25 Best Game Remakes And Reboots, Ranked

Fresh takes on beloved games can bring classic ideas to new hardware while fixing old limitations and rethinking design for modern players. From ground up rebuilds to bold reimaginings, these projects update visuals, controls, audio, and often structure, while keeping the core concept recognizable. Many also add new content, quality of life features, and accessibility options so more people can play. Here are standout examples that changed how their originals are remembered.

25. MediEvil (2019)

This PlayStation 4 remake by Other Ocean Emeryville rebuilds the 1998 action adventure with new assets and a modern engine. It keeps the original level layouts and story of Sir Daniel Fortesque while updating lighting and character models. The remake adds optional camera controls and refined combat timing. It also includes the Lost Souls quest line for players who finish the main story.

24. Ratchet & Clank (2016)

Insomniac Games reimagined the 2002 platformer for PlayStation 4 alongside a feature film release. The game introduces new weapons and planets while retelling the origin story with updated cinematics. It implements modern aiming and movement systems and uses a contemporary upgrade economy for gadgets. The release also showcases the studio’s proprietary rendering that emphasizes particle effects and detailed environments.

23. Metroid: Samus Returns (2017)

Developed by MercurySteam with Nintendo, this Nintendo 3DS remake updates the 1991 Game Boy adventure. It introduces free aiming, a melee counter, and Aeion abilities to expand traversal and combat. The map is restructured with new rooms and revised boss encounters. The game uses stereoscopic 3D visuals and supports amiibo for additional content.

22. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009)

These Nintendo DS remakes revisit the Johto region from the Game Boy Color originals. They add the Pokéwalker accessory that lets players gain experience and items by walking in the real world. The games implement touch controls for menus and party management. Postgame content includes the Kanto region with updated trainers and facilities.

21. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019)

This Nintendo Switch remake recreates the 1993 title with a toybox visual style. It preserves the island layout and puzzle logic while smoothing framerate and transitions between areas. Players can arrange custom dungeons using chamber tiles earned through play. The release supports amiibo functionality and offers quality of life updates to inventory handling.

20. Spyro Reignited Trilogy (2018)

Toys for Bob rebuilt the first three Spyro platformers for modern consoles and PC. Each game features new character models, remade cutscenes, and reorchestrated music with a classic soundtrack option. Controls are standardized with analog movement and camera control. The package retains original level geometry while increasing draw distance and texture detail.

19. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (2017)

Vicarious Visions reconstructed the original Crash trilogy with a new engine for consoles and PC. The collection includes time trials across all games and unified save and checkpoint systems. It integrates analog stick support and widescreen presentation. Additional playable characters are included in select levels through updates.

18. Black Mesa (2020)

Crowbar Collective’s rebuild of the 1998 shooter uses the Source engine to reinterpret levels and encounters. The Xen chapter is expanded with new areas and revised boss fights to address pacing from the original release. The project supports workshop content and community maps. It provides updated enemy AI behavior along with modern lighting and physics.

17. Halo 2 Anniversary (2014)

This remaster within The Master Chief Collection delivers a rebuilt campaign with switchable classic and updated graphics. Blur Studio produced new cinematics that expand narrative context between missions. The multiplayer includes curated maps reimagined in a modern engine. Audio is remixed with spatial effects and revised sound assets.

16. Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139… (2021)

Toylogic and Square Enix updated the 2010 action RPG with enhanced combat systems inspired by a later series entry. Character models and environments receive higher resolution assets and improved animations. The release adds voice acting to previously unvoiced scenes and includes a new ending route. Additional dungeons and cosmetic content from prior versions are integrated.

15. Metroid Prime Remastered (2023)

This Nintendo Switch release delivers new textures, models, and lighting while keeping the original level design. Dual stick controls join classic options to support multiple play styles. The presentation targets higher resolutions with updated visual effects. Accessibility features include remappable inputs and multiple control presets.

14. System Shock (2023)

Nightdive Studios rebuilt the 1994 immersive sim with modern visuals and interface updates. The remake maintains the original station layout and progression while refining combat feedback and hacking interactions. It introduces a streamlined inventory and contextual audio logs. The project incorporates modern save systems and difficulty customization.

13. Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020)

Hangar 13 recreated the 2002 open world crime story with new voice acting and cutscenes. The city of Lost Heaven is expanded with additional side activities and improved traffic systems. Driving and shooting mechanics are rebuilt to match contemporary standards. A classic difficulty option approximates original handling and police behavior.

12. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 (2020)

Vicarious Visions remade the first two entries with a new physics system that mirrors established trick timing. The package includes original levels and soundtrack tracks alongside new music. Create a Park and online multiplayer modes are added with cross generation support. Skater rosters feature returning pros and contemporary athletes.

11. The Last of Us Part I (2022)

Naughty Dog rebuilt the 2013 game for PlayStation 5 and later PC with a new engine. Character models and facial animation are overhauled to align with later technical benchmarks. The release adds accessibility features including audio descriptions and extensive control remapping. AI navigation and combat encounters are tuned for consistency across difficulties.

10. Dead Space (2023)

Motive Studio reengineered the 2008 survival horror with seamless traversal and no loading screens in the ship layout. The protagonist now has voiced dialogue that integrates with mission objectives. The intensity director system varies enemy spawns and lighting conditions. Weapon balance and upgrade paths are adjusted with new side quests that expand supporting characters.

9. Shadow of the Colossus (2018)

Bluepoint Games rebuilt the 2005 adventure with entirely new art assets on a modern engine. The remake offers performance and resolution modes on supported hardware. Control schemes include a layout closer to the original and an alternate modern configuration. Photo mode and collectible items add optional replay targets.

8. XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)

Firaxis rebooted the tactical franchise with turn based combat and a global strategy layer. The game features base building, research, and soldier advancement with permadeath. Procedural maps and a fog of war system affect line of sight and cover. Post launch content introduced new enemy types and equipment with an expansion that revised the campaign structure.

7. Tomb Raider (2013)

Crystal Dynamics restarted the series with a new origin for Lara Croft on a remote island. The design blends exploration, stealth, and combat with a skill tree and gear upgrades. A hub based structure connects tombs and side objectives. The release employed performance capture for cinematic presentation and shipped on multiple platforms.

6. Doom (2016)

id Software revived the shooter with fast movement, glory kill executions, and a modular weapon system. The campaign uses wide arena encounters and a dynamic soundtrack that reacts to combat states. The game includes a map creation suite for community content. Later updates added arcade modes and multiplayer revisions.

5. God of War (2018)

Santa Monica Studio reintroduced the series with a new camera perspective and a focus on a single continuous shot. Combat centers on the Leviathan Axe with skill upgrades and runic attacks. The release integrates exploration across interconnected regions with optional bosses. A performance capture pipeline supports extensive in engine cinematics.

4. Demon’s Souls (2020)

Bluepoint Games remade the 2009 action RPG for PlayStation 5 with new assets and advanced lighting. The remake targets higher frame rates and resolution modes depending on display support. World tendency systems and level layouts mirror the original while quality of life improvements smooth inventory and UI. Online features use dedicated servers with updated password systems.

3. Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)

Square Enix expanded the Midgar section of the 1997 RPG into a full scale action role playing experience. Real time combat blends character swapping with command based abilities. The release features newly scored music and a revised script that adds chapters and side quests. Subsequent entries continue the narrative across a multi part project.

2. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

Capcom rebuilt the 1998 survival horror with an over the shoulder camera and modern controls. The campaign retains Leon and Claire scenarios with reworked puzzles and new areas. The Tyrant pursuer system alters routing through the police station. Free updates added time trial bonus modes and additional character stories.

1. Resident Evil 4 (2023)

This remake updates the 2005 action horror with refined aiming, parrying, and expanded stealth options. Level layouts are adjusted to support new mechanics while preserving key set pieces. The release includes a reworked companion system and optional shooting gallery challenges. Post launch content adds a separate campaign and support for a popular mode with distinct progression.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us which remake or reboot deserves a spot and why.