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The Top Five Best/Worst Remakes in Gaming History

LiK said:
it's definitely worse than the original. the only upgrade were the graphics. the rerecorded voices, music, cutscenes, lame nintendo mascot, and first person perspective. i hope you agree with me Speevy.
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fixed
 
Ceres said:
Well, it was a port and not a remake but I've heard people say they hate Grandia 2 based on having played the PS2 game. It's one of my favorite RPGs based on having played the DC version. I know there were some glitches with the port but was there any other major difference from the DC & PS2 versions?
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PS2 version had god awful slowdown and sound issues. Not sure if those count as the glitches you mention, but man, the slowdown really killed it.

::edit::
Seriously, though, how has this guy not been banned for website self promotion? I could understand letting it slide for some users, but look through his post history. He basically ONLY comes around to start a thread about his website and post in it every Monday. Throwing something like Zero Mission on a worst list just reeks of hit baiting.
 
John's colleague Pete here.

Hoo boy. I knew my kvetching about Zero Mission would earn me a new asshole from GAF... particularly given that half of the other bloggers disowned me before the list even went up. Look, these arguments belong solely to the person writing them (in this case, me) and I recognize that liking the original Metroid over Zero Mission is pretty unusual, but what can I say, I do. You are more than welcome to disagree.

MechaX said:
The original's "Openendedness" and "Silence" is purely a result of the original's place as a NES game
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That may be so, but that doesn't make it any less a part of the game. Silent movies are silent because of the technology of the time, but that doesn't make the silence any less a part of the experience of watching them.

Anyway, I should further hedge/qualify here... John posted the links to this list under the title "Best/Worst Remakes", but when I put the actual list up on Thursday, I titled it "5 Greatest Enhanced Remakes and 5 That Weren't So Great." I'm mixed on Zero Mission, obviously, but I wouldn't call it the worst anything - it's totally solid as anything but a remake of one of my favorite games ever.

The point here isn't that something like Mario 3 is bad (it'd take a lot to make that game bad) but that as a remake, it's a disappointment... how often did you play Mario 3 and think, "This game is great, but you know what I'd love? If Mario yelped like a little girl all the time." If they do that to Chrono Trigger, we're all gonna hit the roof.

Sonic GBA is a port. Just a really, really shitty one. (I realize the line between remakes and ports is a little blurry... it's a judgment call, yeah?)

As far as Kart, in the actual writeup I acknowledge that this is a serious stretch. But I thought the point was legit. (We're discussing videogames here, after all. For fun, y'know? Not like we're showing up at your house and actually shitting on your favorite games, right?) I do wish I had thought of Sword of Mana though, because Final Fantasy Adventure is an old favorite of mine and I was sad when Sword of Mana botched it.

Finally, a little note on the self-promotion tip. I don't want to do anything to violate GAF rules, but I'll just say that this blog is pretty thoroughly a labor of love for John and me. We argue about this stuff all the time, and since GAF seems to be the only place on the internet to have a relatively thoughtful discussion of game design, we post the stuff we're yapping to each other about. Personally, I really enjoyed the GAF discussion after we wrote up Best Opening Levels, Best Fire Levels, Best Mega Man Levels, etc. But if everyone feels that that really contributed nothing to the overall quality of game-love on GAF, I honestly apologize. Cheers!
 
seaandthebells said:
Finally, a little note on the self-promotion tip. I don't want to do anything to violate GAF rules, but I'll just say that this blog is pretty thoroughly a labor of love for John and me. We argue about this stuff all the time, and since GAF seems to be the only place on the internet to have a relatively thoughtful discussion of game design, we post the stuff we're yapping to each other about. Personally, I really enjoyed the GAF discussion after we wrote up Best Opening Levels, Best Fire Levels, Best Mega Man Levels, etc. But if everyone feels that that really contributed nothing to the overall quality of game-love on GAF, I honestly apologize. Cheers!
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It wouldn't bother me so much if, as I noted above, you contributed ANYTHING to GAF outside of your own thread about your website. Showing up to post a link to your website then disappearing for a week just screams out "I'm only here to farm hits."
 
