Look at Final Fantasy VII Remake: It’s gorgeous, it feels fresher than ever and it looks absolutely cool. This was the game that we never thought would ever be real, especially after a tantalising tech demo for the PlayStation 3 was shown off way back in 2006:
Fans begged for a remake, and after more than a decade they’re finally getting it with Final Fantasy VII Remake. Chances are, that if this game is successful, we could be looking at the next big trend in gaming. No longer satisfied with mere remasters, I’d wager my inaction figures that we’ll see plenty of high-budget remakes announced in the years to come from a variety of studios who want to add a new twist to an old favourite.
So that got me thinking: I’m not interested in hearing which game you’d want to see given the remake treatment, but how it should be handled. Heck, let me paint you a picture: Some rich uncle you’ve never heard of has died, left you a few billions to inherit and instead of Mr Deedsing it up with Johnny McEnroe, you’ve decided to spend a few hundred million bucks of your loot on a game that had an impact on you.
You’ve assembled a dream team of developers, hired the right studio to handle the job and you’ve got the vision to create something that will thrill a new generation. What’s it going to look like? If I had to remake one of my favourite games under those parameters, I’d love to see Batman Arkham Asylum under PlatinumGames.
Make no mistake, the rhythm-heavy combat of the original is still top notch, but I’d kill to see Batman go over the top in the action department. Bruising new gameplay, with proper and brutal feedback delivered to your thumbs every time you connected a punch with some thug’s head. It’d be brilliant. So tell me, what would you do given the chance? What would your dream remake look like?
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Critical Hit as an organisation.
Last Updated: June 21, 2019
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 11:52
I was going to make a joke about Monopoly and always winning, but you covered that loophole with the whole “video game” thing. Dammit!
But outside of that, am I the only person who really doesn’t want or care for anything to be remade? Like, the games released during their time were good, for their time. As technology and the market have evolved, so too have the games. Enjoy your fond memories of your favourite games. But also, find new favourites. There’s a lot of pure shit on the market now, but there are also some real gems.
I_am_Duffman!
June 21, 2019 at 19:15
Not everybody has the memories though. A movie made in the 80s/90s or 00s can still be enjoyed by new fans today. That is not really possible for games for various reasons. Games tend to age badly, so remaking a legendary game is a way for NEW fans to possibly have that same feeling you had. There are several games on my wish list that I simply coulnd’t play because I didn’t own the correct platform
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 20:17
That is indeed true, but when I said that the games were good for their time, that includes things like mechanics and overall gameplay just not working in today’s climate as things have evolved. Remasters are “low” effort and don’t translate into modern times at all, while remakes actually rework the games keeping all that in mind. However, I feel that those resources are better spent on sequels or new IPs instead. Bring new people into the world, but do so with a new story so that old fans and new alike can share in the same excitement and joy.
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 20:32
Actually let me give a great example: DOOM 2016. It wasn’t a remaster. It wasn’t a remake. It was a modern shooter that was a re-imagining of the original. It kept the core essence of the game while being completely new and wonderful for modern audiences and old audiences alike.
For the Emperor!
June 21, 2019 at 21:44
So if they “re-imagine” KotOR it would be better? 😛
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 21:44
Depends on the studio. CDPR? No. One of the things that made KotOR work was the more linear story progression. You could tackle the planets in any order, but there was a linear structure that helped guide the narrative. CDPR aren’t about that life, and I don’t see KotOR doing well as an open world title.
I’d much rather they go back and explore a Star Wars story from the Old Republic, a new story, but set in the same sort of timeline – a game that’s built for CDPR’s brand of storytelling and open-world shenanigans. That would work.
Dutch Matrix
June 21, 2019 at 13:18
You know an old game they can remake just as is gameplay wise but with updated graphics? Clive Barker’s Undying.
Left hand was used for guns, right hand for spells. (If memory serves)
Llama In The Rift
June 21, 2019 at 16:05
Metal Gear Solid 1 and Mass Effect 1 and KOTOR done by CDPR in the “Open World” scale and Vigilante 8 Second Offence done by Playground Games…that has always been my dream remaster’d games if i had cash to burn.
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
I would HATE a CDPR version of KotOR. They’d work for ME, though I’m not sure it needs a remake.
Llama In The Rift
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
No i agree… Definitely does not need a remake….Just a “what if ” commenting on the article.
