The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
HD releases have been a thing since the last console generation, with some succeeding and a few failing. (Looking at you, Silent Hill.) But what makes gamers dish out the cash for their beloved childhood classics? It’s simple: nostalgia. Starting off our nostalgic journey, we have The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. With its announcement came mixed feelings, many people thought the cel-shading looked good enough and didn’t need a revamped graphics edition, others just didn’t want Wind Waker at all. When the game was released, however, it became very clear just how great it was. It quickly led to more and more people wanting a Wii U, as well as changing opinions on the game itself. It’s become a work of art.
Ico and Shadow of the Colossus
Speaking of classics and works of art, The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection HD release on PlayStation 3 was the epitome of artistry reimagined. Bringing classics back into the limelight with incredibly crisp visuals, without removing the initial feel of the game, (Seriously Silent Hill…) the re-releases of these games was an instant hit, again. Allowing for a greater feel of the pure epic that is Shadow of the Colossus, or the eerie that envelops Ico, this is one of the greatest HD remakes ever.
Grim Fandango
Grim Fandango was recently remastered in HD and has been absolutely blowing up since day one. Already becoming one of the highest grossing games of the year, it’s the epitome of nostalgia selling units. It was a game that was released at the height of point and click adventure games, relying more on witty dialogue and unique art, rather than crisp graphics. Now you release it with the same silly dialogue, but also remastering that unique art style in delicious HD and how could you not succeed? It’s a gem that has a place in many hearts, and the HD release was a dream come true.
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Metal Gear is a series that had everything going right. It has insanely elaborate writing, a unique control scheme, and a source material that just won’t quit. The only thing most people might complain about is the graphics, and Kojima graced us all with a solution. The Metal Gear Solid HD Collection includes MGS 2, MGS3, Peace Walker as well as the original versions of Metal Gear 1 and 2. It was a much improved overhaul and also brought Peace Walker to consoles, allowing many players to experience it for the first time.
Resident Evil
Resident Evil has been remastered… a lot. The most recent, however, was the HD remaster for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Also becoming one of the highest grossing games of the year so far, it hits so many people with nostalgia. It introduces new players to a different Resident Evil, before it was simply a shooter. It fills players with a new found dread in a mansion that some know better than their own house. It shows that nostalgia sells, and will continue to sell, because players love to play their favorite games in a new light.
Obviously I couldn’t tackle every one of the dozens of HD remakes, but what are some of your favorites?
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