 Best Videogame Remakes of 2024

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As a gamer who grew up with these iconic titles, 2024 was an absolute dream year for me! Remakes of classic video games have been a fantastic way to revisit cherished memories while also experiencing fresh ideas from my favorite gaming franchises.

2024 saw a resurgence of video game remakes. Games once overlooked and forgotten on their company shelves, are now brought back to life for fans to appreciate. These classic video game intellectual properties have been updated and revamped, offering contemporary versions of timeless gaming series.

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned fan of the franchise or new to it, remakes offer an opportunity for nostalgia and encountering innovative concepts derived from classic video games.

Here are the 5 best Remakes that made their mark this year:

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

This year, the latest addition to the lineup is the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, a fresh take on Square Enix’s cherished Dragon Quest series that breathes new life into its timeless classic.

As I delve back into the cherished Erdrick Trilogy by Square, I’m thrilled to find a perfect fusion of contemporary visuals and the nostalgic charm of pixel art. This transformation turns the once 8-bit realm into an immersive, three-dimensional journey that feels both fresh and familiar.

The game currently boasts an 85 rating on Metacritic, as critics praise it for maintaining the charm of the original while giving a contemporary twist to cater to newer audiences. Moreover, with its numerous user-friendly improvements, both new and seasoned fans of the series can enjoy the game without grappling with outdated mechanics and annoying controls from earlier versions.

The Remake combines the original’s charm with improved visuals, ideal for longtime fans and newcomers. Its release marks the first of many Dragon Quest games to receive a modern makeover. It will be followed by the Remakes of Dragon Quest I and Dragon Quest II scheduled for next year.

Silent Hill 2 Remake

This year has been a feast for horror enthusiasts, with the Silent Hill 2 Remake serving as the mouthwatering main dish after a succession of appetizers.

The haunting journey of James Sunderland’s psychological decline and sorrow, a timeless masterpiece, now shines brighter than ever in the Unreal Engine 5.

The Silent Hill 2 Remake was a resounding success in maintaining what made the original unique. It’s filled with subtle details that gradually create the somber atmosphere of its deserted town. From the misty streets to reimagined puzzle aspects, Bloober Team showed great respect for the source material, earning them widespread praise from both critics and gamers.

Even when longtime fans were already familiar with its bleak story, there are still enough surprises to keep them on their toes, especially with the revamped boss fights and the new hiding skills of the Mannequins.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

The second installation in Square Enix’s highly anticipated Remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, was an artistic masterpiece that left audiences breathless. It boasted a vast open world teeming with numerous activities and side quests to keep players engaged. Not content with simply delivering a successful game, Square Enix included over one hundred mini-games as part of the experience, justifying its $70 price tag.

Despite some concerns about its tempo, Rebirth served as a remarkable continuation of the Remake. Many aspects of the storyline, particularly the enigmatic qualities of Aerith and Sephiroth, remain shrouded in mystery, leaving longtime fans intrigued and eagerly discussing Rebirth’s divisive conclusion.

Although we have to endure a waiting period of about 3-4 years for the next chapter, the ongoing series, known as Rebirth, currently offers more than 100 hours of engaging content. While some might find it a bit overloaded with tasks that could be considered busywork, it should still provide ample entertainment to keep us contented in the meantime.

Persona 3 Reload

The Persona series of games from ATLUS has consistently achieved great success, leading to numerous spin-offs and rhythm games. To appeal to a wider audience, ATLUS has decided to remake their 2007 classic for the PlayStation 2.

As a diehard fan of the Persona series, I’ve been eagerly waiting for the day when Persona 3 Reload would receive the remake treatment. Now, seeing it in my hands (or rather, on my screen), I can’t help but be overwhelmed with positive acclaim. This remake has surpassed even my highest expectations!

The tale remains consistent: High school students cope with loss. This is arguably the most sophisticated narrative found in a Persona game, and no other title, including Persona 5, has surpassed it yet.

A significant portion of its acclaim stemmed from its enhanced gameplay aspects. While turn-based combat remains fundamental, it’s more dazzling than before due to the updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements. Moreover, the music has been reworked, maintaining the rhythm and energy throughout play.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Nintendo takes great pride in their remake of The Thousand-Year Door, as it brings back cherished memories from the childhoods of many who owned a GameCube.

In an unusual twist for Mario games, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door isn’t about the typical 2D platforming antics. Instead, it introduces a turn-based strategy, where Mario must take turns before making his move, transforming this RPG into a Mario-themed game.

After a long wait, this revival of the classic Mario series was highly anticipated by fans. Both critics and enthusiasts gave it positive reviews, earning an average Metacritic score of 88. Players appreciated the updated graphics, animations, and soundtrack. Essentially, it’s the cherished Paper Mario game that fans have fond memories of, now boasting improved visuals and gameplay.

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2024-11-21 00:12