Before the launch of the PS5, a lot of gamers were probably wondering when the flood of HD remasters and HD remakes for the system would begin. They didn’t have to wait long as a Demon’s Souls remake was one of the console’s launch titles. Everyone knows they’re coming, but which ones are really needed or wanted?
Many people roll their eyes at adverts for an HD remaster only to remember that the game in question was fun except for long load times, bad voice-acting, or framerate issues; which are (mostly) problems that a newer console should eliminate.
10 Champions Of Norrath
Before there was Diablo 3, there was Champions of Norrath. This top-down hack-n-slash adventure was a favorite of many PS2 owners. In fact, the phrase, “You have the stink of the sewers upon you my friend” is still stuck in the minds of fans of the game.
With an HD remake, this game could be given fresher graphics, randomized dungeon layouts, significantly shorter load times, and (most importantly) modern online multiplayer options. Gauntlet: Dark Legacy and Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance are two similar games that could also use HD remakes or remasters – just leave Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel off the list.
9 Metal Gear Solid 1
The first Metal Gear Solid for the PS1 is a prime example of catching lightning in a bottle. This game not only launched one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history but made Hideo Kojima a household name. Yes, there were Metal Gear games that predate MGS1, but they tend to not be mentioned much.
Metal Gear Solid 1 received an HD remaster for the PS3 as part of a collection; however, this classic title deserves a total remake. Ideally, the actual story and level layouts should remain as they were, but a modern game engine, like Unity, would give this classic a modern look and control scheme.
8 The Max Payne Trilogy
The first two Max Payne games are still incredibly fun to play, but their graphics are starting to look extremely dated. While the third game in the series is not as fondly remembered, it is starting to be considered an underappreciated gem for the PS3 (and Xbox 360) among gamers.
An HD remaster would be much appreciated for the first two games in the series. Though, if Rockstar Games decides to give them full HD remakes instead of simply remastering them, there would probably not be many complaints from the gaming community. This series has been neglected for far too long.
7 Fallout 3
Fallout 3 was a great game, but go back and play it now and you will see just how dated the graphics are, not to mention the lack of dynamic lighting effects all modern games seem to have. A remaster with shorter load times and a more constant framerate would be nice.
A remake using a newer, better, game engine would be even better. A little more variety in the color palette would also be welcomed. There are rumors swirling that the world might actually get an HD remaster of Fallout 3 for the PS5, but nothing is confirmed yet.
6 Manhunt
Here is another Rockstar game that’s in need of an HD remaster, though, at this point, the game could use a remake more. Manhunt was a very controversial game when it first released. The first game, which is set in the GTA universe, revolves around a man on death row that is given a chance at freedom if he can eliminate the gangs that operate in the city.
The player must use stealth to move about unseen while eliminating gang members. Perhaps it is the controversy surrounding this game that has prevented an HD remaster or remake. The game was released almost twenty years ago, the controversy has long been forgotten. An HD remaster (or remake) of the sequel would also be great.
5 Final Fantasy Tactics
Square seems to be all-in on the remake craze that’s been going on for about a decade. One title that gamers really want to get the HD remake treatment is Final Fantasy Tactics for the PS1. This game was a perfect blend of role-playing, character management, and turn-based tactical combat.
There were other games in the Final Fantasy Tactics series, but none have ever come close to matching the original. Along with an update to the graphics, some voiced cutscenes would be a nice addition. More than anything, this game needs an online arena, so players can test their best squad against other players.
4 Suikoden 1 & 2
The first two Suikoden games, from Konami, were incredibly underrated role-playing games for the PS1. The Suikoden series never achieved the popularity of the Final Fantasy franchise, yet the first two games have a cult-like following. A simple HD remaster is all that’s needed for this entry.
The problem with these two games getting HD remasters is that Konami is not what it used to be. The company is focusing on mobile games and pachinko machines right now; plus, the series never gained enough notoriety for a remaster to be as profitable as Konami would probably like. Oh well, at least PS3s can play PS1 games.
3 The Ape Escape Trilogy
Ape Escape is one of those games that players either loved or hated – there wasn’t much middle ground in terms of opinions. This is true for all three main games in the series. Most of the criticism this series receives is for the voice acting, which is something that a remaster or remake could fix.
Why these games haven’t gotten HD remasters or remakes is somewhat of a mystery. Many “best of” lists for the PS1 include the first Ape Escape game, and the protagonist was chosen to be a playable character in the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale game.
2 Red Dead Revolver
Red Dead Revolver was the first game in the Red Dead Redemption series. With a franchise as popular as this, it boggles the mind why this classic title hasn’t been given a remaster or remake. It also boggles the mind how few gamers have actually played Red Dead Revolver.
The popularity of the series combined with the fact that this would be a new game for most players would make this an instant bestseller. Hopefully, Rockstar Games will give this game a proper remake and release it as part of a Red Dead boxed set with its two sequels.
1 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
To many fans of the GTA games, San Andreas is still the best. It certainly had more side activities and customization options than any other title in the series. An HD remaster, in this case, would not be enough – anyone who wants that can just play the PS3 version.
No…this game deserves a top-to-bottom remake with the same game engine being used for GTA6. There are probably many gamers that would rather Rockstar Games focus their resources towards a remake of San Andreas than GTA6. This is an HD remake that even detractors of the current remake and remaster craze would agree is sorely needed.
