Why Some Remakes Are Better Than Remasters
Why Some Remakes Are Better Than Remasters
The Art of Reimagining vs. The Science of Polishing
In the ever-evolving landscape of video games and films, the debate between remakes and remasters continues to spark discussions among enthusiasts. While remasters focus on enhancing the original work—often through improved graphics, sound, and performance—remakes take a bolder approach by reimagining the entire experience from the ground up. The distinction between the two is crucial, and in many cases, remakes prove to be the superior choice.
Depth Over Surface-Level Improvements
Remasters, by their very nature, are limited to superficial upgrades. A higher resolution, smoother frame rates, and updated textures can certainly breathe new life into an old favorite, but they rarely address outdated mechanics, narrative pacing, or gameplay design. Take The Last of Us Part I (2022) as an example: while the remastered version polished the 2013 classic, the remake rebuilt character models, animations, and environmental details, resulting in a more emotionally immersive experience.
Remakes, on the other hand, have the freedom to refine not just how a game or film looks, but how it feels. Resident Evil 2 (2019) didn’t just upscale the 1998 original—it reworked the controls, expanded the story, and modernized the survival-horror mechanics, making it feel like a brand-new game while preserving its essence.
Preserving Vision While Embracing Innovation
One of the strongest arguments for remakes is their ability to honor the creator’s original vision while adapting it for contemporary audiences. Many older games and films were constrained by the technology of their time, forcing compromises in storytelling, gameplay, or cinematography. A remake can finally realize what the creators initially imagined.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) is a prime example. The original 1997 game was groundbreaking, but its blocky character models and limited cutscenes couldn’t fully convey the weight of its narrative. The remake expanded Midgar into a sprawling, living city, deepened character arcs, and introduced real-time combat—all while staying true to the heart of the story. A simple remaster could never achieve this level of reinvention.
The Emotional Impact of a Fresh Experience
There’s something magical about experiencing a beloved story in a completely new way. Remakes allow both longtime fans and newcomers to engage with familiar worlds through a modern lens. Demon’s Souls (2020) retained the punishing difficulty and eerie atmosphere of the 2009 original but delivered it with breathtaking visuals and refined gameplay, making it accessible without sacrificing its identity.
Meanwhile, remasters often feel like museum pieces—appreciated for nostalgia but lacking the transformative power of a remake. Shadow of the Colossus (2018) straddled the line beautifully, offering a visual overhaul so comprehensive that it almost qualified as a remake, yet it still couldn’t match the full reimagination seen in titles like Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes.
Conclusion: The Case for Bold Reinvention
While remasters have their place in preserving classics, remakes offer something far more valuable: evolution. They respect the past while embracing the future, delivering experiences that feel both familiar and groundbreaking. For those who crave more than just a fresh coat of paint, a well-executed remake will always be the superior choice—breathing new life into old legends rather than simply polishing their surfaces.
In the end, it’s not just about seeing an old favorite in high definition—it’s about falling in love with it all over again.
