New games are, of course, coming out all the time. However, amid the scramble to get your hands on the latest and greatest, it's worth taking a moment to look backwards at some of the all-time greats that have been refreshed for modern hardware. Lovingly updated and in many cases improved, these classics were titans of their era and more than hold their own against more recent contenders. The following ten titles represent the best video game remakes available and should be considered essential inclusions in any gamer’s collection.
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Best Video Game Remakes
1 of 10Final Fantasy VII Remake
Why give one of gaming's most lauded titles a graphics refresh when you can completely reimagine it for modern gamers? That was Square's approach to the FFVII remake, which takes the original game's opening chapter and spins it out into a sprawling, deeply engaging action RPG in its own right, with subsequent instalments to set to follow.www.amazon.co.uk
2 of 10The Last Of Us Remastered
The defining title of the PS3, spruced up for the PS4. Little has changed here bar a graphical upgrade to take advantage of the newer console's power, but with a near-perfect game like The Last Of Us, that's unquestionably for the best.www.amazon.co.uk
3 of 10Dark Souls Remastered
Prepare to die… in a higher frame rate. FromSoftware's brutally unforgiving first entry in the Souls saga was born on the PS3 and Xbox 360, but subsequently updated for PS4 and Xbox One in 60fps and 4K. Sure, the grungy visuals don't benefit enormously from the visual upgrade, but the framerate boost is a significant enhancement (We're looking at you, Blighttown).www.amazon.co.uk
4 of 10Resident Evil 2
While Resident Evils 1 and 3 have also had the upgrade treatment, it's 2 that marks the pinnacle of Capcom's zombie outbreak franchise. Maintaining everything that worked about the acclaimed original and throwing in some surprises as well, this is survival horror at its very best. www.amazon.co.uk
5 of 10The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
A faithful yet transformational remake of the GameBoy title from 1993, Link's Awakening retains everything that made the original so enchanting, while beautifying it for the big (not to mention colour) screen. www.amazon.co.uk
6 of 10Shadow Of The Colossus
In Shadow Of The Colossus, Team Ico created a PS2 game that was part adventure, part art, and part existential. Now given a stunning visual makeover, the game is as breathtaking to look at as it is to play. Wander and Agro's journey remains an exceptional gaming experience and this PS4 version is the definitive way to play it. www.amazon.co.uk
7 of 10Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition
The title should convey everything you need to know about this Switch-updated iteration of the classic Wii RPG. As well as a visual overhaul, this version adds numerous gameplay enhancements, as well as a brand new epilogue focusing on Melia. Definitive indeed.www.amazon.co.uk
8 of 10Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Spyro The Dragon (1998), Ripto's Rage (1999) and Year Of The Dragon (2000) are all bundled into this Spyro bonanza package. It may not be the deepest of titles but as a fun, family-friendly romp (with dragons!), Spyro is as charming now as it was two decades ago.www.amazon.co.uk
9 of 10Final Fantasy X/X-2 Remaster
With not one but two excellent entries in the Final Fantasy canon included here, the X/X-2 remaster is excellent value. The PS2 era titles have never looked better, and while the PS4 iteration delivers the visual goods, it's the Switch port that emerges as definitive, smartly utilising the touchscreen and show just how suited these titles are to gaming on the go.www.amazon.co.uk
10 of 10Halo: The Master Chief Collection
An immensely high value compilation that has only become more so over time, The MCC compiled and updates Halos 1 to 4, then added Halo ODST and Halo: Reach as downloadable extras. Experience the fight against the Covenant from the very beginning in glorious HD graphics — then press a button to switch back to the original look for an instant (and often shocking) contrast.www.amazon.co.uk