Pre-2005 was called a golden age by gamers for its remarkable releases. Gothic, Max Payne 1, The Witcher, and many others were highlights of the era, ushering in revamped in-game mechanics and UI/UX elements. To that end, some of our favourite games of old at Player.com are getting mouth-watering remakes. Yes, these titles will be remade from the ground up for a definitive experience that may add DLCs and other extras.
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The 6 Best Upcoming Game Remakes
The games below are at least 18 years old and like fine wine, they’ve aged well. However, they won’t shine without quality-of-life features such as easier character control and better graphics. For one, revolutionary game engines like Unreal Engine 5 have been released. So, we look forward to seeing developers catch up in 2024 and release photorealistic titles.
#1: Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 is a game remake from Bloober Team that’s getting a complete makeover. The original game from 2001 was developed by Team Silent and by proxy, Konami. We’re a bit antsy about the change of hands because Bloober Team’s recent work, The Medium, isn’t the most critically-acclaimed title out there. Hopefully, having a template will give the creators an edge so they can bring the grotesque monsters of Silent Hill 2 alive.
The lore behind Silent Hill 2 has always been revolutionary. To start with, the game’s events unfold in Maine, a city that uses visitors’ imagination to power itself. Thereafter, the city creates alternatives depending on the visitor. To that end, Silent Hill 2 takes you on a wild trip through your deepest fears and then some.
#2: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII is a 1997 title from Square Enix, featuring Sephiroth as the main villain. A game remake from the studio is on its way to consoles in 2024 and it will feature the original game characters. Jenova is still at the heart of the game’s lore and Cloud is our protagonist, taking on the forces of evil for humanity’s sake. We’ve seen the trailer for the game remake and it looks like the recently released Final Fantasy XVI.
That is cutting-edge graphics that’ll entertain even non-gamers. Lighting, texture detail, and the sandbox are pumped to extreme heights. We also expect to find mini-games such as snowboarding in Final Fantasy VII. However, the developers encourage players to expect even more content, so this may just be the best game remake of 2024.
#3: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
The original version of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was released in 2003 and it’s still touted as the best Star Wars game to date. The game lets you choose to be a Jedi, representing a fallen order, or a Sith, who is determined to head the Sith. You’ll meet a host of characters, discover new powers, and explore the galaxy in the game remake.
In 2003, there were over 40 powers in the game, which was only available for Microsoft Windows, Xbox, and Android devices. We expect the new game to be available on the PS5 and maybe a vaster array of powers. Likewise, having a bigger sandbox isn’t bad either, but that’s if the original story writers were fully involved. That said, there’s currently no release date for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
#4: Splinter Cell
Splinter Cell is a remake from Ubisoft Toronto, whose director just left the studio. We fear this may have affected the team’s morale. Maybe that’s why Ubisoft hasn’t announced a launch date. To that end, Splinter Cell is a stealth-action game with plenty of next-gen gameplay elements. We’re talking about the likes of better sound effects, shadows, and maybe even ray tracing. After all, the game was released way back in 2002, making it at least two decades old.
You’ll use different gadgets, skills, and combat skills to outmanoeuvre your foes. Additionally, Sam Fisher will benefit from an audio-visual overhaul, so expect a clearer voiceover. For reference, the original game was created using Unreal Engine 2. Hopefully, the new game will use Unreal Engine 5, which is revolutionary. We hope the creators will announce a launch date soon.
#5: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a classic from 2003 that lets you control a time-bending Prince whose kingdom is on the verge of ruin. It was developed by Ubisoft for the PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, but its release date is unknown for now. Having said that, the game was popular because of its parkour style, such as wall running, beautiful art style, and close-quarter-level design and combat.
Beating a boss was always a satisfying event and we hope the game gets the audio-visual revamp that it deserves. Moving forward, the single-player experience is also 10 hours long, so we hope the studio will add more content. However, that’s if the creators can put the project’s rocky start behind them.
#6: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater was released in 2004, and its story, art style, and gameplay were all exemplary. The game remake or Delta, represents a visual overhaul of the experience, including its characters and different Metal Gears. Lore-wise, you’ll control Naked Snake, who must confront new enemies and a former friend and mentor. Did we also mention that it’s a stealth-action game with many gadgets and tools at the protagonist’s disposal?
This includes a motion detector that you can use to track enemies, even through walls. Heck, your backstory paints you as a master spy and infiltrator. That doesn’t mean you don’t have the option to use Rocket Launchers in the game. However, the grounded approach to combat encourages you to strike from the shadows, only coming out to play with the bosses.
Our Final Say: Play the Metal Gear Solid Game Remake First
You can approach this list from any direction and still go wrong. So, you might as well play Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater first. It’s an exemplary title with compelling characters and a nice range of weapons for clearing enemies and levels. Hopefully, the creators will follow the templates and deliver a proper next-gen game remake. Any additions should be complimentary, never subtracting from their single-player campaigns.