Like you previously said…it’s a waste to what was already a great game…reminds me of 1 of Kurt Cobains quotes “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are”
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
I’ve never heard that quote before. Love it!
G8crasha
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
My response: Leave it to the professionals. I just need to make sure it is a studio that has a strong track record in developing games in that specific genre.
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
Why not spend that effort on a sequel or new IP? Like BG3, for instance. Larian is a yes. BG3 is a yes. I’d be a LOT less excited if they were just doing a BG1/2 remake.
For the Emperor!
June 21, 2019 at 17:08
I support sequels and new IP idea. Pariah for game development studio VP!
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence Edition with MGS4/5 control scheme.
Original Heretic
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. Done by From Software.
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
Fuck that sounds like a perfect match. I wouldn’t play it, but that’s irrelevant.
The D
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
I’d play the hell out of that. One chorus of Daniel Bryan Yes chants to you.
Jacques Van Zyl
June 21, 2019 at 19:14
Can you win today already for this idea?!
Original Heretic
June 21, 2019 at 19:47
Wish I could claim it as my own idea, but it’s actually from an article I read last year. Where the head honcho at From Software said that I there were any game he’d tackle a remaster for, it’d be Soul Reaver.
Yahtzee
June 21, 2019 at 12:10
Mine is getting remastered soon, so thats something. FF8 all vacation long this year o/
The D
June 21, 2019 at 12:10
MY MAN
Yahtzee
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/e4dcf928-aae2-4a15-a87e-d91bdebfd50a/da4xf1m-f08b04c0-5ee1-4be8-9f09-c1b9702bee2e.png?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2U0ZGNmOTI4LWFhZTItNGExNS1hODdlLWQ5MWJkZWJmZDUwYVwvZGE0eGYxbS1mMDhiMDRjMC01ZWUxLTRiZTgtOWYwOS1jMWI5NzAyYmVlMmUucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.wIabhLvRBABQmcThLJC7S5upohiuNzS24vlj1jgs0KM
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
You Bebop or Rocksteady?
Yahtzee
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
Rocksteady looks more like my beer belly type
Kromas
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
I would take Mass Effect 1 and replace it’s combat with Mass Effect 3. Also it’s gfx engine.
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
I would remake the 2nd sentence above.
Kromas
June 21, 2019 at 16:06
“I would also like the new graphics engine to be used.” Wish fulfilled.
Pariah
June 21, 2019 at 18:07
Holy shit it’s a real sentence! XD
For the Emperor!
June 21, 2019 at 16:07
Don’t forget to add the best part of Andromeda: the jump packs!
WhiteRock
June 21, 2019 at 19:15
Fallout 1 and 2 modernized and then 3 redone in the similar vein as wasteland 3, by InIxile.
Guz
June 21, 2019 at 13:10
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Guz
June 21, 2019 at 13:10
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Dutch Matrix
June 21, 2019 at 13:26
Remake Skyrim, but remove the story and setting, and rather place it solidly in the Discworld. Then allow me to be either a wizzzard or a Barbarian or any bloody thing you can think of!
Allow me to visit Unseen University, The Shades, and the rest of Ankh-Morpork.
I want to meet Rincewind, Sam Vimes and his City Watch. Travel to Granny Weatherwax’s hut, The Chalk. Go on a quest with the Nac Mac Feegle, Cohen the Barbarian and be stared down by the Patrician.
Have Leonard of Quirm design new weapons for me…
For the Emperor!
June 21, 2019 at 12:06
I would prefer new, proper games rather than remakes. But if I HAD to choose:
Original Mass Effect trilogy: Updated graphics, update the game play of the first two to fit with the final one, update the final ending a little bit. That is all the games need…though perhaps the jet pack part of Andromeda can be added as well 😛
*Andromeda had really good game play for me. The story was solid, pity it was solid KAK!
fleshtwister
June 21, 2019 at 12:38
01. Full Commander Keen series remake done by Nintendo or the guys at Ubisoft that worked on Rayman Legends would be a dream..
02. Rockstar buys the rights to Carmageddon and does a full gory reboot with horror and gore elements aided by the team that made Manhunt
03. Maybe a Bethesda/ID Software reboot of Dungeon Keeper
04. I’d also add a HD remake of Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines, but since there is a sequel on the way, I’ll reserve my opinion on that until I see the full gameplay.