Top Remakes and Remasters On PlayStation 5

Top Remakes and Remasters On PlayStation 5

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Highlights

  • Classic games get a modern facelift on PS5 with impressive graphics and revitalized gameplay systems.
  • Must-play remakes and remasters like Death Stranding Directors Cut and Pac-Man World Re-Pac add new life to beloved titles.
  • Games like The Last Of Us Part 1 remake and Demon Souls bring iconic experiences to a new generation with enhanced graphics and gameplay.

Now that millions of gamers have their hands on a PS5, the most pressing question on most PlayStation fan’s minds is, ‘What games are actually worth my time.’ Many will speak of the recent lack of exclusives, but at the very least, along with this new console generation of original games, we also have a new wave of remakes and remasters to play alongside them.

While some remakes and remasters have been labeled as pure nostalgia bait or just a quick cash-grab for gaming companies, this generation’s truly groundbreaking graphics turn your average re-make into something often more impressive than a brand-new release. This allows us all to re-experience games we’ve always loved and dive into a range of classics for the first time.

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10

Death Stranding Directors Cut

Hideo Kojima’s Gaming Phenomenon Remixed

Sam from Death Stranding approaching a cardboard box. From Death Stranding Directors Cut Teaser Trailer..

One person will call Death Stranding the best game ever made, and another will vehemently despise it. Yet, despite everything surrounding this game, a community has jumped headfirst into the story and fully absorbed what many now believe to be one of Hideo Kojima’s most masterful games.

This game isn’t a ground-up remake, but similar to other games on this list, you’ll find many revitalized gameplay systems and helpful tweaks. Especially for a game like Death Stranding, which, let’s be honest, often has monotonous gameplay, the tweaks can really expand the game for both returning and new players.

While not a game for everybody, Death Stranding Directors Cut is still a brilliant remaster on the PlayStation 5 console.

9

Pac-Man World Re-Pac

Classic Platforming Fun, With A Modern Lens

Pac-Man in Pac-Man World Re-Pac jumping over a barrel in a level near the sea.

We’ve seen many remakes that attempt to reintroduce the public to beloved titles of old while also capturing the attention of those who grew up with them. Not to mention that these developers must create a game that lives up to modern standards.

It’s a tough tightrope to walk, but one of the more successful examples of a full ground-up, but faithful remake of a classic platformer is Pac-Man World Re-Pac.

While not the most well-known title in platformer history, this remake struck a chord with many, making them go, “Oh yeah, I remember that one.” It’s a game that’s more than just a hearty dose of nostalgia. This game has also stood the test of time, as even today, Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a lot of fun to play.

8

The Last Of Us Part 1

A Fresh Coat Of Paint For Naughty Dog’s PS3 Classic

Joel looking at Ellie in the pre-purchase trailer for Last Of Us Part 1 2022 Remake

While an honorable mention should go to the other recent Naughty Dog re-release, the pretty solid Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, the hands-down best re-released Naughty Dog title is The Last Of Us Part 1’s 2022 remake.

Being Sony’s golden child, this excellent game not only stands the test of time but also hits players with even more oomph due to the huge cultural influence of Part 2 and the adapted TV show.

This remake’s graphics showcase the PS5 more than ever. Unlike the PS4 remaster, the almost complete overhaul of graphics, textures, and so much more makes this game the true re-release of The Last of Us fans have always wanted. The gameplay, puzzles, and pacing still feel great alongside the depressingly melancholic but oddly love-filled story.

Like other keystone PlayStation titles like Shadow of the Colossus, this game’s long-lasting fan love and cultural impact make it an easy-to-recommend masterpiece remaster for the PlayStation 5, especially if you haven’t played it before.

Infected from The Last Of Us Part 1 and Joel and Ellie

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7

Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2

The Birdman Is Back & Better Than EverTony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 skater catching huge air on the map Downhill Jam.

The Tony Hawk Pro Skater franchise is a stalwart of 2000s gaming, but the series really struggled to keep that success going after the THUG entries in the franchise. However, after many (and I mean many) swings and misses, this remaster finally delivered a modern THPS hit we could get behind.

Trying to keep your huge combo alongside a volley of fan-favorite skaters and some punk and ska music gives it a vibe virtually unmatched. That said, what many of us don’t realize is how far this series has evolved and changed.

The updated Pro Skater 1+2 remake adds refreshed graphics and introduces mechanics from the rest of the franchise, making the classic stages fun and refreshing. This game is a blast to play on the PS5 and makes us realize how well the fast and snappy gameplay loop still works today.

There probably won’t be any Tony Hawk follow-ups anytime soon due to issues with the Activision/Blizzard merger messing with developer Vicarious Visions, but this great remake still makes us fans hope for more in the future.

6

Persona 3 Reload

A Revitalized Trip Into JRPG History

Makoto from Persona 3 unleashing his persona.

More than most on this list, Persona 3 Reload is a game that desperately needed a remake. With a large noteworthy fandom popping up around the Persona 4 and Persona 5 sequels, this was untraveled territory for many players, so it’s interesting to debate whether this classic turn-based JRPG remake lives up to its significant status.

