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10 Remasters Compared to Their Originals to Prove HD Can Change the Game

A look at some of the best examples of why remasters are amazing.
This article is over 8 years old and may contain outdated information

1. The Last of Us Remastered

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remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
PS3 Version (left) and PS4 Version (right)

Many thought the jump from PS3 to PS4 wouldn’t be huge in terms of graphical fidelity, but The Last of Us Remastered quickly silences any naysayers. Not only did the Remaster up the resolution from 720p to 1080p, it also improved how the game ran. The original Last of Us had a frame rate of 30fps while occasionally dipping below when things got crazy, but the Remaster provides players with a steady 60fps.

2. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
PS4 Version (left) and PS3 Version (right)

Much like Naughty Dog’s other HD remaster, the Uncharted: Nathan Drake Collection is a sight to behold. Not only is the Nathan Drake Collection one of the best deals in gaming (it contains the first three Uncharted games), it makes them playable.

The resolution bump to 1080p and a frame-rate cap of 60fps ensures that Nathan Drake never collects dust on your shelf.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
Wii U Version (left) and Gamecube Version (right)

The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker looked great on Gamecube and still looks great to this day – if anything, it was one of the games people thought didn’t warrant a HD remaster.

Everyone was wrong. The Wii U remaster of Windwaker is a stunning sight to behold that refines the original art style to make the watercolor art direction truly come to life.

4. Ico/Shadow of the Colossus

remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
PS2 Version (left) and PS3 Version (right)

The changes from the PS2 to PS3 were monumental, but for games like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, the improvements didn’t seem huge. Sure, the game’s resolution and frame-rate got a bump, but the original PS2 version didn’t look ugly at all, thanks to phenomenal art direction. But the remaster did add one very important thing: 3D support.

And while 3D TVs and film are a forced gimmick, it works for Shadow of the Colossus. Seeing a colossi in 3D is truly a sight to behold. Now all we need for Studio Japan to triple-dip and give us a PS4 remaster.

5. Resident Evil HD Remaster

Resident Evil

A strange comparison but a big deal nonetheless, the original Resident Evil REmake was actually a remake of the original PSX Resident Evil game, this HD Remaster of the Gamecube version of the game simply improves frame rates and gives the resolution a welcome bump to 1080p.

6. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD

remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
PSP Version (left) and PS4 Version (right)

This is another one of those comparisons that almost seems unfair, but proves the merit of HD remasters. The original Final Fantasy Type-0 released on the PSP in Japan and became a huge hit. Sadly, the game never made it to Western shores – until now.

The PS4, Xbox One, and PC ports of Type-0 are another graphical overhaul that makes a PSP game look stunning on your fancy new console and TV. Plus, we got the added benefit of finally getting the game in the West.

7. Halo: Master Chief Collection

remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
Xbox Version (left) and Xbox One Version (right)

The Master Chief Collection was met with a huge series of problems upon launch, but there’s no denying the marvel that is the Halo 2 Anniversary release. In fact, the Anniversary edition of the game features the ability to instantly swap between the game’s original graphics so that you have the opportunity to truly appreciate the hard work that goes into a remaster.

8. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
PS2 Version (left) and Xbox 360 Version (right)

Not only did the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection provide players easy access to most (if not all Metal Gear games – sorry Xbox 360), but it finally brought the series to the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Going one step further, each game got a graphical polish with updated resolutions and a steady 60fps frame-rate.

9. Gears of War: Ultimate Edition

remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
Xbox 360 Version (left) and Xbox One Version (right)

Gears of War released to loud applause for its beautiful graphics, brutal gameplay, and strategic multiplayer. Over time, that shine faded. But thanks to the power of the Xbox One, the original Gears of War got huge graphical overhaul that eliminated the grimy filter and replaced it with a far more blue tint. Style choice aside, the remastered character models, environments, and multiplayer make it a no-brainer for any Xbox One owner.

10. Kingdom Hearts 1.5/2.5

remaster, hd, best, compared, originals, frame rate, graphics, resolution
PS2 Version (left) and PS3 Version (right)

Brave enough to face the most convoluted story in gaming? You’re in luck! The Kingdom Hearts 1.5/2.5 each contain three different entries in the franchise that have all been lovingly updated to run smoothly on the PS4. While the remaster is purely superficial, it also adds trophy support adding an extra incentive for those who may have already mastered the games.

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Author
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Nicholas Limon
Lover of all things film and gaming, Nick spends far too much time comparing film transfers and researching film theory. When he's not emptying his wallet expanding his film collection, he's usually hiking, cooking, or some combination of the two.