Himuro said:
Yeah. True. But MGS:TTS looks way worse than it should.
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Well Silicon Knights isn't exactly known for their graphical wizardry, just look at Eternal Darkness or Too Human.

Even though it gets a lot of hate from diehard MGS fans, Twin Snakes is a far better choice than the original for people who never played it on PSX. The unbalanced difficulty isn't really an issue unless you've played the game before and know what to expect, and MGS1's gameplay mechanics are so horribly dated on the PSX that no sane person would want to put up with them when there's a far superior option available.
 
rhino4evr said:
while everyone freaks out about Zero Mission on the list, I'll go ahead and say the worst remake I ever played was the FFI GBA remake. The difficulty was dumbed down so much, you could pretty much just tap the A Button the entire game and finish it. No more having to grind in the Elf forest to afford that Silver Sword, just so you could last more then 5 minutes in the swamp cave. I think my martial artist was hitting close to 9999 by the time I reached the final boss, and this is without level grinding what so ever.

awful stuff.
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Wait a sec. Is mandatory grinding seriously not a bad thing? Seriously, it's difficulty by numbers.

And Metroid 1 has not aged well at all. It was already musty two years down the line.
 
Lunar GBA was pretty bad. Lunar SS/PS was arguably worse than the original too.

I've also heard bad stuff about the Ys DS remakes.
 
Xyphie said:
No Twin Snakes? Bought it like a year ago so I could replay MGS before MGS4 was released. It ruined all the good memories I had of MGS. Thanks Denis.
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They only did the code, genius. The whole game, including the cutscene, were Kojima's idea
 
vag 2.0 said:
New engine, new featureset
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That doesn't constitute a remake, though. The definition of "remake" is admittedly a bit nebulous, but the amount of new features/content in Sonic Genesis GBA (the spin dash and a save feature) isn't nearly enough to justify the label by any reasonable standard.
 
The "worst" list does have some problems..geeze..Mario Kart Wii is a remake..because it includes remade circuits from previous games? :p

Anyway, another good remake is Prince of Persia Classic on Xbox Live Arcade. Same ol' game, but using the visuals/animations from Sands of Time.
 
seaandthebells said:
Finally, a little note on the self-promotion tip. I don't want to do anything to violate GAF rules, but I'll just say that this blog is pretty thoroughly a labor of love for John and me. We argue about this stuff all the time, and since GAF seems to be the only place on the internet to have a relatively thoughtful discussion of game design, we post the stuff we're yapping to each other about. Personally, I really enjoyed the GAF discussion after we wrote up Best Opening Levels, Best Fire Levels, Best Mega Man Levels, etc. But if everyone feels that that really contributed nothing to the overall quality of game-love on GAF, I honestly apologize. Cheers!
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If you're just posting what you're yapping to each other about, don't post a link to your site. Just post the list (with the full writeup) and put your blog in your profile.
 
Zero Mission? What?

Zero Mission would top my list of the BEST remakes, fighting with REmake for the #1 spot.

Point out anything you want that's bad about Zero Mission, and no matter what you come up with, it's a far, far better game than Metroid (which has probably aged the worst of all Nintendo's NES classics).
 
if Mario Kart Wii is a remake, wouldn't that make Devil May Cry 2 a remake as well? It's still the same game, just with new locations... (and was a complete load of poo)

EDIT: Yeah, so it's based on the fact they added in old tracks? Intresting. Quick, who's got the list of games with old "re-done" content in them? Wouldn't that qualifier put
MGS4
in the running as a remake as well?
 
seaandthebells said:
The last couple of weeks have gotten me thinking about remakes even more than re-releases of old games and direct sequels to generations-old franchises. It's almost always riskier to fully remake a game than it is to just put out a sequel. Imagine if Chrono Trigger DS wasn't just going to be a port? What if it was going to be fully-3D remake running on the FF3/4DS engine? Would that look right? Would it still be Chrono Trigger?

