What constitues a good remake?

[Schwerganoik]

If a game of your choosing were to be remade, what elements of the original charmed you the most, what changes would not ruin your day, and what changes do you fear (because there's a good chance that someone else is remaking it)? Also, if it has any sequels, what did the sequels get right/wrong relatively to the original (because those could also affect the remake)?

This isn't a discussion on remakes in general, because there is no one-size-fits-all formula for a remake any more than there is for a game.

As for me, I'd love to see a remake of Syndicate. The part that I found most fascinating was the business-management side of it made it feel like conquering the world was like a 9-5 job (in a good way). I love the risk-style progression, but I would also like to see enemy factions fight back and try to invade my territory. The only thing that I would fear would be any attempt at streamlining, like was done with Syndicate Wars. The complexity of the first game made me feel like I was in control of a company, whereas when options got removed, I felt like a minion.

 

[Choppaduel]

A good remake? We would have change the definition of "remake" to allow this bold, new concept. Personally, I don't think it can be done.

Edit: hang on a minute... does this count as a remake?

Spoiler

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

I don't think game "remakes" should be attempted.

 

[BoxCutter]

Enhanced voice acting (or adding it all together)
Enhanced Graphics
Fixed Gameplay
Enhanced/Added Cutscenes
Add certain scenes that were avoided the first time around
Port to all consoles
Easter Eggs and homages to the original game

It really depends on what kind of game you are remaking though, I enjoy a good remake. But I don't think its as easy as making it look prettier.

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

I don't think it is possible to please all the fans of the original and yet make the concept new and appealing to new audiences.

Why not concentrate on making original, unique and creative games instead? If it is successful enough, make a ton of good sequels.

 

[Arisato-kun]

Enhanced voice acting (or adding it all together)
Enhanced Graphics
Fixed Gameplay
Enhanced/Added Cutscenes
Add certain scenes that were avoided the first time around

It really depends on what kind of game you are remaking though, I enjoy a good remake. But I don't think its as easy as making it look prettier.

This guy has the right idea.

I'll also add that extra gameplay elements should be included as well. Dungeons, weapons, quests/missions, etc.

 

[Kpt._Rob]

I don't know that I'd say that there's any one good forumla for a successful remake. Often times though, I feel like the best remakes follow one of two formulas, either

a: they do a shot for shot and just clean up some of the elements of gameplay, cutscenes, etc... or

b: they decide to consider it more of a "spiritual remake" and take it in a completely new and interesting direction, forgetting most elements of the original, and instead imitating its style.

 

[Zeromaeus]

Pokemon FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Crystal, Emerald, and Platinum.
They're all technically remakes, yet wildly acclaimed.

 

[Eldarion]

Final Fantasy Tactics, The war of the lions.

I win.

Was pretty much perfect. They replaced the English with something more appropriate, gave us cell shaded cut scenes, voice acted the characters, ect.

 

[Schwerganoik]

How many of you are reading my original post?

 

[Drakmeire]

the best thing to do is to find a game that is way ahead of it's time and then remake it with modern game design. and that is why I'm excited for splatterhouse!
WOO TERROR MASK!
but for a great remake I would love to see an updated Gunstar Heroes or maybe even Nightshade.

 

[Ertol]

Onle one way a remake is a real remake, and thats if it just fixes gameplay isues, brings the graphics up to date, improves the voice acting, and maybe adds a few extra dungeons or missions so you aren't paying for the exact same game. If you start changing gameplay elements (unless they didn't work the first time and need fixing), or you change the story it is not longer a remake, just a sequal.

 

[MorteTheSkull]

I think a good remake takes a game which was at the time great, but at this point has many elements which are dated, and updates it for the modern gamer. The spectrum from port to enhanced port to remake to full reimagining is a bit vague though.

 

[AmrasCalmacil]

Well it may be because your post has nothing to do with your title.
But I'll post my two cents on how to do a good remake anyway.
Remove annoying parts of gameplay or leave the game unchanged and then just give it shiny current gen graphics. Bam.

As for something I'd like to see remade?

Turok 2: Seeds of Evil.
Done by People Can Fly.

You can't say you wouldn't love that.

Oh, and Metroid Prime on Xbox 360? Maybe?

 

[Schwerganoik]

Well it may be because your post has nothing to do with your title.
But I'll post my two cents on how to do a good remake anyway.
Remove annoying parts of gameplay or leave the game unchanged and then just give it shiny current gen graphics. Bam.

As for something I'd like to see remade?

Turok 2: Seeds of Evil.
Done by People Can Fly.

You can't say you wouldn't love that.

Oh, and Metroid Prime on Xbox 360? Maybe?

What parts are annoying?

And mentioning People Can Fly is probably cheating. That's like having Zeus substitute for you in a boxing match.