Are HD Remakes and Remakes In General Necessary?

There is a huge trend that is sweeping the gaming industry at the moment, something that is sparking a debate amongst console fans. I’m talking of course about the influx…

[ArchangelMike]

I think it depends on how the Remaster/remake is done. For example, bringing Final Fantasy X HD to the PS Vita/PS3 was a brilliant move all round. It brought an updated version of the game to new platforms.

The same is true with the Metal Gear Solid HD collection. Konami combined 3 of the best Metal Gear Solid games in one HD pack, and brough it to a new platform, at a really affordable price. Again, a brilliant move.

I think the Metro Remaster will do well, becasue it is again a packaged deal, which combines two of the games for the price of one. I think this is a good deal for those gamers who haven't played the original games.

On the other hand the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition, was not so well recieved. It was a straight HD upgrade and added absolutely nothing new to the package. And it released arguable too soon after the original.

I guess I'm looking at if the Remaster offeres value for money. If it doesn't then I'm not sure it's necesasry to buy a game twice just for better visuals.

For value I'd want to see new game modes, all previous DLC included, significant visual and gameplay improvements, bonus content and making of vids, that kind of stuff.

[3-4-5]

It allows people to get to experience the game that might not be able to be played anymore.

* You can't play those games and have them look good on digital Tv's.

I think Some HD remakes are better than others though. Like Much better.

[DarthZoolu]

NO

[3-4-5]

Also, remakes need value, more so than JUST being the original game.

They do it good with the PSP & Vita versions of the Disgaea games where they add in dlc characters and features from the newer game back into the re-released game.

[jc48573]

There are people who buy again because they lost their copy or something. Blu ray is a way to protect your investment from stuff like scratches. You guys remember how most SE ps2 games become unreadable with enough scratches?

[thejigisup]

I'm all for remakes as long as it's not holding up production of new games or within that arguable window of too soon. Hd bundles are fantastic four people who have converted from one choice console to another and for those who have missed out on playing a game or two in a collection ie the kingdom hearts series. The gow collection was probably one of the best collections I could think of to date.

[jc48573]

well, most of these remakes are handled by outside developers.

[LightSamus]

I was with you until you said Tomb Raider adds nothing. It's actually considerably better than the previous gen versions and even has some fancy new effects the PC versions lacks. Worth double dipping? Maybe not, but it's still a lot better looking.

[Gazondaily]

There is a distinct danger here that devs will jump on the bandwagon of just churning these out considering how early this gen we're seeing these getting pumped out now.

I don't think they are 'necessary' as such but hey, if people see value in them then fair enough. Like the article says, no one is forcing you to buy them. But at the same time, it might detract devs from making a quick cash grab instead of dedicating their time solely on newer experiences.

The Master Chief Collection is a very good example of a HD Remake done right. Its comprehensively re-done, gives you content that never even appeared on the console in the first place, bundles incredible value in one box and also gives you an incentive to buy it in terms of the Halo 5 alpha. No one should be able to complain there.

The Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is an example of one I didn't get the point of at all. To me, that seemed like a cash grab.

[thejigisup]

Unfortunately people bought that definitive edition. That was a poor practice red flag to me.

[Hellsvacancy]

Yeah, some games are too good to be left in the past, I'd kill for a Populous The Beginning HD remake, i'm extremely happy the likes of Grim Fandango and the older Oddworld games are being tarted up for the new generation

Games that came out 12 months ago I don't really agree with

[PlaystationSquuad]

HD remakes are cool, as in SD games being upgraded to HD. As far as already HD games being remade is horrible idea and obviously just a money grab. The Last of Us is a prime example of this. I mean how much further can they really go with The Last of US? If the PS4 was a hell of a lot stronger than what it already is, then this would probably be okay, but since it's not that big of a leap i have my doubts since it already looked insane on PS3. I guess it's good for people who only had a 360 last gen and bought a PS4 this gen. But I hate when Sony and the Sony fanboys try to defend this game as being anything more than just a chance for people who never had a PS3 to experience The Last of Us.

[moparful99]

the Last of Us remake is tantamount to a "Game of the Year" edition but is being released on the PS4 instead of the PS3.

