The List: 18 Best Video Game Remakes to Play in 2025

ViVideo game remakes have become a powerful way for developers to reintroduce classic titles to a new generation. What once seemed like a risky investment, rebuilding an already beloved game from the ground up, has now proven to be worth the effort when done right.

This list is a little different from our usual roundups. We're not limiting ourselves to a specific year or platform. Instead, we’re spotlighting some of the best video game remakes currently available in 2025. This is not ranked, but curated for quality, impact, and innovation. These games showcase a range of remake philosophies: some reimagine entire systems, while others stick closely to the source material with visual and technical enhancements.

For clarity, we’re focusing only on remakes, not remasters. A remake, in this context, means a game rebuilt from the ground up for modern platforms, sometimes altering gameplay systems, visuals, and even story structure to better fit today’s audiences.

Here are some of the best video game remakes that breathe new life into classics while staying true to what made them unforgettable.

Final Fantasy VII Remake & Rebirth (2020, 2024)

Platforms: PS4 (Remake), PS5 (Rebirth)

Square Enix took one of the most beloved JRPGs of all time and reimagined it with a modern combat system that blends real-time action with the classic Active Time Battle (ATB) system. The environments are expansive, the visuals stunning, and the story, while familiar, takes bold new directions that have sparked lively discussions between both fans of the originals and newcomers.

This epic trilogy begins with Remake, which only covers the Midgar arc of the original game. Its sequel, Rebirth, significantly expands the scope with a more open world, deeper mechanics, and tons of side content and minigames. With a third game already in development, Final Fantasy VII Remake stands as one of Square Enix’s most ambitious projects — and so far, they’re nailing it.

Resident Evil 2 (2019)

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Later on PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

Capcom reintroduced Resident Evil 2 with a complete overhaul, replacing the original's fixed camera angles with a modern over-the-shoulder perspective. Built in the RE Engine, the game delivers intense survival horror with impressive visuals, tight level design, and similar puzzles.

Leon and Claire’s return is more than just a visual upgrade — it sets a new bar for what modern remakes can achieve, paving the way for equally strong remakes of Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil 4.

Star Ocean: Second Story R (2023)

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Switch, PC

JRPG fans know that Star Ocean: The Second Story is a must-play. Thankfully, The Second Story R faithfully remakes the 1998 classic, enhancing environments while retaining the visual design and gameplay feel. The HD-2D aesthetic is a design concept I’ve always appreciated, as it delivers retro charm with modern polish.

This version eliminates random battles, introduces quality-of-life features, and expands the endgame with additional content. The remake modernizes the experience without stripping away what fans loved about it, making the original feel obsolete in all the right ways.

You can check out my full review of the remake.

Dead Space (2023)

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Dead Space returned in 2023 with a remake built from the ground up that retained the atmospheric tension of the original while improving nearly every system. The team at Motive Studio revamped the visuals, added fully-voiced dialogue for protagonist Isaac, and integrated new mechanics, like the freeform zero-gravity movement first introduced in the game’s sequel.

It’s a horror masterclass — both faithful to the source material and modern in execution, making it an essential play for fans of sci-fi horror and survival games.

Resident Evil 4 (2023)

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Capcom successfully modernized Resident Evil 4, refining combat, delivering a similar story, and enhancing the already action-packed experience. Leon’s iconic journey through a parasite-infected village can be argued as one of the series’ best entries, and this remake strengthens this claim. If you’re done with the Resident Evil 2 remake and are itching for more, this would be a reasonable follow-up.

Silent Hill 2 (2024)

Platforms: PS5, PC

After years of silence, Konami surprised fans with a remake of Silent Hill 2, and to everyone’s relief, it mostly delivered. Developed by Bloober Team, the remake retains the psychological horror and haunting atmosphere of the original while offering modern visuals and slightly refined combat.

For the hardcore fans, Konami couldn’t afford to drop the ball on this one, as many were skeptical of developer Bloober Team’s track record, as they didn’t have many hit titles under their belt. But they pulled it off, as the majority of the fans loved this remake, an impressive feat considering the pressure and expectations set when this remake was announced.

Shadow of the Colossus (2018)

Platforms: PS4

This remake from Bluepoint Games modernizes one of the most iconic PS2 games of all time. Shadow of the Colossus features stunningly rebuilt visuals and a reworked control scheme, but it stays true to its minimalist storytelling and emotional tone.

It’s a quiet, contemplative game about slaying giants in a desolate world — and even after multiple re-releases, this version is the definitive way to experience it.

Demon’s Souls (2020)

Platforms: PS5

I like to think that Bluepoint Games’ commendable work in the Shadow of Colossus remake got them the opportunity to work on 2020’s equally fantastic Demon's Souls. It was a full remake of the game with barely anything major changed. Just a perfect recreation of FromSoftware's genre-defining title.

This was part of the launch lineup of the PlayStation 5, and with its impressive visuals and refined mechanics, this remake offers both nostalgic fans and newcomers a chance to experience Boletaria in a new light. It’s also a big plus that staring at the loading screen after death was reduced to mere seconds, something I appreciated at the time, as this is a game where you’ll find yourself dying over and over.

