Your favourite remakes and remasters coming this year
In the dynamic realm of video games, the resurgence of classics through remakes and remasters is an ever-present delight. The gaming horizon for 2024 is poised to host a rich tapestry of revamped gems, from the nostalgia-laden Max Payne and Metal Gear Solid 3 to influential PC titles that have left an indelible mark. Join us on an exploration of the diverse lineup of games slated for rejuvenation this year and beyond.
Persona 3 Reload (2nd of February):
Persona 3 is set to undergo a complete metamorphosis with Persona 3 Reload, rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. This release, landing on PC and consoles, promises a visual spectacle, refined gameplay akin to Persona 5, and additional content, offering fans an immersive experience.
Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered (14th of February):
Embark on a journey down memory lane with the remastered bundle of the first three Tomb Raider games. Lara Croft’s early adventures are revitalized with modernized gameplay, the inclusion of expansions and secret levels, and a photo mode for an extra dash of nostalgia.
Star Wars: Dark Forces remaster (28th of February):
Nightdive Studios is set to rekindle the magic of the 1995 Star Wars first-person shooter, Dark Forces. Immerse yourself in this remaster, featuring up to 4K and 120fps graphics, enhanced gameplay, and upgraded lighting—a nostalgic return to the iconic Star Wars universe.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake (28th of February):
Avantgarden takes the helm in remaking Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, offering an Unreal Engine 5 facelift and introducing a local two-player co-op. The emotionally charged narrative remains intact, now accompanied by enhanced visuals and cooperative gameplay options.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (29th of February):
Journey back into the Final Fantasy VII universe with Rebirth, the next chapter in the Remake trilogy. Exploring familiar and uncharted territory, this installment introduces new characters like Cid and Vincent Valentine, fan-favorite locations, and enhanced gameplay mechanics.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake:
Square Enix sets its sights on Dragon Quest III for the HD-2D treatment. While details remain scarce, Square Enix teases a dazzling fusion of pixel art and 3D effects, promising a visual feast for fans of the beloved series.
Front Mission 3:
Front Mission 3, the cornerstone of the franchise’s global debut, is primed for a graphical overhaul. Expect improved visuals, expanded content, and refined gameplay in this remaster that beckons fans to delve into the universe of mechanized warfare once again.
Gothic:
Alkimia Interactive undertakes the challenge of modernizing the 2001 classic, Gothic. Dive into the roots of this dark fantasy series with Gothic Classic, now available on PC and Nintendo Switch, offering substantial gameplay enhancements.
Max Payne 1 and 2:
Remedy Entertainment, riding high on the success of Alan Wake 2, ventures into the past with remakes of Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. Witness the collaboration between Remedy and Rockstar Games, delivering a gritty package of hard-boiled narration and iconic bullet-time gameplay.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (2024):
The iconic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater receives a grand remake treatment, slated for a 2024 release. Konami promises cutting-edge graphics and 3D audio while preserving the essence of tight stealth, jungle warfare, and the unforgettable theme song.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time:
Ubisoft’s remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time has navigated a tumultuous development cycle, yet the anticipation remains high. While indefinitely delayed, players can explore Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a captivating spin-off influenced by the series’ rich history and metroidvanias.
Riven:
Cyan embarks on a ground-up reconstruction of the ’90s classic, Riven. With contributions from developers involved in The Starry Expanse Project, a fan remake of Riven, this revival promises to uphold the legacy of Myst and provide a nostalgic yet refreshed gaming experience.
Silent Hill 2:
Bloober Team, known for Layers of Fear and The Blair Witch, ventures into the survival-horror realm with the faithful recreation of Silent Hill 2. With the 2012 HD port deemed inadequate, the upcoming sequel aims to redefine the horror gaming experience when it emerges later in 2024.
Splinter Cell:
Splinter Cell fans have been asking Ubisoft to bring the series back to life–as more than just a Ghost Recon cameo, at the very least–and those requests are finally being answered with a complete remake of the 2002 game. Development has remained in the shadows since the 2021 reveal, but Ubisoft has explained that it’s aiming to modernize the series while retaining its core DNA. Splinter Cell is being built in the Snowdrop engine, the same software used to create impressive-looking games like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic:
What exactly is going on with Embracer Group’s planned remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic? The game has been beset with issues since it was first announced in 2021, with reports of an indefinite delay following the firing of two lead developers at Aspyr in 2022, Saber Interactive taking over development duties, and another report claiming that progress had ceased entirely. Embracer Group.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD – Summer 2024:
More than a decade after Luigi returned to his part-time job as a paranormal exterminator on the Nintendo 3DS, the hapless plumber’s first ghost-busting sequel, Dark Moon, is getting ported over to the Switch in 2024. Luigi’s Mansion 2 increased the scope of the original game by throwing the lanky plumber into five different locations filled with pesky spooks, spreading the terror from a haunted mansion to an abandoned factory, research lab, and more.