October 23rd 2024.
Recently, Shawn Layden, a former executive at PlayStation, expressed his concern about the lack of creativity in the video game industry. And he's not wrong. With the rise of remastered versions of old games over the past few years, it's clear that publishers are playing it safe when it comes to investing millions of dollars into blockbuster titles. And why wouldn't they? Bringing back a successful idea is a surefire way to make a hit.
Remasters have a built-in fan base, one that craves the nostalgia of their favorite games but in a more visually appealing form. Let's face it, trying to play some older classics can be a strain on the eyes and frustrating with outdated control schemes. But with a remaster, not only do old fans get to relive their favorite game in a new and improved way, but it also introduces a new generation to the franchise. It's a win-win situation.
One genre that has greatly benefited from the remaster treatment is horror. With modern day visuals, players are fully immersed in the terrifying world, and the realism only adds to the scares. In this article, we will take a look at three horror game remasters and whether or not they truly benefit from the update.
First up is "Until Dawn" by Supermassive Games. This was the developer's first attempt at creating a project that bridged the gap between cinema and games, and it still remains one of their best. The game follows a group of teenagers who return to a snowy mountain home where two of their friends disappeared after a prank gone wrong. As players control each character, they must make the right decisions and complete quicktime events and minigames in order to keep them alive.
But does the remaster hold up? With the use of Unreal 5 engine, the visuals are more realistic and the actors' performances are showcased better. The developer also made improvements to the narrative, controls, and perspective, making the game more accessible and less punishing for those without quick reflexes. However, there are some issues with timing and dialogue depending on player interactions, and there have been reports of bugs that can break the immersion. It's also worth noting that since the game's original release in 2015, actor Rami Malek's star has risen, making him the most recognizable face in the game.
Next, we have "Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster" by Capcom. While "Resident Evil" may be the standard for zombie games, "Dead Rising" was revolutionary for its time when it was released in 2006. It pushed the limits of what the Xbox 360 could do and inundated players with hordes of zombies in a small open world. The game follows photojournalist Frank West as he sneaks into a zombie-infested town to uncover the scoop of the century. But instead, he finds himself trapped in a mall with the undead and psychos, and he only has 72 hours to solve the mystery and escape.
So, does it hold up? For the most part, it does. The core gameplay is still fun and the improved visuals add more emotion to the characters and details to the world. The quality-of-life improvements also make the game more enjoyable, with tweaks to the control scheme and experience points system. However, the game's main appeal is still the freedom to explore the open world and complete missions within a strict time limit, which creates tension and adds a unique element to the game.
Last but not least, we have "Silent Hill 2" by Konami. While "Resident Evil" focused on jump scares and action, "Silent Hill" took a more psychological approach to horror, creating a constant sense of dread as players wandered through the foggy town. The second installment in the series is often considered the best and one of the greatest horror games of all time.
For the remaster, Konami handed the project over to Bloober Team, a Polish studio known for their expertise in horror games. They used the Unreal 5 engine to create realistic visuals as players take on the role of James Sunderland, who visits the eponymous town after receiving a letter from his late wife. He discovers a place filled with strange monsters and people suffering from different traumas, and players must navigate through the taut action and puzzle-solving to uncover the truth.
But does it hold up? The remaster greatly benefits the game, with overhauled visuals that make the town even more terrifying and the characters more realistic. This only adds to the fear and immerses players in the nightmarish world. The gameplay has also been modernized, with tweaks to the perspective and combat to appeal to modern tastes, while still maintaining the terrifying mood. However, the game's originality and multiple endings based on subtle player actions still make it a revolutionary title in the horror genre.
In conclusion, while remasters may be seen as a lack of creativity in the video game industry, they have proven to be successful in bringing back beloved games in a new and improved way. And in the horror genre, where visuals and immersion are crucial, the remaster treatment has only amplified the scares and fear factor. Whether you're a fan of the original games or a newcomer to the franchise, these remasters are definitely worth checking out.
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