The “Remake” Versus The “Remaster”

In terms of video games, remakes and remasters are not interchangeable terms as they do comprise completely different products – with differing levels of quality to expect from a “remake” versus a “remaster” of a beloved game or franchise.

Remakes and remasters of once popular video games have been running rampant throughout the gaming space, especially in recent years. Many defining titles from the late ’90s and early 2000s are beginning to approach turning 20 or even 30 years old. Remakes and remasters offer an older generation of gamers to relive fond memories from their childhoods and adolescent years while also presenting a classic title to a newer generation who might have never had the opportunity to experience it.

So, what are the differences between the “remake” versus the “remaster?”

Fully Faithful To The T

A “remaster,” sometimes even referred to as a “partial remake,” is often slightly different from the original version while also remaining ultimately faithful to the source material – even sometimes to the remaster’s detriment. In simpler terms, a remaster is more akin to fixing up the original game in a fresher, cleaner coat of paint. Remade assets, updated visuals, better refined gameplay and being available on a different or even completely new generation of consoles are some of the key factors that qualify a game as a “remastered” release – not to mention that the game’s title itself usually includes some subtitle variation of “remaster.”

“Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion,” “Ōkami HD” and “Persona 5 Royal” are all considered a remastered version of their original games. Each includes updated graphics and models, redone voice acting or high-definition support.

Even entire trilogies receive remasters into “collections” and re-released together as one. “BioShock: The Collection,” “Mass Effect: Legendary Edition” and “Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection” are all examples of this.

A Complete Reworking From The Core

On the other hand, a “remake” is a reconstruction of the original game, from the ground up. Core elements – such as the story and gameplay foundation – of the earlier version are always present in order to retain the source’s identity and to create somewhat of a similar experience for new and seasoned players alike. However, remakes also offer an opportunity for a complete re-imagining of a video game that can shift gears entirely for a more “modern” gaming experience.

For example, the original “Final Fantasy VII” from 1997 featured the classic turn-based battle style that the “Final Fantasy” franchise found itself tethered to up until that point and for even more games beyond it. However, in the 2020 remake, the game adopts real-time combat with a hint of turn-based sprinkled within through the form of the ATB bar, which enables the party members to use special attacking moves, spells or items when the gauge is full.

Capcom is currently remaking many titles from their “Resident Evil” franchise while receiving critical acclaim and favorable reviews for each. When the 2019 “Resident Evil 2” remake of the original 1998 game released, general audiences and critics alike praised it and stated that it practically set a new standard for all future remakes. This year’s “Resident Evil 4” remake received a very similar reaction.

So Many Games To Revisit Down The Line

There are also several video game remakes currently in the works. A remake of “Silent Hill 2” (2001) and “The Witcher” (2007) were both officially announced in October 2022. “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth”, the second game in the planned trilogy to remake all of “Final Fantasy VII,” is slated for an early 2024 release. Remakes of both “Max Payne” (2001) and “Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne” (2003) are also in development. Atlus’ franchise-redefining “Persona 3” (2006) is receiving a remake, titled “Persona 3 Reload,” with an unknown release date for sometime in early 2024.

Remakes and remasters are not a new idea in the world of video games. If anything, a remaster of a popular game popping up at some point has become expected. Some remasters are even reaching a point where they are becoming outdated. Though, these high-budget, full-blown remakes to the scale of the ones in recent years will most likely become more and more prominent as classic games continue to age. In the end, many of these remakes have continued to wow players – bringing together all audiences in a shared experience of something old made new.

Featured Image Courtesy of Capcom.

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