7 Stunning Game Remakes and Remasters

Video games have a way of sticking with us, and remakes or remasters breathe new life into old favorites. These updates don’t just polish the surface—they make beloved titles feel fresh while keeping their heart intact.

I’ve picked out seven of the best remakes and remasters that elevate classic games with gorgeous visuals, smoother gameplay, or reimagined mechanics. Each one honors its roots while inviting new players to fall in love.

7. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (2017)

The ‘Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy’ rebuilds the first three Crash games from the 1990s with vibrant, cartoonish visuals. Levels like Cortex Castle and Road to Nowhere pop with colorful details, from lush jungles to crumbling ruins.

Vicarious Visions kept the original platforming tight but added modern polish, like smoother controls and crisp animations. It’s a nostalgic trip that feels brand-new, perfect for old fans and newcomers alike.

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

‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2’ remakes the first two skateboarding classics from 1999 and 2000 with stunning detail. Iconic levels like Warehouse and School II shine with updated textures, lighting, and bustling crowds.

The gameplay stays true to the original’s addictive combo-chaining but feels smoother with modern controls. Vicarious Visions crafted a love letter to skate culture that looks and plays beautifully.

5. Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)

‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ reimagines the opening chapters of the 1997 classic as a full-blown action RPG. Midgar’s slums and towering reactors are brought to life with breathtaking detail, from neon-lit streets to intricate character models.

Square Enix expanded the story and combat, blending real-time action with strategic pauses. It’s a bold reworking that captures the original’s spirit while feeling like a modern epic.

4. Shadow of the Colossus (2018)

The 2018 remake of ‘Shadow of the Colossus’ transforms the 2005 PS2 classic into a visual masterpiece. The vast, desolate world and towering colossi are rendered with lush textures and soft lighting that feel almost painterly.

Bluepoint Games kept the haunting story and minimalist gameplay intact, letting the emotional weight shine through. Exploring this lonely landscape feels as awe-inspiring as ever.

3. Demon’s Souls (2020)

The ‘Demon’s Souls’ remake for PS5 reworks the 2009 game that sparked the Souls genre. Boletaria’s grim castles and swampy valleys are reborn with jaw-dropping visuals, from flickering torchlight to grotesque enemies.

Bluepoint Games enhanced the atmosphere while preserving the brutal challenge and cryptic story. It’s a stunning update that makes every death and victory feel vivid and intense.

2. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

‘Resident Evil 2’ remakes the 1998 survival horror classic with a complete overhaul. Raccoon City’s police station and zombie-filled streets are rendered with eerie detail, from dripping blood to shadowy corridors.

Capcom swapped fixed cameras for an over-the-shoulder view, making combat tense and immersive. This remake balances nostalgia with modern horror, delivering chills and thrills in equal measure.

1. The Last of Us Part I (2022)

‘The Last of Us Part I’ rebuilds the 2013 masterpiece for PS5, with a post-apocalyptic world that looks staggeringly real. From overgrown cities to snowy mountains, every environment is packed with detail, enhanced by improved lighting and textures.

Naughty Dog refined the gameplay with smoother controls and accessibility options, keeping the emotional story at the forefront. It’s a remake that makes an already iconic game feel even more powerful.

Which remake or remaster won you over, or is there a classic you think deserves a glow-up? Share your picks in the comments!