The gaming industry often sees beloved classics reimagined for new consoles and audiences, and 2023 was no exception for PlayStation enthusiasts. This year presented a stellar lineup of remade, remastered, and re-released games, providing both newcomers and veterans a chance to experience improved and refreshed versions of treasured titles on PS5 and PS4 platforms.
To honor the masterpieces that delivered nostalgia in a new wrapper, a top four list has been carefully curated by an editorial team, paying homage to the achievements in bringing back familiar titles with enhanced visuals and expanded features.
Securing the Bronze Trophy is the samurai epic "Like a Dragon: Ishin!" Originally released for the PS4 as a Japan-exclusive, fans of the Yakuza series despaired at never seeing this historical adventure localized for the Western audience. Surprising and delighting many, SEGA launched a full remake this year, delivering an authentically localized experience. The game invites players to step back into the late Edo period, offering an escapade as rich and engrossing as any main installment in the Yakuza franchise. Its worthiness as a revival isn't just nostalgia; it stands tall as a robust title in its own right.
Climbing a notch higher with the Silver Trophy is the remake of "Star Ocean: The Second Story R." It serves as an exemplar of remakes done right, presenting a beloved JRPG with enhanced gameplay and a significant graphical uplift, all while maintaining the essence of what made the original so captivating. It stakes its claim as arguably the definitive edition of a storied franchise. This remake has not only rekindled the love for the classic but has also set a benchmark, spurring hopes for more rejuvenated titles from Square Enix's retro catalog.
Taking home the Gold Trophy is the bone-chilling "Dead Space." EA Motive worked its magic to bring this horror staple forward from the PS3 era. The remake is almost mirror-like in its recreation, presenting protagonist Isaac Clarke and the iconic USG Ishimura in chilling, next-generation fidelity. The game introduces some fresh scenarios and improvements, like the ability to traverse previously explored areas on the ship, enhancing its overall gameplay experience. The updated "Dead Space" manages to hold on to its prestigious status as one of the top survival horror games, now boasting even more impressive visuals and fluid mechanics on the PS5.
And shining brightest with the Platinum Trophy is the reimagining of "Resident Evil 4." Continuing the trend of remaking classic Resident Evil entries, Capcom renovated one of the most renowned games in history. They brought the vintage Nintendo Gamecube title into the limelight with staggering graphics, expanded content, and an overhauled combat system. Although the transformation isn't as stark as the one seen in the "Resident Evil 2" remake, since the original also featured a third-person perspective, the game nonetheless fits the definition of a masterpiece polished to near-perfection.
Outside of the top four, there were several honorable mentions that captivated gamers. These include the "Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster I - VI," offering nostalgia with pixel-perfect clarity; the puzzle adventure "Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective"; and the comprehensive "Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection." Additionally, the beloved "Persona 3 Portable" and "Persona 4 Golden" revitalized the storied RPG experiences for fans old and new.
With so many options to choose from, gamers have been indulging in a year packed with refined experiences of the past. Now it's over to the PlayStation community to debate and decide what their favorite remake, remaster, or re-release of 2023 is. The opinions are as varied as the games themselves, from the haunting corridors of the "Dead Space" to the strategic combat of "Resident Evil 4." Each game brought back a slice of gaming history for a modern audience to enjoy on the latest PlayStation consoles, proving that classic games can find new life and captivate audiences all over again.
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