Summary
As gamers age, so do their favorite games. Titles that were once on the brink of what was possible begin to shrivel in comparison to modern graphics and performance. The process of remastering or remaking fan-favorite video games continues to grow in popularity, bringing more and more games from the past to the forefront of digital markets with enhanced visuals, overhauled mechanics, and occasionally narrative shifts.
This process of giving older games a second chance at life not only provides a warm nostalgic experience for existing fans but welcomes newcomers to experience some of the industry’s most loved titles.Thanks to Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription-based gaming service, Xbox and PC gamers can have instant access to a handful of remastered and remade titles to jump into.
Foundational in the creation of the competitive first-person shooter genre,Quakeis a remastered blast from the past. Jump into the world of 1990s gaming to experience enhanced visual textures on theclassic 3D models. The dark hallways and open arenas feel more chaotic than ever thanks to some much-needed lighting improvement.
An open embrace of community-made mods and the inclusion of both old and new DLC means there is more than enough here to keep any gamer busy.Quakefeels exceptionally nostalgic when enjoyed from the same couch with a friend through local split-screen.
Fans of the iconic racing seriesBurnouthaven’t had much to go on recently apart from a wave of rumors. The series was well-loved for its over-the-top destruction and game modes that turned causing chaos on the road into a fierce competition.Burnout Paradise Remasteredis the 2018 re-release of the 2008 hit that took the arcade racer into an open-world format.
For players looking for a racing simulator, this isn’t it. Rather, players that jump in should expect to explore the streets of Paradise City performing ridiculous stunts, racing at insane speeds, and being rewarded for causing absurd crashes. Despite being many years old, this remaster still flexes its graphical muscles, and with gameplay that has held up tremendously, the game feels modern, refined, and sharp.
Marcus Fenix, an inmate turned soldier, has grown intoan iconic protagonistin the world of video games, well known for his cartoonishly sized muscles and the up-close, gritty combat he excels in. Originally released in 2006,Gears of Warsparked a long series that quickly developed into a cult classic.
Gears of War: Ultimate Editionprovided a significant overhaul to the graphics and performance, making the brutal, apocalyptic setting of post-invasion Earth feel grittier than ever. For those looking for a dose of Xbox 360 nostalgia, playing this campaign in split-screen co-op will certainly scratch that itch.
Over-the-top fist fights on thestreets of Japanhave never been so beautiful. TheYakuza Remastered CollectionincludesYakuza 3,4, and5in one high-resolution package. Well known for its fighting mechanics, potential players should also expect a deep story, and thanks to a whole host of lore added to this collection, it’s deeper and more engaging than ever.
The world ofYakuzafeatures a vast canon for players to familiarize themselves with, but for those interested in diving into theYakuza Remastered Collectionis not a bad place to start.
It’s not often that real-time strategy games feel streamlined while playing with a controller.Age of Empires 2 Definitive Editionmanaged to bring the genre-defining, PC classic from 1999 to consoles in a way that is both controller-friendly and visually stunning.
This series is known for having a long-lasting competitive scene, and though the learning curve is steepwith 35 factionsboasting unique units, tech trees, and attributes, it won’t take long for strategy aficionados to feel comfortable hopping online for some PvP matches.
An Xbox catalog isn’t complete without the inclusion of Master Chief.Halo: The Master Chief Collectionbringssix entries from the seriestogether into one place. The real stand-outs in this collection areHalo: Combat Evolved AnniversaryandHalo 2 Anniversary,both of which have received extensive high-definition graphical upgrades to bring them up to par with modern entries to the series.
From taking on energy-sword wielding elites, to grinding through hordes of infected courtesy of the flood, gameplay from even the oldest titles in this series has managed to maintain a remarkably modern feel, and now it has the graphical upgrades to accompany it.
The endearing epic of Oliver manages to captivate both long-time anime fans and newcomers alike. For those familiar with Studio Ghibli, their part in the making ofNi no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witchwill be instantly apparent. Thanks to a handful of visual improvements, this story-heavy, action RPG is more enjoyable than ever.
Players are free to explore a large overworld as they take on quests, discover secrets, and collect tameablecreatures called “familiars.“The art style is light and vibrant, the characters are memorable, and collecting new familiars can prove to be an endless distraction.
For players looking to make impactful choices they may quickly regret,Mass Effect Legendary Editionhas a lot to offer. This remastered collection brings 4K Ultra HD visuals to the dramatic narrative that focuses on player decisions and building relationships. With improved weapon balances and a new UI, the once clunky combat now feels on par with the quality of the story this series offers.
With more than enough content to keep players busy for hundreds of hours, jumping intoMass Effect Legendary Editionis a commitment, but with a plethora of unique planets to explore and an endlessly compelling storyline to mold, it’s an experience well worth the time.
The 2023 re-release ofDead Spacewent far beyond a simple remaster, opting instead for a total remake. Aside from obvious visual improvements enhancing the dark, eerie corridors of the Ishimura, players can expect new weapon mechanics,an overhauled progression system, and the introduction of dialogue from the previously silent protagonist, Isaac Clarke.
This remake went well beyond the expectations of revitalizing a classic, opting instead to provide an experience so new even devout fans would be surprised.Dead Spacesets the bar high, and thanks to alternate endings unlocked during the new game plus mode, it continues to deliver for multiple playthroughs.
Another ground-up remake,Resident Evil 2throws players into the heart of zombie-infested Raccoon City for a story-rich, heart-pounding thriller. Players familiar with the originalResident Evil 2will be in for a shock as everything from the camera angle to the movement has been completely changed. The only remaining relic of the original is the compelling story, this time accompanied by high-resolution visuals and all-new audio.
The follow-up,Resident Evil 3remake also made its way into the Game Pass catalog recently, making this title a great choice for anyone looking to find their next favorite series.