It's not like they are just marginally improving the graphics and calling it a day. They added a lot of value in the form of all the DLC, is cheaper, is an incentive for PS3 owners to upgrade to a PS4, as well as bolstering the PS4's catalogue...

You see it as a superfluous cash grab but the community sees it as an easy purchase.

[jcnba28]

What's the difference between Tomb Raider Definitive edition and TLoU Remastered? They were both re-released around a year after their release and they both included DLC.

It's funny to see most people here defend TLoU just because it's a sony exclusive but have no problem complaining about other remasters.

[moparful99]

@JCNBA Did I say anything about Tomb Raider? Nope. I was arguing for TLOU remake seeing as I think its a good idea.. I have no problem with the Tomb Raider remake or any other remake for that matter.. I have no idea why you make it seem like I'm defending the Last of Us and nothing else...

[thejigisup]

Not that big of a leap? Madness. They've added a substantial amount of content and its being offered on my primary console of choice. I've already given my ps3 copy to a friend and am looking forward to revisiting this game on my ps4 whether it's day one or five years from now. I know people that have held off on purchasing TLoU ps3 to get this on ps4 as well received as it was I know quite a few people that stop poured purchasing ps3 games once they started counting down days to the ps4, imo a game of this caliber needed a ps4 remake.

[MegaRay]

I Agree! but you shouldnt attack TLoU like that, you dont want to lose your bubbles do you? lol
If you picked Tomb raider or halo 4 you would had a "well Said" bubble lol

I Am all for remaking PS2/PS1 games era and even old PS3 games but 2012/2013 ps3 games dont need an upgrade.

[The_Truth_24_7]

Yes.
/debate

[sungam3d]

If people do not have last gen consoles, just recently jumped on the console bandwagon with next gen, I don't see why not. They get the opportunity to play great older games on their new console without having to buy an old console.

People will buy the remastered game if they want to, I see no harm in doing it.
Don't like it? Don't buy it.

Simple as that.

[Gamer666]

Remakes are an excuse to milk gamers rather than dealing with the real issue... BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY...

If there was backwards compatibility remakes would not be as necessary. I understand doing remakes after a few generations pass because they can substantially improve the game. But remakes like Tomb Raider and Last of Us are blatant rip-offs!

[deafdani]

They are blatant rip offs if you already played them, but for people that have yet to experience those games, they will feel like fantastic new experiences on their new gen consoles.

I haven't played Tomb Raider, so I'd take the Definitive edition over the original release if I were to pick up the game (and if I had a PS4 of course). However, having played The Last of Us, I feel absolutely zero interest on the Remastered edition. That could change if the game offered 3D support, though! Anyway, I doubt that's gonna happen. :P

[Gamer666]

I'm fine with that but the vast majority of first year console adopters are gamers who have experienced the games already.

Its almost like the publishers are saying... "you know that $60 game you bought a year ago... we want you now to buy a $400 console and buy the game again so you can see Lara's hair flop around even better. Or get a solid frame rate from tlou which we couldn't quite get last year"....

[moparful99]

@Gamer666 Playstation Now says "HI"

[Imalwaysright]

A paid streaming service wich will always have imput lag and gives total control to publishers is the same as BC? Playstation now should say goodbye and never come back.

[thejigisup]

100% about that tomb raider business, however even as a cash grab tlou is in a different league, as a game and as content value, even release windows. They are not comparable in this situation.

[Gamer666]

I love both games and both are high value. But pumping out a new version within about a year of release is a slap in the face to people that bought the first versions.

[Hazmat13]

yes. I'm still waiting for BLACK or time splitters HD remake... in fact i was holding my breath during the EA confrence cause crition games (spell it right?) stepped up to announce a game. but yes timeless games need to shown how far games have come. but of course in a cheap ideal price.

[SpiralTear]

They're not necessary at all, but they do have convenience, as long as they are substantial updates like the ICO/Shadow of the Colossus collection (which had much better frame rates) and not just blatant re-release cash grabs.

[j0ncap125]

Yes. Now if only Rockstar would release Red Dead Redemption and update the graphics the way they did GTA V.

[SaveFerris]

RDR is a great game but would a sequel be a better option?

[uth11]

remakes of a great game? Or a brand new shooter that's the same as all the other shooters on the market.