If you're a Souls fan, this is a must-play — and a reminder of where the modern Soulsborne genre really began.

Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020)

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Mafia: Definitive Edition isn’t just a visual upgrade — it’s a full remake of the 2002 open-world crime story, with improved driving, shooting mechanics, and expanded cutscenes that flesh out Tommy Angelo’s rise through the criminal underworld.

Built using the Mafia III engine, it blends cinematic storytelling with gameplay that finally matches the ambition of the original.

This is a good starting point for newcomers in the series to have a good understanding of Hanger 13’s approach to the series before their next game, Mafia: The Old Country, launches later this year.

The Last of Us Part I (2022)

Platforms: PS5, PC

Originally released in 2013, The Last of Us was already a masterpiece. But Part I, rebuilt for PS5, enhances nearly every visual detail with modern lighting, character models, and environments to match the fidelity of Part II. It also brings in accessibility features and gameplay tweaks for a smoother experience.

While the core gameplay and story remain untouched, this remake helps unify both entries into a visually cohesive package, which is especially valuable for newcomers picking it up after watching the HBO adaptation.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 (2020)

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Later on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)

Vicarious Visions successfully remade both Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 into one slick, responsive package. These classic skateboarding games are now fully playable with modern controls, updated visuals, and online multiplayer features, while still retaining the feel that made them legendary.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, it’s the best way to experience arcade-style skating at its peak.

The success of this remake package spawned another remake – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, coming out in July 2025, which features the 3rd and 4th entries in the series, getting the same treatment found in the first remake package.

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Live A Live (2022)

Platforms: Switch, PS4, PS5, PC

A HD-2D remake of the 1994 cult-classic RPG, Live A Live brings multiple character-driven stories to life with enhanced graphics, voice acting, and modernized mechanics. This marks the first time the game has been officially released outside of Japan, and it’s a good alternative for players who adored Octopath Traveler 1 and 2.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019)

Platforms: Switch

The Game Boy classic was lovingly remade for Switch with a charming toy box-like 3D art style and smooth performance. It’s a faithful recreation that showcases why so many kids fell in love with this entry, now in a modern package. It also features Chamber Dungeons, which are a cool new feature that allows you to create and share custom dungeons made with pieces unlocked from the dungeons you’ve completed. While a small feature, it helps add value to a relatively short Zelda game.

If new players want to experience what the series was like back in the day, this would be a good place to start.

Destroy All Humans! (2020)

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Later on Switch, Stadia)

Destroy All Humans! finally got the remake treatment it deserved. This cult-classic flips the script by putting you in the role of the alien invading Earth. The 1950s satirical humor returns alongside rebuilt visuals and modernized mechanics that recreate the chaotic fun of the original.

Super Mario RPG (2023)

Platforms: Switch

Nintendo resurfaced a rare iteration of Mario in 2023 with a remake of SquareSoft’s Super Mario RPG, bringing back its classic turn-based combat system set in the Mario universe. The game is full of quirky humor and now features modern enhancements like new cut-scenes, polished animations, and refined mechanics. The soundtrack is now fully-orchestrated, and loading screens for the random battles are refreshingly quick. If you're looking for a different take on Mario, this remake still holds up remarkably well with its updated presentation and charm.

System Shock (2023)

Platforms: PC (Later on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

Nightdive Studios brought System Shock back with a modern sci-fi FPS remake that updates the original with overhauled visuals and quality-of-life improvements in gameplay and controls. With the eerie atmosphere of Citadel Station still intact, the game slowly unfolds its story through exploration and curiosity, showing that the original was ahead of its time as the whole experience still holds to this day.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (2017)

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

This trilogy rebuilds the original Crash Bandicoot games from the ground up, delivering modern visuals, refined controls, and tighter level design, all while staying true to the platforming chaos that defined the series. It’s still a fun ride, but it hasn’t lost its infamous difficulty. Completionists beware: the timing and precision needed will still test your patience.

At first glance, it would be easy to question if this is a remaster or a remake, but developers Vicarious Visions had to recreate the original games as the original code for the PS1 games wasn’t available, resulting in them creating new assets and overhauling certain systems to not only recreate but modernize the trilogy. Based on what was delivered, I think they did an amazing job.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy (2018)

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

A stunning and faithful remake of the Spyro the Dragon trilogy, this collection updates the visuals with gorgeous new animations, remastered audio, and smoother controls. It’s a nostalgia-fueled journey that recaptures the magic of the PS1 originals while making them feel fresh again.

This Spyro package also had the same situation as the original code and assets weren’t available for the developers, so everything had to be recreated to modernize the trilogy through Unreal Engine 4.

These remakes are just the tip of the iceberg, as more companies continue to recognize the value in reviving classic games, updating them for new audiences without losing what made them so special, beloved, and iconic  to begin with.

Looking for even more timeless adventures? Check out The List: 25 Classic RPGs Every Gamer Should Play in 2025.

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