Why do some games get remastered while others are left behind?
Remasters have become essential in modern gaming, from effortless re-releases to completely redefined experiences. Today’s remasters, which range from Super Mario All-Stars on the SNES to Braid: Anniversary Edition and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, do more than just improve graphics; they also improve gameplay and speed and occasionally even include new content. However, fans are wondering why some popular titles are still left behind in the past while others have been granted another chance.
For instance, Bloodborne is still one of the most consistent fan demands for a remaster of any game. Despite not having a current system port or a 60fps upgrade, it has remained one of the most loved PlayStation specials since its 2015 release. Bloodborne is still only functional with PS4 hardware, which upsets the fans as Sony has gradually embraced releasing its exclusives to PC.
The question remains: why hasn’t it happened yet? But the only answer is the ownership. Since Bloodborne was created by FromSoftware but released by Sony, Sony would have complete control over any remake. Furthermore, Bloodborne pushed the PS4 to its boundaries as a technically demanding game even at the launch. Sony may be hesitant to entrust it to any studio because a hasty remake could cause more trouble than any good. Bloodborne deserves to be remastered with the same care and attention to detail, which made it an excellent work in the first place.
But the fans aren’t giving up. One thing is certain from social media campaigns and countless topic discussions, people want Bloodborne to receive the modern care it deserves. It’s unclear if that will be a complete remake or a good 60fps remaster for the PS5, but one thing is for sure: the desire isn’t going away any soon.
Bloodborne is the most obvious example, but there are many other games to remaster. Modern systems still lack classic games like Dino Crisis, Infamous, and Sunset Overdrive despite their loyal fan following. For example, while Capcom has achieved great success with its Resident Evil remakes, its most-requested revival, Dino Crisis, has not been given the same attention.
Given Capcom’s recent experience with horror games, a Dino Crisis reboot might be a huge hit. Prior to the superhero craze, open-world superhero action was first offered by Sony’s Infamous series, but it hasn’t been released on modern technologies yet. An excellent remaster might introduce the franchise to an entirely new generation.
The goal of an exceptional remaster is to enhance the original experience while maintaining its unique qualities, which goes above simply updating the graphics. In the 1990s, Super Mario All-Stars proved this by bringing 2D Mario games to the SNES with modern graphics while preserving their original gameplay. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD and Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft are two instances that demonstrate how recent enhancements, better controls, and better graphics can restore classic games.
However, a poor remaster might damage a game’s legacy. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition was harshly criticized by fans for its hurried production, missing features, and mismatched visuals. Thus, a bad remaster might cause more damage; therefore, it’s important to be patient and respectful of the original.
Remasters are essential for preserving gaming history, not simply for supporting nostalgia. Many classic games risk being lost to time as consoles and older hardware become more advanced. While guaranteeing that these experiences will continue to be available for years to come, a properly done remaster can introduce them to new gamers.
Remasters are clearly here to stay, as shown by the 2024 release of Braid: Anniversary Edition, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and more. However, there are still classic games waiting in the wings for every modern improvement. Fans can only hope that their favorite games, whether they are Dino Crisis, Bloodborne, or Infamous, will receive remasters that are done with care and that they will make it rewarding to play again.