I'll take the remake, thank you.

[Summons75]

Well when some companies refuse to just allow for backward compatibility, yes they are necessary because Gamers WANT to play classics or personal favorites on current consoles and not have to rebuy/pull out of storage old systems.

[Bathyj]

What's necessary? We're talking about computer games here, none of it is "necessary".

They're DESIRABLE, so people will buy them especially since not everyone got to play them last gen. Get this idea out of your head that no one wants to rebuy a game, last of us only sold a few million copies, so anywhere from 150,000,000 gamers and upwards haven't played it. Why would you ignore that?

[moparful99]

That's what gets me about the argument against remakes. If they weren't desirable people wouldn't buy them and publishers wouldn't make them. How on earth can someone argue against something that is clearly desired by enough gamers to warrant the practice. I love remakes for the most part. The God of War saga remains my favorite. Experiencing the entire God of War franchise on my PS3 on one disc was sublime.

Despite my dislike of Halo I can easily see why so many people are giddy over the Master Chief Collection.

Remakes of beloved games only strengthen those respective franchises within the gaming community while fueling developer profits so they can work on new more risky IP's. Honestly arguing against them serves no point.

[Sadist3]

Maybe for people that never played the original, but I'm no fool. You won't catch me spending $60 to play a game I already completed a year before. Those fools who are buying The Last Of Us again just because it looks better have no sense at all. It's the same freaking game.

[moparful99]

Except it's not $60 and has all the DLC. Your logic is belong to me.

[mrmack00]

Necessary? No. Appreciated? Yes, for games that are done well.. Tomb raider and what I expect to be awesome in TLOU

[PiNkFaIrYbOi]

Depends on the game(s) we would say. If it was from an older gen, say at least 2 gen or older game(s)or older. Than yes, but if only from the last gen, than no.

[Bathyj]

So what if last of us had been released along side the Ps3 version? Would people be complaining it was a last gen game but simply prettier? If you played it and don't feel the need to get it again, don't. If you didn't play it then it's a great time to do it now, and if it helps don't think of it as a remake, think of it as a cross gen game that got delayed on Ps4

[PiNkFaIrYbOi]

But it isn't a cross gen or at least it wasn't meant to be cross gen game. It was suppose to be for the PS3 only, but it did great for Sony.

We are somewhat fine with that though since it did so well and Sony got a lot of people who didn't own a PS3 or their PS3 died before The Last Of Us came out. So it makes good business sense to re-release it with a bump in graphics and stuff. But at the same time it is just a money grab by Sony.

The one's we have more of a problem with is GTA 5 and Halo: Master Chief's Collection. Two of the games in that collection are from last gen, but with the remake of the first being included it is three games from last gen sorta of. Flat out money grab by Microsoft. With regards to GTA 5 that is just a money grab by RockStar, it did great and all and they don't really need to milk the franchise that much. We would rather they put their time and money into either a new ip or bring back some older ip's.

[jjb1981]

Ffx is like a brand new game again

[masterfox]

it depends of the game.

[Scatpants]

Are videogames really necessary? I would say remakes are necessary if the original game is on an older system and someone doesn't have that system and wants to play the game. What a stupid question.

[Imalwaysright]

They're necessary because there is no BC.

[Sy_Wolf]

Video games aren't a necessary thing, they're a WONDERFUL luxury. So of course remakes and re-releases aren't necessary. But that doesn't mean they can't be good things.

[shmeedy24685]

How anyone can complain about them I don't know. Not everybody played the original version and people who did can experience it all over again with updated graphics, it's a win win!

[Eejanaika]

they are needed

[TXIDarkAvenger]

I think it depends when its done. If the game just came out I don't see the point of having a remake. If the game is like 10+ years old, at least it's reasonable. Not everyone has access to older consoles and some games become hard to get so they are needed but shouldn't be overdone.

[tubers]

Sure. Not like they're forcing anyone to buy it but that's just how it's gonna be on some occasions for console gamers.

FFX/2 q/HD also has that international thing or w/e AFAIK.

[Blacklash93]

Will these artciles stop saying "necessary"? Food and water are necessary. Videogames are not.

What matters is if people want to play these upgraded versions and are willing to pay for them. That's a question of business, not necessity.