Video game remakes, such as The Last of Us Remake are the in thing in present times. With game development costs skyrocketing, the challenge of developing a new IP from the ground up and marketing it to new audiences means that tapping into an existing game with a solid audience that aches for modern graphical upgrades and gameplay improvements makes it an attractive proposition. However, like most things in life, not all remakes are made equal. Some, like the System Shock remake, as we shall see are naturally better than others. But in what way and to what extent? And certain game remakes are simply bad or, worse, unnecessary? Let’s find out.
System Shock Remake– A Remake Done Right
https://://gty.im/2021262328
When I tried to play System Shock 1994 a few years back, the original game upon which the remake is based, I was immediately put off by the presentation, the mechanics, and virtually everything else. Despite being considered a pioneering game for its time and spiritual successor to the famed BioShock series, the game is primitive in more ways than one.
For anyone used to classic first-person shooters (FPS) and the mechanics that underpin interactive gameplay, System Shock was a different kettle of fish. The game seemed so, for the lack of a better word, outdated that it seemed alien. This may seem fitting considering the setup and world in which the story takes place but from a purely entertainment standpoint, it was not going to cut. Before long I quit the game and uninstalled it. And that was that.
Enter the System Shock remake. Developed by Nightdive Studios and built on the powerful Unreal Engine 4, the game is a remake in virtually the sense of the word. The outdated graphics of the 1994 version have been replaced with high-definition 3D graphics with modern FPS mechanics that players are used to. The exploration-heavy game’s story revolves around battling the evil AI ‘SHODAN’ aboard the star base Citadel Station, with a variety of enemies.
System Shock remake is pretty much everything a serious gamer can ask for. An old game with outdated game mechanics and graphics has been remade. And it is done with a passion that puts gamers first. Too bad the game did not win any trophies at the Game Awards 2023. However, that might mean adding a best ‘Remake’ category.
The Last of Us Remake – Milking the Cash Cow
It is no secret that The Last of Us, the original, released all the way back in 2013 on the PlayStation 3 is considered by many to be a great game. The award-winning post-apocalyptic action-adventure game was a storytelling phenomenon that captured the hearts of many. Thus a remaster of the game soon followed in 2014, as Sony released the game with updated graphics for the PlayStation 4.
At this point, it made sense why Sony would do this. The Last of Us was a major hit. Many players who had not owned a PS3 console and were going into the next generation of consoles would want to get hold of the game, along with existing owners who just wanted to play it again with better graphics. All good.
However, the decision to remake the game, a game that is not even a decade old, with graphical improvements, at least since The Last of Us remaster of 2014, has hardly progressed, raises questions. From the standpoint of the average gamer who is looking for new gaming experiences, the idea of having to play the remake of a game that was released less than a decade ago is not really good news. However, this has done little harm to Naughty Dog’s brand, with speculations of a Last of Us 3 starting to swirl around.
Lesson for Gamers and Developers
https://://gty.im/1235953794
Having to pay full price ($70) for the Last of Us remake on release is a bit too much, even for the most ardent fans. And frankly, only the most ardent fans are going to be purchasing this addition. And this is telling. If Naughty Dog, the game’s developer thinks it is wise to invest in repackaging games barely a decade old, where technology has not progressed much, and reselling them to gamers and expect to make a profit. It sets a bad precedent.
This could portend a trend where game developers rather than writing new stories, developing new game worlds and building unique gameplay mechanics; would come to rely on the ‘tried and tested’ method of remaking old (or not so old) games. This is not good for gamers and hopefully, developers realize this soon enough.
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
