Whether it’s for nostalgia, technical upgrades, or introducing classics to a new generation, certain titles just won’t stay buried in the past. These are the games that have been remastered more than once, across multiple platforms and generations.
10 Best PS5 Remasters And Remakes
There have been tons of great remakes and remasters for the PS5. Here are what we consider to be the absolute best on the platform.
These aren’t just simpleports. We’re talking about titles that have beenrebuilt, reimagined, and reintroduced, again and again, each time with a little more polish, a few more pixels, and often, a whole new audience.
From survival horror to sprawling RPGs, these games continue to evolve without losing their original magic. If you’ve played them once, chances are you’ve been tempted to play them again… and again. Yes, Mr. Howard, I will buy Skyrim again.
10Halo: Combat Evolved
Evergreen Futuristic Combat
Halo: Combat Evolved
Microsoft’s flagship shooterrevolutionized console FPS gamingand kicked off the legendaryHalofranchise.
It was first remastered on its 10th anniversary in 2011 asHalo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, featuring updated visuals, remastered audio, online gameplay (via Xbox LIVE), and the ability to toggle between classic and modern graphics.
The game was later included inHalo: The Master Chief Collection(2014), which received further updates for 4K, PC support, and online matchmaking, givingCombat Evolvedits third life and counting.
WithHalo Infinitecontinuing the legacy,Combat Evolvedremains an essential cornerstone, not just for its gameplay innovations, but asa symbol of how remasters can preserve and amplify gaming history.
9Resident Evil
Fear Through The Decades
Resident Evil
Capcom’s original survival horror masterpiece has had a long and storied remaster history.The first major overhaul came in 2002with theResident Evilremake for the GameCube, featuring dramatically improved visuals, new areas, and an entire subplot cut from the original game.
10 Best Horror Game Remakes and Remasters
Sometimes horror needs a new coat of paint to stay ever-terrifying.
That remake was a pivotal moment in how the industry approached remakes, showing that a game could be both faithful and modern. It didn’t just touch up the visuals; it redefined the pacing, atmosphere, and fear factor, making it a new experience even for fans who knew the original by heart.
That remake was itselfremastered in HDfor modern consoles and PC in 2015, with widescreen support and a new control scheme. The remaster was a commercial and critical success, so who knows, we may see another remaster at some point in the future.
8The Last of Us
When Does It End?
The Last of Us
In the span of just a decade,The Last of Ushas had three versions.It was first remastered in 2014 for the PS4 with improved graphicsand rendering upgrades, and also includes previously released DLC content.
The PS4 version gave the game a smoother frame rate, higher resolution, and shorter load times; enhancements that made the emotional weight of the story hit even harder. It became the definitive way to play for many fans, especially those who missed the original late in the PS3’s life cycle.
In 2022, Naughty Dog releasedThe Last of Us Part I, a full remake using the PS5 engine, with better visuals, AI, accessibility options, and a PC release. With the success ofthe HBO series, the game continues to evolve and expand its audience.
7Shadow of the Colossus
Bigger & Better
Shadow of the Colossus
Fumito Ueda’s haunting masterpiece has been reborn twice. The first time was as part ofThe Ico &Shadow of the ColossusCollection, which updated the resolution and frame rate.
This HD version brought more fluid movement and slightly enhanced textures, but kept the original PS2 architecture intact. It allowed fans to revisit its melancholic landscapes and towering beasts with more stability and clarity.
Then, in 2018, Bluepoint Games created a full PS4 remake, rebuilding the entire game from scratch with modern visuals while staying faithful to the original’s tone and gameplay. In my opinion, it’s one of the most visually stunning remakes ever made.
6Tomb Raider
For Double-Wielding Adventures
Tomb Raider
One of the most iconic characters in video game history,Lara Croft’s debut was reimagined asTomb Raider: Anniversaryin 2007, using the engine fromTomb Raider: Legendto retell the story with more modern gameplay and visuals.
Fast forward to 2024, andtheTomb Raider I-III Remasteredcollection was released with enhanced graphics, controls, and the option to toggle between classic and modern visuals. It also featured quality-of-life updates like improved lighting, auto-save, and smoother controls that helped modernize some of the series’ rougher edges.
This remaster allowed players to experience Lara’s early adventures in a whole new light (again).