This line of speculation was behind this week's list. We went about things a little differently as well. It's the top five best remakes and the top five worst. There are a couple of items on this list that are questionably remakes, like Mario Kart Wii and Super Mario Advance 4. But the logic for them is sound. The remade tracks that show up in Kart Wii exemplify everything that's gone down hill with the series and with the GBA version of SMB3, Nintendo intentionally left oodles of new content off the cart just to make a buck.

Here's what we got down for each.

The Best
Resident Evil (GC)
Tomb Raider Anniversary (PS2)
Mega Man: Powered Up
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
Final Fantasy (Wonderswan)

The Worst
Super Mario Bros 3 (GBA)
Mario Kart Wii
Sega Ages: Golden Axe/Outrun
Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (SNES)
Metroid: Zero Mission

You can check out the write-ups and video at the links below.
The Five Greatest Enhanced Remakes - And Five That Weren't So Great Part 1
The Five Greatest Enhanced Remakes - And Five That Weren't So Great Part 2
The Five Greatest Enhanced Remakes - And Five That Weren't So Great Part 3
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I think you may need to look up the difference between a remake and a port or compilation. If you're going to say that Ninja Gaiden Trilogy is a remake than why isn't Super Mario All-Stars on the top of your "remake" list....
 
seaandthebells said:
The Worst
Metroid: Zero Mission
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:lol Wtf @ zero missions, it's not only one the best remakes around (it pretty much makes the original unplayable) it's also one of the best in the series and, therefore, one of the best games ever, wtf?
 
I try not to be negative with people who put themselves out there and promote their blogs/sites....


but this list seriously sucks.

Mario Kart Wii isn't a remake. And even if it was, you'd be wrong.

For crying out loud!
 
jarrod said:
Lunar GBA was pretty bad.
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I thought so at first to but outside of some horrible ear-killing sound effects and missing little things like reading stuff off bookcases its still pretty playable and decent looking/sounding.

Lunar SS/PS was arguably worse than the original too.
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??? I have little memories of the Sega CD version but I know for sure I also loved the remake!
 
From AskMen.com:

http://www.askmen.com/toys/top_10_200/243_top_10_list.html


Top 10: Classic Video Game Remakes

Number 10
Alien Hominid HD
Xbox Live Arcade (Original release 2002)

You probably overlooked Alien Hominid the first time it was released on the Adobe Flash website, Newgrounds, in 2002 and when it was released on Playstation 2 and the GameCube in 2004, but if you’re a fan of 1980s arcade shooters, you shouldn’t ignore this gem. Alien Hominid HD is completely hand drawn, and follows a tiny maniac alien as he tries to elude government agents with bad intentions. The games fast level structure and surprising sense of humor are perfect for quick casual play, yet the punishing difficulty keeps the game interesting. Throw in an updated high-definition format and added Xbox 360 achievements, and you have an extremely worthy re-release of a classic video game.

Number 9
Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection
PlayStation Network (Original release 2006)

This game is relatively young to be considered a retro or classic video game, but the fifth entry took the Tekken series back to its beloved roots. Dark Resurrection is the perfect choice for fans who long to experience the golden years of arcade fighters, and it comes at a budget price. The game’s high-def graphics are just as good, if not better than the 2004 coin-op counter part, plus you don’t have to keep a roll of quarters handy when you want to play. Even though the game doesn’t support online multiplayer, this shouldn’t deter you from giving Tekken 5 a long look. The single player mode is rich and deep, and trying to master each of the fighter’s special moves proves to be a worthwhile experience.

