Top 10 best remasters of old games

The greatest game remasters you can’t miss

Hey there, fellow gamer! If you’re here, you’re probably like me: someone who loves indulging in the good ol’ games that defined our gaming legacy. Indeed, some of the greatest hits from past decades have been revived in the form of remasters. But not all remasters are created equal. Some elevate our favorite classics to pristine perfection, while others – well, not so much. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 10 best remasters of old games that have earned their rightful place as the best of the best. Whether you’ve played these games before or are experiencing them for the first time, they belong on your PC gaming library. So without further ado, let’s jump into the remastered magic!

What is a game remaster?

Before we dive into the list, let’s cover some definitions real quick. A remaster typically involves taking an older game and upgrading its visuals, sound, and sometimes even gameplay mechanics for modern platforms. It’s different from a remake, which usually involves rebuilding a game from scratch, adding new features, and changing core elements. While remasters tend to stick to the original versions, they breathe life back into them through updated graphics, resolution, and performance.

Top 10 best game remasters

1. Resident Evil 2

   Let me just say, Resident Evil 2 took the crown, hands down. Brought back into the modern era in every sense of the word, this remaster delivers jaw-dropping visuals, intense atmosphere, and tight gameplay. The original came out in 1998, and while it was revolutionary for its time, the remaster amplifies the horror and suspense tenfold. From the zombie-filled police station to the action-packed boss fights, it feels like an entirely new game.

   Why it’s awesome:

   • Updated PlayStation 4/PC-level graphics
   • Shocking fidelity brings every terrifying creature to life
   • Action mechanics revamped to suit modern playstyles

2. Shadow of the Colossus

   For those of us who were fans of the original Shadow of the Colossus on PlayStation 2, the remaster is an absolute treat. The game retains its minimalist storytelling and breathtaking, boss-centric gameplay but improves everything else. Environments pop with color and vibrancy while the Colossi feel even more awe-inspiring and ambitious than before. The added details and new lighting make this one of the best remasters of all time, worth playing again and again.

   Why I love this remaster:

   • Gorgeously upgraded 4K assets
   • Fluid frame rates providing smoother gameplay
   • Masterfully improved atmospheric audio and sound design

3. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD

   Ah, this one’s close to my heart. The Wind Waker HD remaster is a vibrant revival of one of the GameCube’s most beloved action-adventure titles. With its cel-shaded art style, it was already a game that aged phenomenally, but the remaster turns it up a notch, with higher resolution textures and a refined lighting system that make Link’s seafaring adventures even more immersive. Plus, the inclusion of faster sailing mechanics… now that’s a real game-changer!

   What sets Wind Waker apart:

   • Stunning HD visuals breathe life into the world
   • Faster sailing makes exploration much smoother
   • Streamlined item interface improves the gameplay experience

4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

   Nostalgia be damned! The Halo: The Master Chief Collection takes multiple masterpieces and remasters them to new heights, all in one massive package. From Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 4, every game in the series has seen visual upgrades, smoothened multiplayer experiences, and seamless integration into modern matchmaking networks. For any Halo fan looking to relive (or introduce themselves to) the legendary stories of John-117, this is by far the ultimate collection.

   Why it stands out:

   • Access to four fully remastered Halo games
   • Higher resolution and upgraded sound design across the board
   • Comprehensive multiplayer and massive content offering

5. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

   Crash Bandicoot hit us all with a wave of nostalgia, but the N. Sane Trilogy packed a powerful punch. The remastered collection includes the first three Crash games, and what’s remarkable is how the developers retained the original quirky platforming charm while overhauling the visuals to match modern gaming standards. The result is fun, demanding, and oh-so-satisfying (especially when you manage to 100% each level!).

   Why you must play this:

   • The beloved platformer visuals rendered with modern engine fidelity
   • Controls feel more precise without removing the challenge
   • Remastered sound effects and music keep the spirit of the original alive

6. Dark Souls: Remastered

   Prepare to die…over and over again! The Dark Souls: Remastered is here to make sure our love-hate relationship with this game never ends. The original Dark Souls is a masterpiece of challenging RPG design, but let’s be honest, it wasn’t the prettiest or smoothest. The remaster brings it up to par with today’s standards, giving us improved textures, lighting, and a higher, more consistent frame rate. So now, each death looks and feels glorious!

   Why it kicks ass:

   • 1080p resolution at 60 FPS provides smoother experience
   • Visually improved environments, character models, and textures
   • Online multiplayer improved, supporting up to 6 players in a single session

7. Spyro Reignited Trilogy

   The little purple dragon is back, and he looks better than ever in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Initially launched on PlayStation, Spyro brings alongside him fluid animations, adorable character designs, and sumptuous levels. The remaster updates all of the textures, character designs, and environments, making Spyro’s world come alive like never before. This trilogy is the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovative design, ideal for fans and newcomers alike.

   Standout elements:

   • Incredibly detailed remake with sharp textures and vibrant colors
   • Classic gameplay controls with modern visual polish
   • Faithful recreation – the charm and humor are still on point!

8. Mafia: Definitive Edition

   Now, if you’re into mobster games with a gripping story, then Mafia: Definitive Edition is going to blow you away. The original Mafia was impressive back in 2002, but the remaster completely overhauls the visuals, sound, and gameplay mechanics while staying true to the spirit of the original. Set against the backdrop of 1930s America, the game feels like you’re stepping into an epic crime drama film.

   What makes the remaster great:

   • Completely rebuilt visuals and assets
   • Narrative authenticity enhanced with new voice acting
   • Modernized controls and improved vehicle physics

9. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2

   Skateboarding legends never die! Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is the ultimate skateboarding nostalgia trip. Both the original games defined an entire generation of players, but this remaster brings them into the future where slicker controls, sharper graphics, and online play dominate. Every single trick, every combo line feels as addictive as ever, but now with gorgeous visuals that keep you pressing “just one more round.” And yes, the soundtrack still slaps!

   Top reasons to shred it:

   • Significant graphical revamp while keeping the core gameplay intact
   • Wonderful physics and improved trick animations
   • Legendary soundtrack with added modern tweaks ensures great vibes

10. Final Fantasy IX

    Final Fantasy IX is one of the most beloved installments in the Final Fantasy series, and with good reason! In this remaster, you’ll see enhanced visuals, meaning crisper character models and cleaner environments, all while keeping the fantastic story and gameplay mechanics completely intact. Whether you’ve played through Zidane’s adventure or not, this remaster brings it up to meeting modern standards without sacrificing its charm.

    Favorite additions:

    • Improved HUD and character models
    • Convenient new features like autosave and high-speed mode
    • Remade cutscenes add even more to the storytelling

Conclusion: take your nostalgia to the next level

There you have it, gaming buds! The top 10 best remasters of old games that are guaranteed to remix your retro-loving heart with some thrilling modern-day enhancements. Whether you crave horrifying ventures, skateboarding tricks, or beautifully crafted fantasy worlds, there’s something on this list for everyone. As someone who’s geeked out over most of these myself, I assure you, these remasters do justice to the originals and may even surpass them in some ways.

Now it’s your time to dive into these classics or relive them with fresh eyes. Which of these remasters will you be playing first? Let me know! And stay tuned for more gaming goodies on our blog. Catch you on the next level!