5Persona 3
Back To School
Persona 3has quietly become one of the most remastered JRPGs of all time.First re-released asPersona 3 FESin 2007 with an epilogue and extra content, then again asPersona 3 Portablein 2009 for the PSPwith a female protagonist route and streamlined gameplay.
Each version added something unique to the experience, creating passionate debate over which one was the “definitive” edition. FES gave players more lore and context, while Portable introduced more flexible gameplay and made the game more accessible to newcomers.
In 2023,Persona 3 Portablewas remastered for modern platforms with updated resolution and UI, andin 2024, Atlus went all-in withPersona 3 Reload, a full remake with new visuals, voice acting, and modernized mechanics.The number of times fans have climbed Tartarus at this point? Uncountable.
4Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
A Better Card Game Than Poker
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Serving as the narrative bridge betweenKingdom HeartsandKH2,Chain of Memoriesintroduced a unique card-based battle system that split fans. Originally released for the GBA,it received a full 3D remake in 2007 asRe:Chain of Memorieson PS2, adding voice acting, cutscenes, and updated combat.
It was then included in theKingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remixcollection on the PS3 in 2013, which was then touched up, bundled with the2.5remix, and released for the PS4 in 2017.
I’ll admit, the card system took a while to grow on me. But once it clicked, it added a strategic layer I didn’t expect. For fans,it’s more than just a side story; it’s a key piece of the puzzle.And like the rest of the series, it’s weird, beautiful, and unforgettable.
3The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Todd Howard’s Guide To Passive Income
Bethesda’s sprawling fantasy RPG has been re-released so many times it’s become a running joke in the gaming world. It received its first major update with theLegendary Editionin 2013, which bundled all three DLC expansions and introduced a few technical upgrades.
In 2016,Skyrim Special Editionlaunched with remastered visuals and mod support on consoles for the first time, opening the floodgates for players to transform the game in countless creative ways.
It was later optimized for Xbox Series X/S and PS5, and in 2021, theAnniversary Editioncelebrated the game’s 10th birthday with even more content, next-gen enhancements, and a full fishing system (finally, right?).
At this point,Skyrimhas been on nearly every platform short of your smartwatch. It’s a testament to both its original brilliance and Bethesda’s relentless commitment to keeping it alive. WithThe Elder Scrolls VIstill years away, don’t be surprised ifSkyrimgets another glow-up before then.
2Final Fantasy IV
Consistent Numbering Is For Losers
Final Fantasy 4
The game wasfirst re-released asFinal Fantasy IV: Easy Typein Japan, and later asFinal Fantasy IIin the U.S. It got a proper full 3D remake in 2007 on the Nintendo DS, complete with voice acting, new cutscenes, and revamped mechanics.
That version was later ported to iOS, Android, and Steam, bringing it to modern audiences with improved resolution and touch controls. The PSP’sFinal Fantasy IV: The Complete Collectionlaunched in 2011, featuring a beautifully redrawn 2D version of the original game, theInterludechapter, and the full sequelThe After Years.
Then in 2021,Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remasterlaunched with upgraded 2D sprites, a rearranged soundtrack, and a faithful presentation for purists.
It’s rare for a game to exist in both 3D and 2D remastered forms, butFFIVpulls it off with grace.No matter the version, the story of Cecil and the Red Wings continues to resonate across generations.
1Half-Life
Valve’s True Treasure
Valve’s revolutionary shooter got its first facelift in 2004 withHalf-Life: Source, moving the game to the Source engine, adding ragdoll physics, and 5.1 Surround Sound.It was criticized, however, for its glitches and lack of graphical improvements.
Thefan-made(and Valve-approved)Black Mesaproject started in 2012 and launched as a full commercial release in 2020. With reworked graphics, improved AI, modern lighting, and a completely rebuilt Xen section.
Then, in November 2023,Valve markedHalf-Life’s 25th anniversary with a major Steam update that restored the original 1998 content, fixed bugs, added new features like theUplinkdemo, multiplayer maps, 4K, and Steam Deck support, and released a one-hour documentary with commentary from the original team.
Valve may not know how to count to 3 (classic joke, I know), but their commitment to preserving their games for future generations is admirable.
8 Most Pointless Video Game Remasters
These remasters should have been a chance to improve classic games, but instead, they left players wondering why they even exist. Here are the worst o