Fans had been begging for this remake for what seemed like an eternity, and some typical quality-of-life and aesthetic changes, like updating the graphics and art quality-of-life improvements, have finally delivered Persona fans an accessible and shiny new way to enjoy this classic JRPG hit.

Persona 5’s runaway success was undoubtedly the catalyst for this stunning remake, but make no mistake, Persona is a series that has always oozed quality, and Persona 3 Reload is a testament to that.

5

Ghost Of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Maybe It’s Time For Another Journey Through Tsushima

Jin Sakai riding his horse towards the sunset in Ghost Of Tsushima Director's Cut

Systems

PlayStation-1

Released

July 17, 2020

Publisher(s)

Sony

Ghost of Tsushima is one of the significant PlayStation franchises of recent years. The game was initially released in 2020, and fans are already hoping for a sequel. This title took your traditional open-world game, akin to Ubisoft titles like the newer Assassin’s Creed open worlds, and expanded on it tenfold.

Ghost of Tsushima impressed gamers with fantastic combat full of depth and beautiful art direction that sweeps you off your feet. While this speaks to its gameplay strengths, its subtlety is also oddly impressive, such as the minimal UI and occasionally relaxing, zen-like feel.

More than anything else, this game’s Feudal Japan aesthetic and classic Samurai Movie ambiance give it a unique quality, making Ghost of Tsushima one of those definitive PlayStation Titles. So, with the original title so strong, this remastered director’s cut is a strong recommendation for visiting Tsushima‘s world, especially if it’s your first time.

4

Dead Space

Adding Bloodcurdling Realism To Necromorph Dismemberment

Isaac shooting an attacking necromorph in the remake of Dead Space

Dead Space is one of the most iconic horror titles ever-produced, so seeing its absolutely terrifying necromorphs and monsters with the PS5’s new emphasis on photo-realistic graphics has us clinging to our controllers, scared to turn the next corner.

Not only relying on jump scares but also an oppressive atmosphere and survival quality, Dead Space has stood the test of time and, in many cases, it even outshines the original.

The core gameplay of Dead Space, where you upgrade your arsenal and chop off limbs, is as impressive as ever. And while the updated graphics give this game a somewhat different feeling while playing, crushing heads with the bottom of your foot still looks amazing.

We’re happy to say that Dead Space is a great modern remake that gamers should try if they’re interested in some traditional survival horror fun.

3

Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth

Not Only A Fantastic Revisit, But A Retelling Of A JRPG Classic

Cloud fighting in a battle in Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and another upcoming sequel are part of an interesting remake project that aims to do much more than just retell the iconic story of Final Fantasy 7. The grand tale starts similarly to the original but remixes things to offer something bold and new.

Fans latched onto this familiar yet fresh approach, and because of this attempt to elevate rather than rehash FF7, unlike almost anything on this list, it’s strangely engaging to play this game if you have that connection to the original.

While not the most traditional remakes on this list, they are a unique and interesting pair of JRPGs we definitely recommend checking out.

2

Resident Evil 4

Where’s Everyone Going? Bingo?

Leon Kennedy exploring a room with a flashlight in the Resident Evil 4 2023 Remake

Just in case you’ve been cowering under your blankie and missed it, there have been some outstanding horror remakes in recent years. Resident Evil 2 and 3, Dead Space above on this list, and the upcoming Dead Rising and Silent Hill 2 remakes are some standout names to pull out of the horror hat. Yet somehow, Resident Evil 4 still, in many ways, tops them as the king in terms of popularity and meaningfulness to the current state of gaming.

Seeing Leon Kennedy shooting and kicking his way through this game again with the new, refreshed, masterful graphics is awesome and even made us question whether a remake like this can deserve Game of the Year.

While the action here is loud, and the story can be cheesy, even today, we are knocked out by the amount of fun and charm Resident Evil 4 gives us. Resident Evil 4 is truly one of the best gaming remakes to play for this current generation.

1

Demon Souls

FromSoftware’s Title That Started It All Gets New Life

Demon Souls 2020 remake player fighting the Armor Spider boss fight.

While there have been handfuls of remakes of PlayStation exclusives for the PS5, Demon Souls was the only one that was so impactful that it was deemed a system seller as a launch exclusive.

Being the first game in the Soulsborne FromSoft catalog, this game, originally a PS3 exclusive, is a fantastic title that was all but lost to time, but this remake revives this Soulsborne relic for a new generation to enjoy.

Sure, Demon Souls feels slower and much different than the now slightly faster pace of Soulsborne games, but it’s still very impressive to see how much we owe to this title. The crucial and unforgiving decision-making of combat and the magnificent level design are just as addicting as expected, with the fresh coat of paint also making it a definitive showcase of the PS5’s graphics.

Some may argue that it’s rough around the edges, but for many of us, that’s oddly also partially how we come to love these games. And so, Demon Souls for the PS5 is easily one of, if not the best, remakes for the PlayStation 5.

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