One of the earliest trends we’ve witnessed following the release of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One has been remastered editions of previous-generation hits. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, the forthcoming Metro: Redux, and The Last of Us: Remastered are all prime examples of developers looking to dip their feet into the next-gen pool, by enticing gamers with a 1080p/60fps makeover and other bits and bobs.
While the cynical gamer could see these as quick cash cows, they’re not actually all that bad of an idea. For one, PS4 isn’t backwards compatible, so having the likes of The Last of Us complete with all existing DLC is an appealing prospect. Also, like the HD Collections released on PS3 over the past few years, it also offers newcomers a chance to experience these games having previously missed out on them. Plus, the sumptuous visual overhaul is a hell of a nice bonus, you have to admit.
As such, PSU.com decided to compile a list of six essential Remasters that we want to see released on PS4.
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UNCHARTED TRILOGY
We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this feature than nominating PlayStation 3’s premiere adventure series, Uncharted. Developed by Naughty Dog, Nathan Drake’s treasure-hunting exploits have provided some of the biggest gaming thrills of the past generation of consoles, as well as setting the proverbial bar for graphics during the PS3 era. Boasting superb voice acting, stunning set pieces and adrenaline-pumping combat, the Uncharted series is the quintessential action-adventure romp, all wrapped up in one cohesive, perfectly-paced package. As such, we’d happily part with $40 for a remastered version of Drake’s Fortune, Among Thieves and Drake’s Deception, complete with DLC, 1080p resolution and that smooth-as-butter 60fps milestone. With Uncharted 4 on the horizon, this would be the ideal way to whet our appetites.
KILLZONE 2 AND 3 REMASTERED
Guerrilla Games’ FPS series has remained synonymous with the PlayStation brand since the original on PS2, and the latest entry, Shadow Fall, was among the first-party titles to supplement the PS4 at launch. As such, wouldn’t it make sense that the studio polishes up the celebrated second and third installments in the franchise for PS4 to complement the lush Shadow Fall? While not groundbreaking, Guerrilla’s successful marriage of slick shooting, fast-paced action and stunning locations provide an unforgettable FPS experience. Aside from the action-packed campaigns, Killzone has consistently remained a massive multiplayer pull for consumers, and as such would see users flocking to PlayStation Plus to get in on the action. This can only be a good thing for Sony and PS4 gamers alike.
inFAMOUS/inFAMOUS 2 REMASTERED
Like Killzone, inFAMOUS has already cemented itself on the consciousness of next-generation gamers thanks to the release of the scrumptiously-detailed inFAMOUS: Second Son. The first two games in Sucker Punch’s super powered series remain classic staples of the PS3 era, combining silky-smooth open-world traversal with some of the coolest powers this side of the Marvel universe. inFAMOUS 2 also featured the superb, vampire-centric expansion, Blood Festival, offering a fresh spin on the blood-pumping action. With Second Son receiving rave reviews – including a perfect 10 from PSU.com – a remastered edition of inFAMOUS and inFAMOUS 2 would be just the ticket to bring newcomers up to speed with Cole MacGrath’s antics, and a great candidate for a 1080/60fps makeover.
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RATCHET & CLANK FUTURE TRILOGY
Developer Insomniac Games may have gone down the multiplatform route in recent years, but its Ratchet & Clank franchise remains a tentpole franchise for the Sony brand all the same. The ‘Future’ trilogy, released on PS3, is among the most compelling platformers we’ve played this side of Mario Galaxy, and its vibrant aesthetics, colorful characters and brilliant weapons make for some great solo-based fun. Sure, the series has seen a few misfires as of late (All For One wasn’t that great, for example), but a spruced up Future Trilogy would remind everyone why Insomniac’s dynamic duo is as close to platforming perfection as you can get. With Ratchet & Clank’s future currently up in the air, we couldn’t think of a better time to get reacquainted with these PS3 classics — now with added graphical polish.
GOD OF WAR III/GOD OF WAR ASCENSION REMASTERED
Sony Santa Monica has already remastered the PS2 and PSP God of War titles, so why not go for the hat trick and give God of War III and God of War: Ascension a fresh lick of paint? Kratos’s blood-splattered, head-ripping adventures are ripe for the 1080p/60fps makeover, and would certainly give the multiplayer in Ascension a much-needed shot in the arm. Furthermore, while God of War has yet to be formally announced for PS4, Kratos isn’t likely to retire and mow the lawn any time soon, so this would be a superb introduction to the franchise on Sony’s high-powered home console. God of War III in particular represents the pinnacle of the series’ gameplay, while Ascension injects some much-needed freshness into the mix thanks to its online component. Repackaged on PS4, both games would serve as a great slice of some of PS3’s best hack-’n-slash action.
ASSASSIN’S CREED – EZIO TRILOGY
For many, ladies’ man Ezio Auditore was the quintessential Assassin’s Creed protagonist, and his trilogy-spanning adventure ranks among some of the best games to date in Ubisoft’s 70+ million selling IP. After seeing how gorgeous Black Flag looked on Sony’s latest box of tricks, we think a remastered version of Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed: Revelations would be a judicious move on the French publisher’s part. After all, they’re aging quite badly, and would greatly benefit from spruced up visuals and frame rate performance. Throw in all DLC and bundle them together for $40, and you have a fantastic slice of historical action-adventuring for PS4, representing the very best in Assassin’s Creed’s captivating storytelling, meaty combat and slick parkour-based navigation.
Honorable mentions:
-Mass Effect Trilogy
-Quantic Dream Remastered Collection (Heavy Rain/Beyond: Two Souls)
-Resistance Trilogy
What games would you like to see remastered for PS4? Give us a shout in the comments section below.