Remasters, Remakes, Reboots, and Ports Video Game - Expert Guide

Ever since the ongoing buzz about Resident Evil 3, Final Fantasy VII and Link's Awakening remakes, there has been a debate about remaster vs remake vs reboot. The terms may be pretty clear for many players, but they are often confused with the terms used in movies. 

 

Demystifying today's game concepts, this blog will cover video game remasters, remakes, and reboots with relevant examples of your favourite games. 

 

So, let's get into it.

 

What Is a Remastered Game?

 

Remaster video games entail redefining the game graphics and textures and adding model details. It is one of the most delicate forms of reviving games by working on the graphic fidelity of the games. As it is the ‘touched-up’ version, no other parts of the game, such as storyline, game UI/UX, and game mechanics, are changed. However, for remastering video games, an updated game engine and assets can give the game an enhanced look. 

 

Remastering video games occurs when a game is released on a Standard Definition (SD) console and gets ported to a High Definition (HD) console. Many games on the PS3 generation have been remastered as it is one of the first HD consoles. The game is upgraded Using advanced machines, resulting in HD textures and cleaner character models. 

 

Here is an example of remastering video games from Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy 

 

The game graphics are enhanced in the original vs. remake, whereas the game character, story, background, and environment are retained. The character is made realistic with high graphic textures and models. 

 

 

Source: Grand Theft Auto 

 

Easy examples of remasters are the "HD" editions of recent games like Okami HD, Wind Waker HD, and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD. 

 

Examples of Video Game Remasters

 

The examples of famous video game remasters are: 

 

1. The Last of Us - Original: 2013, Remastered: 2014
2. "Halo: Combat Evolved - Original: 2001, Remastered: 2014 (part of “Halo: The Master Chief Collection”)
3. Final Fantasy VII - Original: 1997, Remake: 2020
4. Shadow of the Colossus - Original: 2005, Remake: 2018
5. Crash Bandicoot - Original: 1996, Remastered: 2017 (part of "Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

 

What is the best engine to remaster a video game and why?

 

Unreal engine is considered one of the best game engines to remaster video games and enhance game graphics due to its advanced graphical capabilities, versatile tools, and support for modern platforms.

 

Original vs Remastered Game – What Is Better?

 

It entirely depends on the game graphics and how well it performs with its remastered version. However, a remastered game is better than the original one as it offers video players enhanced visuals and strong graphics. As they run on modern consoles with a few bells and whistles, it performs well with an enhanced gameplay experience. 

 

Pros and Cons of Video Games Remasters

 

Pros

 

• Enhanced graphics and visuals
• Improved performance and stability
• Preserves nostalgic gaming experiences
• Can introduce new content or features

 

Cons

 

• May not address all original game issues
• Limited changes to gameplay mechanics
• Some remasters may feel outdated compared to newer titles

 

What Is a Remake in Video Games?

 

Video game remakes, unlike remastered video games, are not the copy of the original rather, they are made on modern rendition. It is optimized for modern hardware and consoles with new game engines, graphics, and design. 

 

Video game remakes are updated versions of existing games reimagined, rebuilt, or revamped with improved graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics. These remakes often bring classic titles to modern platforms, preserving the original story and essence while providing enhanced visuals and features to appeal to new and nostalgic players. However, it must be noted that video game remakes do not disrupt the entire storyline and mainly work on the original one. 

 

Here is an example of a remake in video games from Resident Evil 4.