The 15 Best Video Game Remakes of All Time
Video game remakes take cherished titles and give them a modern shine, blending nostalgia with fresh visuals and gameplay. They let new players discover old gems while giving longtime fans a reason to dive back in with updated mechanics and stunning graphics.
I’ve rounded up the 15 best video game remakes that nail this balance. From jaw-dropping overhauls to clever tweaks that honor the original while feeling brand new.
15. ‘Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen’ (2004)
These Game Boy Advance remakes of ‘Pokémon Red and Blue’ bring the Kanto region to life with colorful visuals and smoother mechanics. Game Freak added new areas like the Sevii Islands and updated features like wireless trading, making the adventure feel fresh yet familiar.
They keep the core of catching and battling Pokémon intact while improving the experience with better menus and quality-of-life tweaks. For me, these remakes capture the magic of the originals while making them accessible to a new generation of trainers.
14. ‘Metroid: Zero Mission’ (2004)
This remake of the 1986 ‘Metroid’ for the Game Boy Advance transforms Samus Aran’s first adventure into a sleek, modern classic. With vibrant sprites, tighter controls, and a new epilogue mission, it builds on the original’s exploration-driven gameplay.
The updated map system and refined mechanics make navigating Zebes a joy, while keeping the eerie atmosphere intact. I love how it respects the NES classic but adds enough polish to feel like a brand-new Metroid experience.
13. ‘Conker: Live & Reloaded’ (2005)
Rare’s remake of ‘Conker’s Bad Fur Day’ for the Xbox takes the crude, hilarious N64 game and gives it a visual overhaul with sharp textures and detailed character models. The core story of Conker’s wild, raunchy adventure stays untouched, packed with pop culture gags.
It also improves the multiplayer mode with tighter shooting mechanics, though some felt the added censorship softened the original’s edge. For me, it’s a bold remake that makes a cult classic look stunning while keeping its chaotic charm.
12. ‘Super Mario 64 DS’ (2004)
This Nintendo DS remake of the 1996 N64 classic ‘Super Mario 64’ adds new characters like Yoshi, Luigi, and Wario, plus touch-screen controls and extra stars to collect. The 3D platforming that changed gaming gets a portable glow-up with sharper visuals.
While the DS’s analog stick isn’t as smooth as the original’s controller, the new content and multiplayer minigames add replay value. I think it’s a great way to revisit Mario’s groundbreaking adventure with fresh surprises.
11. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D’ (2011)
This Nintendo 3DS remake of the 1998 N64 masterpiece polishes Hyrule with vibrant 3D visuals and smoother controls. Grezzo kept the iconic story and time-travel mechanics intact while adding quality-of-life tweaks like a touch-screen inventory.
The updated graphics make every dungeon and field pop, and the Master Quest adds a tougher challenge for veterans. For me, it’s a near-perfect way to experience Link’s legendary journey on a handheld.
10. ‘Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy’ (2017)
This remake collection rebuilds the first three ‘Crash Bandicoot’ games from the PS1 with stunning HD visuals and tighter controls. Vicarious Visions kept the challenging platforming and wacky charm that made Crash a 90s icon.
Each game feels faithful but modern, with smoother animations and new features like time trials across all titles. I love how it captures the spirit of the originals while making them approachable for today’s players.
9. ‘Spyro Reignited Trilogy’ (2018)
Toys for Bob remade the first three ‘Spyro the Dragon’ PS1 games with gorgeous visuals, turning the purple dragon’s adventures into a vibrant masterpiece. The core platforming and exploration stay true to the originals, with updated controls for a smoother ride.
Every level pops with color, and the remixed soundtrack keeps the nostalgic vibe alive. For me, this trilogy is a love letter to Spyro fans that also welcomes newcomers with open wings.
8. ‘MediEvil’ (2019)
This PS4 remake of the 1998 ‘MediEvil’ brings Sir Daniel Fortesque’s quirky adventure back with hauntingly beautiful visuals. Other Ocean rebuilt the gothic world from scratch, keeping the hack-and-slash gameplay and dark humor that made the original a cult hit.
It adds smoother controls and a refined camera, though some felt it stuck too closely to the original’s clunky roots. I think it’s a charming revival that makes Dan’s undead quest shine.
7. ‘Shadow of the Colossus’ (2018)
Bluepoint Games’ PS4 remake of the 2005 PS2 classic reimagines the haunting world of ‘Shadow of the Colossus’ with breathtaking visuals. The minimalist story of Wander’s quest to slay 16 colossi remains untouched, but the world feels alive with stunning detail.
Improved controls make climbing and combat smoother, while the atmosphere of solitude and mystery stays intact. For me, this remake elevates an artistic masterpiece to new heights.
6. ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2’ (2020)
Vicarious Visions combined the first two ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ games into a single, glorious remake with crisp visuals and buttery-smooth gameplay. The iconic soundtrack and combo-driven skating return, now with modern controls and new tricks.
It keeps the arcade vibe of the PS1 originals while adding online multiplayer and create-a-park features. I love how it recaptures the thrill of landing a 900 while feeling fresh for today’s skaters.
5. ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ (2020)
Square Enix reimagined the 1997 PS1 classic ‘Final Fantasy VII’ as a sprawling action RPG, focusing on Midgar with jaw-dropping visuals and real-time combat. The story expands with deeper character moments, keeping Cloud, Tifa, and Sephiroth’s saga emotionally gripping.
While it’s more of a reimagining than a straight remake, it balances nostalgia with bold changes. For me, it’s a stunning take on a legendary game that feels both familiar and new.
4. ‘Demon’s Souls’ (2020)
Bluepoint’s PS5 remake of the 2009 PS3 title ‘Demon’s Souls’ rebuilds the brutal action RPG with jaw-dropping graphics and silky-smooth performance. The unforgiving gameplay and eerie world of Boletaria stay true to FromSoftware’s original vision.
Every environment, from crumbling castles to dark swamps, looks hauntingly real, and the refined controls make combat more responsive. I think it’s a masterclass in remaking a cult classic for a new era.
3. ‘Resident Evil 3’ (2020)
Capcom’s remake of the 1999 ‘Resident Evil 3: Nemesis’ transforms Jill Valentine’s escape from Raccoon City into a cinematic survival-horror thrill ride. With gorgeous visuals and over-the-shoulder gameplay, it ramps up the tension as Nemesis stalks you relentlessly.
It trims some of the original’s content but adds tighter pacing and intense action. For me, it’s a heart-pounding reimagining that makes every encounter with Nemesis unforgettable.
2. ‘Resident Evil 2’ (2019)
Capcom’s remake of the 1998 ‘Resident Evil 2’ is a survival-horror masterpiece, rebuilding Leon and Claire’s zombie-filled nightmare with stunning visuals and modern controls. The Raccoon City Police Department feels alive with dread, and every encounter is terrifyingly real.
It keeps the core story and exploration while adding new scares and deeper character moments. I love how it honors the original while setting a new standard for horror remakes.
1. ‘Resident Evil 4’ (2023)
Capcom’s remake of the 2005 ‘Resident Evil 4’ takes Leon S. Kennedy’s iconic adventure to new heights with breathtaking visuals and refined gameplay. The over-the-shoulder shooting that defined a generation feels smoother, and the creepy villages and castles look more immersive than ever.
It keeps the campy charm and intense action while adding deeper story moments and updated mechanics. For me, it’s the ultimate remake, blending nostalgia with perfection for fans and newcomers alike.
What’s your favorite video game remake, or did I miss a classic that deserves a spot? Drop your thoughts in the comments!