Unfortunately, video game remasters have a poor reputation. This happens as many developers only slightly improve the textures and resolution. However, some shining examples drastically enhance the visuals for the best gaming TVs and add new content. Before beginning our top ten countdown, make sure not to confuse remasters with reboots or remakes. A reboot is a reimagination of the original game, while a remake mostly keeps the gameplay but improves visuals. Finally, remasters are about enhancing the original game without changing the engine.

10. Resident Evil HD Remaster

Resident Evil remake is one of the best video games of all time, radically improving the original. Hence, Capcom upgraded this version, releasing it for modern gaming platforms. HD Remaster supports widescreen and 1080p resolution while adding new lighting and elements. However, the original prerendered backgrounds are still here.

The developers also made a critical change to the gameplay. The game now offers intuitive controls, as the characters move according to the direction pressed. Still, the traditional "tank" controls are present for the nostalgic players asking for a bigger challenge. Resident Evil Zero also received an HD Remaster version of similar quality.

9. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Square Enix made some horrible remasters, such as Final Fantasy VII and VIII. However, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age was a pleasant surprise. Of course, the developers didn't bother improving the low-res PS2 textures. Nonetheless, they've added support for high-definition resolutions and 60 frames-per-second mode. Even the interface is improved, as it now features crystal-clear 2D graphics. Also, the excellent design helps the game hold pretty well.

This version changes the progression system, so characters now have limited development options. While this removes freedom of choice, it also makes everyone distinctive. There's also a trial mode, where you'll need to survive 100 battles against high-level enemies. Finally, you'll enjoy the remastered soundtrack, which features a few new tunes. When it comes to remastered PS2 ports, Final Fantasy XII is the best!

8. Wipeout Omega Collection

Largely forgotten, the Wipeout series got a new lease on life with the Omega Collection release. This compilation includes a reworked version of Wipeout 2048 for the PS Vita and Wipeout HD for PS3. It's almost incredible that this is only a remaster, as the graphical improvements are astonishing. The games now support 4K resolution while doubling the frame rate. Plus, there's VR support!

In the Omega Collection, Wipeout 2048 and Wipeout HD are combined into a single game, which might be confusing. Also, the developers added more content, including new and returning teams. This means that it will occupy you longer than any other Wipeout game!

7. The Last of Us Remastered

The Last of Us is not only one of the best video games of all time on the PlayStation 3 but a graphical showcase for the platform. Only a year later, the game received a remaster for the PS4. While full HD resolution and 60 frames per second were expected, we've also got high-quality lighting and an improved draw distance.

The new photo mode was an excellent way to showcase all the improvements. Still, the game also had positive gameplay changes. Shooting is a much smoother experience thanks to the DualShock 4 controller's superiority and concave triggers. Of course, Left Behind is also included in the package, making the PS3 version obsolete.

6. Full Throttle Remastered

Full Throttle appeared in the golden age of point-and-click adventures. It featured excellent cartoon graphics, a beautiful story, and still relevant humor. All the remake assets are transferred to HD and look sharper than the original graphics. As with Wonder Boy: Dragon's Trap, you can easily switch back to the original visuals.

As this is still a remaster, the animation stayed the same, looking limited by today's standards. Still, there are other improvements, including tighter controls, which work surprisingly well on the controller. If you like Full Throttle Remastered, don't miss Day of the Tentacle Remastered too!

5. Daytona USA

When it appeared in 1993, Daytona USA looked better than any PC or console game released in the next five years! With its high resolution, texture mapping, and bilinear filtering, you had to be stunned just by looking at it. Plus, despite showing 40 cars on screen, the frame rate is locked at 60 fps. Finally, it's not only about the graphics, as the gameplay is very addictive, with excellent controls and the track design.

However, we had to wait until 2011 for Sega to produce a stunning PS3 and Xbox 360 remaster (compatible with Xbox Series consoles). We got a much higher resolution in this release, better textures, and a widescreen mode with multiplayer support! The only reason this release isn't higher on our list is its light on content. Still, we love coming back to it often for those blue, blue skies.

4. Persona 4 Golden

Persona 4 was one of the last great games for PS2. Yet surprisingly, it was never ported to PS3 or Xbox 360! When all hope was lost, Atlus decided to spectacularly remaster it for PS Vita! Almost a decade later, the title was finally available on PC and modern consoles. The graphical improvements include 4K resolution and 60 fps, with clean 2D elements. Of course, the low polygon count still reminds us of the original release. Yet, the animation is rather impressive, as are the anime segments.

However, Golden also adds more content and improves gameplay. Thus, it is way easier to earn money and XP. Therefore, the leveling system is much better, and grinding is minimal. This results in excellent gameplay, which still feels fresh. Furthermore, it will take you at least 50 hours to reach the end! Whichever version you choose, you'll love it!

3. Command & Conquer Remastered Collection

Many legendary RTS games, including Starcraft and the Age of Empire series, got remastered. However, Command & Conquer Remastered Collection remains the best. Somehow, the developers transformed these old MS-DOS games by improving almost everything. The first thing you'll notice are the gorgeous two-dimensional graphics, which now support 4K resolution. While the objects are often small, they look incredibly sharp. Unfortunately, the original masters of full-motion video sequences were lost, but the team wouldn't give up. Instead, they did some impressive upscale of the low-res material. The music got the same treatment, with more songs, remixes, and much better audio quality.

Thankfully, there are many other changes. Improved UI makes the navigation more accessible, and there's full online support, comparable to modern games. Furthermore, the title fully supports modding, giving it a massive replay value. As expected, all expansions are available, but there are some surprises besides the bonus section. Thus, expect exclusive missions and videos from Nintendo 64 and PlayStation versions! While the units' AI may cause some frustration, this is still an epic remaster!

2. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

Thanks to its cartoony visuals, the Wind Waker was probably the most controversial game in The Legend of Zelda series. Luckily, it's now considered among the best video games of all time, so Nintendo decided to remaster it on its 10th anniversary. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker incorporates significant visual improvements, including widescreen support and high-resolution textures. Gamers can also optionally use a new lighting engine.

Still, we are even more impressed by the gameplay improvements. Nintendo managed to speed up boring sail sections and redefine the tedious Triforce Quest. This doesn't make The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker easier, but it eliminates what looked like an artificial way to prolong the game. Finally, there's a hero mode where you receive twice the damage, while recovering is challenging.

1. The Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Trilogy

To be honest, we didn't expect much from The Nathan Drake Collection. The developer Blueprint Games mainly were known for their basic HD ports. However, we've been wrong about it! The team took great care to drastically improve the graphics, add more details, better textures, and double the frame rate to 60.

While the first game saw the most significant improvement, other trilogy parts are also a huge step forward compared to their PS3 originals. The Nathan Drake Collection almost looks like a native PS4 title, mainly because it includes a photo mode. Blueprint Games even tinkered with gameplay, but while the changes are subtle, they are all on point. The only drawback is that the multiplayer components of the Uncharted 2 and 3 are no more.

If done correctly, remasters can significantly improve original releases, as seen on our top ten list. All these games make the initial releases obsolete and are worth adding to your collection! While basic HD ports seem close to extinction, many remasters aren't worth your money.

What are some of your favorite remastered games? How often do you buy re-releases? Please share your knowledge with us in the comments.

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