When a video game gets a remake, this new version is definitely compared to the original. Much of the time, the original game is still the fan favorite. However, the whole point of a remake is to improve the previous game with a more modern version.

As such, there have been plenty of video game remakes that have been successful at this, be it refining gameplay elements, upgrading graphics and visuals, or adding additions to the game that made it better overall.

This list includes games where the remake is better in more ways than one, and the best way to experience the game for yourself is to play the remake. This list also spans multiple different consoles and includes games aimed at both adults and a younger audience. Here are some of the best video game remakes.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

One of the most popular and well-received games of all time, considered by some to be one of the best games ever made, is Ocarina of Time. When it first came out on the Nintendo 64, it revolutionized what adventure games could look like and had a major impact on the future of video games.

However, it was inevitable that the graphics and controls needed to improve, and Ocarina of Time got stuck in the past. Finally, when Nintendo released their 3DS handhelds, they decided to take one of their best games of all time and recreate it for a new generation.

Ocarina of Time got a complete graphical update, as well as smoother controls that made playing the game more fun than frustrating as the original could be at times. Overall, this remake has made a great game even greater so that it can be remembered for years to come for its influence.

Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus was a great game that was originally released on the Playstation 2 in 2005. In 2018, the game got a complete rework of the graphics based on the remaster previously made for the PS3. This new remake was released for the Playstation 4 and along with the updated graphics, the game’s controls were also revamped. Every asset in the new game has been changed, but the main gameplay is still the same as the original.

The PS4 version is definitely improved from the original, and it’s the best way to experience this game, with the beautiful art style, graphics and better controls.

Super Mario 64DS

There is no doubt that Super Mario 64 is one of the most influential video games out there. Being the first 3D Mario game, and one of the earliest 3D games in general, it helped define and shape what 3D platformers would look like for years to come.

In the end, Nintendo decided to recreate this groundbreaking game for the DS, one of the most popular handheld systems. The results were fantastic, because the game simply improved on what made the original so great. The controls were much smoother and the graphics were updated.

Some additions have also been made, such as allowing you to play as Yoshi, Luigi or Wario instead of just Mario. Nintendo has also added a wireless multiplayer mode, new mini-games and expanded the story mode with new missions and bosses.

Final Fantasy VII

The Final Fantasy series is a well-known RPG franchise, and it’s arguably Final Fantasy VII that really made the series grow. At the time of its release, it received high praise for its gameplay, storyline and music, becoming one of the most popular Playstation games. Many remember it as one of the best games in history.

However, over time, the game has definitely become obsolete and a remake up to modern standards has been a dream for many fans. In 2020, Square Enix did just that, delivering a phenomenal Final Fantasy VII remake. They stayed true to the source material, while redesigning the characters and settings from scratch. The game was released for the PS4 and was one of the fastest selling games for the console.

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Pokemon Gold and Silver were fan favorites when they first came out and introduced the Johto region to players. The games were released for the Gameboy Color in 1999 and eventually became the third best-selling entries in the series. Nintendo had already made an effort to recreate Pokemon games with FireRed and LeafGreen, and on the 10th anniversary of Gold and Silver decided to recreate these games as well.

This culminated in the release of HeartGold and SoulSilver in 2009 for the DS. These remakes were true to the original games but updated the graphics for the newer handheld and added some gameplay features previously included in Pokemon Crystal. These remakes were highly acclaimed and remain one of the best games in the franchise.

Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 was a horror game originally developed for the Playstation and pioneered the survival horror genre. At the time of its release, it received high praise for its gameplay and design. It was eventually ported to the Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Windows, and GameCube as well.

Long after its initial release, which has since garnered many fans of the franchise, Capcom went on to remake the game in 2019 for the Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. It also became available for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022.

There were some major game changes in this remake of the original, such as changing the camera angle to third-person. Several difficulty levels have also been added, each changing how the game is experienced. The graphics also got a major overhaul. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the game or you’ve never picked it up, the Resident Evil 2 remake is definitely worth playing.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

The Spyro games were an iconic series for the Playstation 2. The first three, which were later recreated in Spyro Reignited, were Spyro the Dragon in 1998, Ripto’s Rage! in 1999 and Year of the Dragon in 2000. In 2018, developers Toys for Bob created a remake of all three games on one disc and released it for the Playstation 4 and Xbox One. In 2019 it was also released for Windows and the Nintendo Switch.

Spyro Reignited includes a complete transformation of the graphics while remaining as close to the original designs as possible. All level designs and settings are the same. The music and voice acting were completely re-recorded to improve the quality. Also, features that were added in only a few of the games became standard for all games. Whether or not you’ve played these classic games, Spyro Reignited is worth a try.

Experience new and improved Favorites

The reason most of these games are better compared to their original counterparts is mainly due to technical upgrades, such as controls or graphics. The core of the game and storylines mostly stay the same, because those basic aspects are what make these games so great in the first place.

Are there any remakes that were better than the original that we missed? Let us know in the comments.