WHAT MAKES A GOOD SEMESTER/REMAKE?
There are so many new releases that you could even consider it an obsession . Remakes and remasters will be a part of the industry for some time, regardless of whether you like them or not. Similar to Hollywood, there are a number of companies that seek a safe return on their investment as well as nostalgia. This is why we see a lot more old classics being remade/remastered. This is why we need to ask: What makes a remake/remaster great or bad? What makes it a failure? You don’t have to be averse to such releases. Many consumers feel these are cash grabs that don’t deliver as much, as we saw with the GTA Trilogy Complete Edition controversy.
It is unfair to try to make all of these reimaginings the same. Some remakes have stood out, and added more to their original story. Some games have been remastered with stunning new graphics. Due to their outdated controls, many classics need to be remastered to be more accessible to modern audiences. You should consider both the games and the developer’s actions, and how they combine to create a great remake/remaster.
Remasters and remakes are not the same thing. However, I think it would be a good idea to look at the issue from the perspective of companies bringing back old games. While consumers may have different preferences, many will agree that it is important to preserve the spirit of the original game and release the games with polish.
KEEPING A THOUGHT ON THE TIME
The gameplay should be updated as per modern trends. This will make the experience more enjoyable and also get rid of some old features like tank controls that are no longer in use. Resident Evil 2 changed from a fixed camera camera to an over-the-shoulder camera angle. Also, Resident Evil has been tastefully dialled down in its cheesier elements. There is a more direct approach to horror and better graphics. These changes are clearly evident. This makes the game feel as if it were released in the past two years. It also makes the game more accessible for new players and fresher for returning fans.
You can also make practical changes. The Final Fantasy VII has checkpoints and autosaves, so you don’t have to go back to your save after defeat. These changes make gameplay much more fluid and don’t compromise the game’s integrity. The game felt different and more in tune with current tastes by changing the combat system from turn-based to real-time. As technology, tastes and expectations change, developers need to keep up with the market.
Some games require that you experience them with the latest-gen and next-gen graphics capabilities. Shadow of the Colossus is not a bad game, but it can be improved with higher fidelity.
One LITTLE goes a long way
Developers can show their appreciation by offering a little more for returning players. A few additional features can add replay value and offer new perspectives. This creates a feeling of mutual respect between developers and gamers, and demonstrates their passion for the game. GTA 5 remastered on the PS4 with first-person mode, which was a great idea.
GTA can be a great addition to this game, as it reinvents the carnage. Resident Evil 3 Remake was released with Resident Evil 4: Resistance. This is a 1 vs4 game similar to Friday the 13th or Dead by Daylight. Although it wasn’t a complete game and was not very impressive, it demonstrated that Capcom was willing to offer a remake or remaster of an older game. The effort that went into the game is what consumers recognize.
But it’s not all about the big changes
Keep a light touch is an important aspect of a successful remake/remaster. Developers do not want to create something new, but we pay for something that is at least similar to the original. While it is nice to have a surprise, it all depends on the game. Remasters are very popular because of this. Similar to Shadow of the Colossus games, The Last of Us or Legend of Zelda had great remastering results and didn’t need much added or modified.
If a game has a loyal fan base, it is okay to be cautious. Instead of attempting to make the game better, it is better to keep the original as good as possible. Developers must ensure that updates to the game are worthwhile for players even if they make only minor changes. Below is a graphic comparison. The cartoony charm is retained while the resolution and details are enhanced.
