The 10 BEST Remakes Of Retro Games

10 Best Remakes of Retro Games

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today, we’re taking a look at the 10 best remakes of classic games!

“Metroid: Samus Returns” (2017)

It is hard to imagine any “Metroid” game needing a remake. Sure, we had “Zero Mission”, which was a remake of the original NES title made for GBA. A remake for “Metroid II” on Nintendo 3DS, though? Where do we sign up? “Metroid: Samus Returns” was remarkable in how it managed to make the IP feel like new again, and all it really took aside from modern visuals was the inclusion of a parry mechanic. There were also brand new abilities that required more frequent and managed use of your Energy meter that made the game somewhat easier without sacrificing the difficulty. Really wish they had ported this to Switch, though.

“DuckTales: Remastered” (2013)

The original “DuckTales” NES game stood out for its challenging platforming, wondrous environments, and catchy music. However, the incorrectly titled “DuckTales Remastered” fixed up a few issues in the pogo mechanics and navigation. In case it was your first time experiencing the game, you could play on an easier difficulty that displays a mini-map on your screen. Of course, you could play it in a manner similar to the original if you’re up for the challenge. Plus, the art done by Tim Curry (not that one) and his team are truly spectacular, and the addition of voice acting from the original cast made the game a true tribute to the classic cartoon.

“Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2” (2020)

Have you tried to play the original “Pro Skater” games? They may not have aged to die-hard fans, but for a video game in general, they haven’t stood the test of time. A remake was necessary, and Vicarious Visions blew everything out of the water! “Pro Skater 1+2” was the perfect depiction of how we had always remembered the original games. Completing objectives, pulling off sick tricks, and harassing the locals while jamming out to a kickass soundtrack, all with incredible controls. Regardless if you’re into skating or not, we’d guarantee you’ll have an insane amount of fun with “Pro Skater 1+2”. By the way, Xbox, that “3+4” remake Activision canceled before the acquisition? Uncancel it. You’re sitting on easy money, Phil.

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D” (2011)

The original “Ocarina of Time” might be a bit tough for those not used to the technical limitations of the Nintendo 64. We’re not just talking about controls, but framerate and UI as well. Thanks to the capabilities of the 3DS, though, “Ocarina of Time” has never felt so free and fluid before. With the bottom screen now displaying your inventory, you no longer had to stop everything just to look at a separate menu. You can switch equipment on the fly all while enjoying the living, breathing, beautiful land of Hyrule. Even on a smaller screen, this was the better way to experience the N64 classic. If only they didn’t shut down the eShop.

“Final Fantasy VII Remake” (2020)

It really isn’t all that difficult to play the original FF7 as the game has been ported to just about every platform available. Yet we understand why some might be put off by the combat system. Those wanting something more action-heavy got their wish with “FF7 Remake”, and it was a love letter for fans young and old. The storytelling felt more cohesive than before, the world was fully realized thanks to today’s innovations in technology, and the change in combat was far more engaging and challenging to tussle with. If there was any reason as to why so many of us are excited for “FF7 Rebirth”, it's because of what we experienced here back in 2020.

“Star Fox 64 3D” (2011)

Make fun of us “Star Fox” fans all you want. We know that “64” is sort of the only excellent game in the franchise, but there’s a reason for that. Just playing the 3DS remake can show you why people loved the original. The challenge in getting a high score, the epic boss fights, the way you can discover routes to other planets, all with significantly improved graphics on the 3DS! A legendary N64 title was forever preserved here and polished up with new controls and character animation. And it even came with an incredibly fun online multiplayer mode! What more could have been asked for here? Now…let’s remake it again!

“Tomb Raider: Anniversary” (2007)

The first “Tomb Raider” game from 1996 is, uh…it’s rough, man. The tank controls do not do the exploration justice, and sometimes, it can make combat frustrating. “Tomb Raider: Anniversary” fixed all this and did so effortlessly. Jumping, climbing, shooting, it all felt so natural and in-line with what other games were doing at the time. And if you have the game on PC, you can enjoy all of it at a buttery smooth sixty frames per second. Look, remasters are great and all, but “Anniversary” is the better way to relive the classic or play it for the first time. There’s just no question.

“Super Mario RPG” (2023)

For years and years and years, we had been begging for Nintendo and Square Enix to at least re-release the original “Super Mario RPG”. There’s almost nothing wrong with it! So, imagine the shock and utter joy on fans’ faces when this dropped! There’s a reason so many of us have been screaming for this title, and the new visuals, cutscenes, and soundtrack done by the original composer, Yoko Shimomura…it’s everything. We never thought this game would ever exist outside of the SNES original, but we have it now.

“Spyro Reignited Trilogy” (2018)

Despite not going through as many significant changes as a certain marsupial, “Spyro Reignited Trilogy” helped the original titles from Insomniac Games become their fully realized renditions. Developed by Toys for Bob, “Reignited Trilogy” rebuilt the first three Spyro games with new visuals, animations, textures, and even an entire new score from Steve Copeland! This was the perfect way to unleash the dragon and reintroduce him to new generations who kept asking what all the fuss was about.

“Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy” (2017)

Before the best dragon in gaming got his remake treatment, we had “N. Sane Trilogy”, a remake of the first three “Crash Bandicoot” games entirely rebuilt from the ground up. Now you could play “Crash Bandicoot”, “Cortex Strikes Back”, and “Warped” with refined controls, modernized visuals, and a complete, unaltered retelling of the original story. Not only did this show how many fans of the bandicoot were still out in the world willing to fork over the ducats, it also paved the way for many, many other classic platformers to come back from their graves. Hey, we wouldn’t be getting “Gex” or “Tomba” if it wasn’t for Crash Bandicoot!


What’s the best remake for a retro game you’ve played? Did it make our list? Let us know down in the comments, and subscribe to MojoPlays for more great videos everyday!