Number 8
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Xbox Live Arcade (Original release 1997)

A decade later, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (SOTN) still remains one of the greatest 2D adventure games of all time. The game’s meticulously crafted pixilated characters and environments have a crisp old-school look that is perfectly complemented by a memorable and outstanding soundtrack. The interesting blend of RPG and adventure fits the gameplay perfectly, and you will constantly be pushed to unlock new areas and upgrade abilities as you guide Alucard, the son of Dracula, around his father’s enormous castle. SOTN has multiple endings, many hidden secrets and new and innovative Xbox Live achievements that make this game an easy recommendation as a must have in any classic video game collection.

Of course your favorite classic video games are on this list…

Number 7
Super Mario Bros.
Wii Virtual Console (Original release 1985)

The odds are that if you are reading this top 10 list of classic video games, you have played and are quite familiar with the game that created the modern console era. Even after two decades, the plumber that launched a video game empire is still a blast. Just the sheer nostalgia in the sights and sounds of Super Mario Bros. will immediately put a smile on your face and take you back to your wasted youth. The game’s finely tuned controls remain ageless and are unchanged in this version. Every single aspect you have come to love about Super Mario Bros., from the warp zones to the Minus World are here, and your inner child will yearn to rediscover them. If you really need someone to tell you to buy this classic video game, you might be a lost cause.

Number 6
Super Mario World
Wii Virtual Console (Original release 1991)

Super Mario World, has been, bar none, the longest-reigning and best Mario platform adventure available. For casual gaming, either alone or with a significant other, this classic video game is an ideal addition to a Virtual Console collection. While the game isn’t all that long, there are tons of hidden levels and secrets to dig up if you are new to the game. The early ‘90s level design is wildly imaginative and does a great job of evoking what was, at that time, the current style. Try not to let all of the fun that comes with this game get in the way of the fact that Super Mario World is a true work of video game art.

Number 5
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Wii Virtual Console (Original release 1992)

Very few games can evoke emotion and awe like The Legend of Zelda franchise, and A Link to the Past was and is the total package. The iconic and soaring musical score, the massive maps and the traditional top-down camera view are all featured in A Link to the Past. The characters and locations you come across during your quest to defeat the evil Ganon have enough charm to spare, and A Link to the Past is the proper sequel to the fan favorite original. The game difficulty has the same challenge and brain teasing puzzles you would expect from a Zelda game, which is a good thing. The lengthy A Link to the Past is packed with enough exploration and gameplay to dwarf some of the titles released today.

Number 4
Super Metroid
Wii Virtual Console (Original release 1994)

After an initial eight year wait, the sequel to the iconic Metroid was so good that it made the long layoff worth while. Now being re-released for the first time in 13 years, you can easily jump (or spin, in the case of main character Samus Aran) right back into one of the best adventure shooters ever. Super Metroid’s ingenious open design and bare-bones, chilling score immerse you in a memorable science-fiction universe. The greatest aspect of this classic video game might be its pacing, which delivers nothing short of a master’s work. You are constantly coming upon new weapons to collect and upgrades just as you find more difficult enemies to blast. Once you complete the game, the replay value is very high, as Super Metroid lends itself very nicely to timed trial runs, in which you will want to keep attempting to top your fastest finish.

Yes, that yellow pellet muncher is in the top three…

Number 3
Pac-Man Championship Edition
Xbox Live Arcade (Original release 1980)

Pac-Man fever never gets old or tired, and the new Championship Edition proves just that. The game comes packed with a bunch of new game modes that improves on the classic video game’s formula without messing it up. The Championship Edition is also online-enabled, and the real-time leader boards give you a chance to see how you stack up against other pellet munchers and ghost eaters around the world. The updated high-def graphics and trippy ‘80s vibe will make the normally bland look of Pac-Man actually shine on your LCD TV. If it has been a while since you caught the fever, you might be surprised at just how addictive and competitive Pac-Man Championship Edition proves to be.

