As technology in general improves, so do video games in general, may it be in graphics, voice acting, and gameplay. With every gaming generation, developers are more than able to reach what they want for their creations. For example, large and expansive fantasy worlds were once just ideas can now be turned into something immersive.

This is why older games deserve a second chance. Though their original creators’ vision may have innovative and broke the bounds of imagination back in the day, they were limited by the technology at the time. This is why remakes (a game remade from the first line of code) and remasters (improved graphically and in terms of audio) deserve a second chance. Meanwhile, ports - which are games converted to run in another platform - are also in the same boat.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of the best remasters, remakes, and ports in recent memory that managed to deliver a better, flawless, and a reimagined experience.

Resident Evil 2: Remake

Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 was one of the best games in the 90s, garnering critical acclaim from pundits. Resident Evil 2: Remake attained the same level of praise, widely lauded as one of the best survival horror games of all time. You’ll get to control one of two protagonists (Leon or Claire) and depending on your choice, get to experience two different story paths.

We all imagined what it would be like to traverse the buildings and city streets of Raccoon City right after the outbreak. With RE2: Remake, we can do just that.

Doom

Doom (1993) is a classic and is one of the most influential games of all time. It paved the way for first-person shooters (along with Wolfenstein) or FPS. Without those two, who knows how the genre would have evolved.

Bethesda tried their hand on remaking the original game and it yielded dividends. Originally, it was released for PC, PS4, and Xbox with a Nintendo Switch port came a year after. It was lauded as a successful return of the series after nearly 23 years. Unsurprisingly, it gained numerous and nominations, most notably for Game of the Year in 2016 where it lost to Overwatch.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Crash Bandicoot is one of the most recognizable platforming franchises in the industry. The first three games, Crash Bandicoot, Cortex Strikes Back, and Warped were released in 96, 97, and 98 respectively. They’re one of the more fondly-remembered games in the past years. It was only right that the N. Sane Trilogy, a remaster of the three aforementioned games, was developed and released back in 2017 for all major platforms.

Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus is highly touted as one of the best PlayStation 2 games. In a nutshell, it’s the game where you explore an open and dreary world, fighting various colossi while trying to resurrect a girl named Mono. The 2018 remake was, well, made from the ground up. It retained the core gameplay, though with a different control scheme. It received critical acclaim, and if you have a PS4, it’s a must to play it.

Spyro: Reignited Trilogy

Like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon’s first three games are a PlayStation 1 classics fondly remembered by older games. The Reignited Trilogy, total remakes of the first three games, was released in 2018. Though it was a total overhaul, it retained the same elements as the levels, enemies, and even items.

Dark Souls Remastered

Dark Souls, the second installment of the Souls series (Demon souls being the first), is also touted as one of the best games ever made. The remake, released on all platforms including the Nintendo Switch, provided the same albeit more visually-appealing experience. If you played the original and want to have a different experience, go ahead. However, be prepared to die over and over and over again.

Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War

One of the more unsung games in this entry, Ace Combat 5 is a direct port of the PlayStation 2 version of the PS4. Most aspects of the 2004 PS2 game remain unchanged though it has a higher resolution and almost non-existent loading screens. It’s only available to you if you pre-ordered Ace Combat 7 but nevertheless, it’s great to fly into the skies with the Wardog Squadron once again.

TES V: Skyrim

Yes, we’re aware of the jokes: Skyrim (2011) just has to be the most ported/remastered game out there. It was re-released on several occasions, though its best has to be the 2016 Special Edition on all platforms with major graphical enhancements. It was also released on the Switch in 2017, letting you become the Dragonborn on the go.

NES games on Nintendo Switch Online

As of today, there are over 30+ NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) available for Nintendo Switch Online users. They don’t hold up well in a lot of areas though they’re great at satiating one’s nostalgia. Plus, they run perfectly, and here’s to hoping Nintendo will somehow port SNES and even Game Boy titles in the future.

Cuphead port on the Nintendo Switch

Cuphead is a more recent game and was once a Microsoft and Xbox One exclusive until Studio MDHR decided to port it to Steam and the Nintendo Switch. The port of the latter is arguably an example of a perfect port. Its 1930s cartoon aesthetic runs flawlessly on the Switch and being a run ‘n’ platformer, a great fit for playing on the go. Just remember though, don’t keep your emotions in check in the more difficult levels!