If I’m honest, from the get-go, I’ll tell you that I don’t really like video game remakes. While we have seen some good game remakes in recent years, most games are nothing but attempts by AAA studios to make more bank. Having said that, I’ve had a long gaming career. As such, it is only natural that I’ve run into my fair share of games that have etched themselves into my soul. I’ll also admit that these games are quite old and not really enjoyable for modern gamers.
Thankfully the devs have recognised this and tapped into it already. With a host of video games remakes already announced and even speculated, there’s a lot in store for gamers. So sit down with me as I tell you about the best video game remakes I cannot wait to play in 2024.
1. Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake
I still remember the first time I booted up Max Payne and got lost in the character’s tragedy. There was something about donning that dusty black coat and shooting everyone up to avenge my virtual wife and child. Max Payne 3 allowed me to wrap up this beautiful heartbreaking saga and walk him off into the sunset. However, as 2024 moves on, I feel Remedy made the perfect call to revive him from the dead.
The company has already confirmed that the Max Payne 1 and 2 remake is in production readiness, signaling serious development in Q2 2024. As I can expect and sure hope, the Max Payne remake will be built using Remedy’s Northlight Engine and will capture the same essence it once had.
While Max Payne’s voice actor James McCaffrey’s passing might make things difficult, I am begging Remedy not to switch voices lest they kill the remake itself. However, it’s going to be a long wait as the Max Payne remakes are not supposed to come out until 2026 or later.
2. Splinter Cell
We have had our fair share of Splinter Cell games back in the day. While the last time we saw Sam Fisher was in 2013’s Blacklist, I can’t help but get lost in the original Splinter Cell’s nostalgia. SC 1 packed the right combination of all the right elements. An amazing storyline with polished gameplay mechanics and a setting darker than time made Splinter Cell way ahead of its time.
Ubisoft already announced a Splinter Cell remake in 2021. Supposed to be built on the Snowdrop Engine, the remake should pack everything from the original while refreshing it with some much-needed visual and mechanic upgrades.
Sadly, we have heard little about it ever since then. All I can hope for is that development is going smoothly and not really being abandoned like XDefiant and Skull and Bones.
3. Silent Hill 2
I vaguely remember walking through the town of Silent Hill as James during my PS2 days. Besides the weird camera angles that annoyed me, I remember falling in love with the game and being terrified of it at once. So it was only natural that I was equal parts excited and scared seeing the Silent Hill 2 remake trailer. Thankfully, the game does away with that god-awful camera and amps up the visual fidelity up a notch.
Even though I’m not the biggest fan of horror games, Silent Hill 2 is one journey I am excited to be on. From the information available, the fresh combat system, coupled with the horrors, is a treat to look at. After all, is said and done, the Silent Hill 2 remake should scratch the itch the Enhanced Edition left back in 2012. This video game remake drops on October 8, 2024, and I’m all for it!
4. The Witcher Remake
I’ll be honest. I haven’t played any Witcher game except the latest iteration. And while Gwent: The Witcher Card Game did quench my thirst for that mini-game, I want more. I could go back to Witcher 1 but playing a 2007 game doesn’t seem right now. This is also why I was very excited when I learned about the Witcher Remake being in development.
Initially announced in 2022, the Witcher Remake will see the game built up from the ground with Unreal Engine 5! However, do note that Fool’s Theory have asked for a lot of time and patience. They have even mentioned that they aren’t afraid of removing the old bad aspects of the original to make it better.
So by all accounts, this video game remake is going to be interesting! Sadly we don’t have a concrete release date but estimates range from early 2026 to 2027.
5. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Any gamer long enough in the trenches knows about Big Boss and his adventures in Metal Gear Solid. MGS Delta will focus on Big Boss’ origins and trace them back to his story. Konami has boasted that the new Metal Gear Solid Delta remake will feature “cutting-edge graphics and 3D Audio.”
And while I haven’t the most experience with Metal Gear Solid, I know just enough about it to be excited! All in all, it’s going to be an exciting video game remake launch. However, we might have to wait till late 2024 for this release so there’s that.
6. Until Dawn Remake
I’m not a big fan of cinematic video games. However, I still remember my amazement when Until Dawn was initially released for the Sony PS4. Despite not having a console, seeing the gameplay video was as fun as playing it. However, with the Until Dawn Remake confirmed and coming with a slew of upgrades and changes, I am very excited.
The upcoming Until Dawn Remake is being handled by a different developer. As such, there are a lot of changes such as the new Unreal Engine 5, a brand-new lighting system, and a different background score.
Players can expect amped-up horrors thanks to even more emphasis on dark environments. Even though I haven’t played a lick of Until Dawn, I am very excited about its remake coming out in Fall 2024.
7. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
The Prince of Persia remake has been a long time coming. Ever since being announced in 2020, the remake has been shuffling back and forth between unfortunate events. However, ever since Ubisoft announced it was moving the game’s development back to Montreal, things have been looking up.
Thankfully, after so much back and forth, the Prince of Persia Sands of Time Remake trailer showed us the game is finally coming in 2026. While the trailer didn’t give us a lot of insight, it does look quite interesting. I am looking forward to reliving my nostalgia with improved mechanics, more diverse lore, and of course enhanced graphics.
8. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake
While I am putting this game as my last entry, KOTOR does come as one of the best Star Wars games. Unfortunately, ever since its teaser back in 2021, we have heard little about it. It was only when Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch confirmed to IGN that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is alive!
Star Wars KOTOR takes place in an ancient time as a force user torn between a war between the Galactic Empire and Darth Malak. While I’ll be honest by telling you, that I am not a huge Star Wars fan, I am looking forward to the upgraded lightsaber battles and shooting that will drop with it!
With a host of video game remakes like these coming out, 2024 is sure to be an amazing year for gamers! That said, which video game remake are you excited for? Let us know in the comments below!