Number 2
Paper Mario
Wii Virtual Console (Original release 2001)

For those who may have missed the critically acclaimed Paper Mario on the Nintendo 64, the game takes the familiar Super Mario Bros. universe and blends it with the fundamental elements of an RPG. The result of this mix is pleasantly surprising, and Paper Mario is a charming piece of Nintendo magic. The fresh concept has you controlling a paper thin, two dimensional Mario as he makes his way through the visually pleasing world to once again rescue Princess Peach from the diabolical Bowser. While the game’s cute and bright appearance may look like it’s just for kids, make no mistake; this is an RPG, complete with a unique turn-based battle system that is actually more fun than just jumping on an enemies head. If you are starving for something different and original to play, you don’t have to look any further than this 7-year-old masterpiece.

Number 1
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Wii Virtual Console (Original release 1998)

Our classic video games list boils down to this. If you enjoy games in any way, shape or form, you simply must play what is considered to be the single greatest game of all time. Ocarina of Time is the magnum opus of the historic The Legend of Zelda franchise, and that is saying something when you consider how great some of the other entries are. The long, epic and emotional journey that Ocarina of Time takes you on is a mix of retro and modern game mechanics that simply sing. At the point of its initial release, Ocarina of Time carried the gaming torch into a 3D world, and it did so with spot-on controls and sprawling levels. Don’t think that this game only soars in the technical department, because it brings a perfect 10-level of craftsmanship into every aspect. The story in Ocarina of Time is thought provoking and beautiful. If you have a Wii and are prepared to watch the hours fly by, then you need to download this classic video game and take Link through the absolute best that classic-console gaming has to offer.
classic reinvention
The average gamer is in his 30s, which means he was roughly 10 or 12 years old when Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985. It’s only natural, then, that as this gamer grew up and entered the industry as a developer, producer or graphic artist he would want to reinvigorate the games he knew and loved as a child. Thank god the yuppies are leaving the work force.
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Oh god at that AskMen list. I didn't think it was possible to fail even farther than the OP, but somehow, they found a way.

They should leave the video game discussion to IGN and GameSpy. Seriously, why would AskMen need to talk about video games when they have those two branches within their own company?
 
ZealousD said:
Oh god at that AskMen list. I didn't think it was possible to fail even farther than the OP, but somehow, they found a way.

They should leave the video game discussion to IGN and GameSpy. Seriously, why would AskMen need to talk about video games when they have those two branches within their own company?
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I think what we have here is a problem in communication. There are probably quite a few definitions of "remakes". The OP had one definition, AksMen.com has another, you have one, and etc,etc.
I think to make a definitive list, you really need to define "remake(to make anew or in a different form)". Same storyline as the original? Different storyline? Same game engine? Same characters? Continuing story?
 
Mario Kart Wii and Super Mario Bros. 3 (Which was actually Super Mario Advance 4)?

the fuck?

op, you need to stop making these threads. Your website is looking less credible with each one you do.
 
This is probably the worst post ive ever seen on GAF. Is this a joke? Cuz the OP is attempting to sound intelligent, but i cant take him seriously at all.

First off, how the hell is Mario Kart Wii a remake? Last time i checked, it adds new tracks, new controls, and new gameplay modes that the series has never seen before. If Mario Kart Wii is a remake, so is every other sequel in a racing, sports, or fighting game series. It refines, and gives new content, and thats what all those genres do in sequels.

Secondly, Metroid: Zero Mission? I think like the rest of the forum, think ZM renders the original unplayable, and improves in it every way. Its a fantastic game. But the OPs argument against it is retarded. I wish i could take all the Super Metroid extreme diehards and stick them on an island somewhere. Not every Metroid game is Super Metroid. Not every game is going to have extreme isoltation with no guidance at all. Zero Mission doesnt have handholding, it has direction. You can still have an excellent Metroid game which focuses largely on exploration, even without a total lack of structure- Fusion proves that, so does every Prime game really.

And third, what the F is wrong with SMB3 GBA? First off, its a port not a remake. Secondly, if youre really going to make a mountain out of a molehill about Marios voice, youre retarded. Its not like they removed the games secrets or screwed up the controls. SMB3 does not belong on the list of worst anything, EVER.

The only thing these lists got right is REmake on GC.
 
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