In the last two console generations, there have been quite a few game re-releases with some texture improvements, bumped up resolutions and faster frame rates. Today, we’re looking at which remaster collections contain the highest quality titles and the best bang for your buck.
In order to work this out, we’ve taken the average review scores of the original iterations of the games, thanks to Metacritc, and then formulated the average score of those when combined together. For example, take the Devil May Cry HD Collection for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. If we take the Metacritic score of the PlayStation 2 versions of Devil May Cry (94), Devil May Cry 2 (68) and Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition (87) and work out the average, we get a score of 83. Furthermore, if the original iterations were released on multiple platforms, the system that produces the highest average will be taken into account. Lastly, only remaster collections are eligible for this list – no remakes. This disqualifies the likes of Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy.
10. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster – Score: 88.5
Final Fantasy X (PS2) – 92
Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2) – 85
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster appears on both the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation 4, a phenomenon exclusive to Square Enix. The PlayStation 4 version of the remaster is undoubtedly superior. Being the first Final Fantasy game on the PlayStation 2, it was an early showcase of what the system could do for the genre. The plentiful fully-voiced cutscenes were a first for the series. The intimate journey with Tidus, Yuna, and their companions made it a journey worth remembering.
Final Fantasy X-2 was the first direct continuation of a main series Final Fantasy game. Reducing the main cast down to Yuna, Rikku, and Paine, Final Fantasy X-2 saw the Gullwings traveling around Spira to find the answers to a mysterious sphere. It brought back many staple features missing from its predecessor such as the ATB system and jobs in the form of dresspheres. However, its story wasn’t quite as engrossing as the original, and ultimately brings the average score of the collection down slightly.