Even game studios are defining remakes/remasters differently

Brett Medlock

Published: Feb 14, 2023 06:30 pm

Inconsistent definitions

Recommended Videos

Welcome back! It’s time for a new episode of the Spot Dodge Podcast exclusively on Destructoid. Topics: Tonight we’ll be talking all about the magnificent and recently stealth-released Metroid Prime Remastered. Along with that, the team discusses the difference between a remaster and a remake — And how even game devs are split on the meaning.

I know what you’re thinking, the difference between a remaster and a remake is clear. A game like Wind Waker HD is a remaster and Resident Evil 2 (2019) is a remake. Wind Waker retained the same skeleton as the original but overhauled the graphics. Essentially being 90% the same game. Whereas Resident Evil 2 was a full reimagining of the original game. With new gameplay, dialogue, characters, sound, and more.

Boom. It’s that simple. Or is it? Because PlayStation is dead set on The Last of Us Part I being a from-the-ground-up “remake”. Not a remaster. Despite retaining the same skeleton as the original and featuring the exact combat, sound, voice acting, and gameplay mechanics. With subtle tweaks to the enemy AI and additional accessibility options. Should this not be categorized as a remaster? Being that the only substantial upgrade was the visuals?

Compare that to a game like the newly-released Metroid Prime Remastered. This “remaster” not only overhauled the visuals but even added modernized controls and enhanced sound. But Nintendo is clearly going with “remastered” verbiage for the game and its title.

Finally, there’s a game like Final Fantasy VII Remake which is not really a remake at all, but more of a reimaging of the first 3 hours of FFVII, and even somewhat of a sequel to the original. And that game literally has “remake” in the title! It’s such a messy topic I can’t wait to discuss.

Spot Dodge is a weekly Nintendo-focused Podcast here at Destructoid where we dedicate an hour or two to go over the latest Nintendo news and discuss the games we’re playing. If you’re a fan of Nintendo Switch, RPGs, or having a good time, Spot Dodge will be a great addition to your podcast rotation. So be sure to subscribe!

Spot Dodge is streaming live every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET on Twitch channel. ICYMI: We now have a dedicated Spot Dodge YouTube channel for our archived streams! All future episodes will be uploaded there.

Afterward, the show will be available on-demand for audio listeners via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. The live video version will remain on both YouTube and Twitch (don’t forget to follow and subscribe). So many options!

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Metroid Prime Remastered

The Last of Us Part I

Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Author

Brett Medlock

Head of video at Destructoid