HD Remakes of Classic Games = Cheap Shots

During the recent E3 show, several HD remakes of classic games were announced. Microsoft revealed a 10th Anniversary edition of Halo remade in HD for the Xbox 360, titled appropriately enough, “Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary” due in November. Sony went even further commenting that they viewed classic remakes in HD as a “Major Franchise” opportunity. Sony already issued the “God of War Collection” in 2010, which included HD remakes of the original PS2 classics, God of War and God of War II. Sony also plans to release “Ico & Shadow of the Colossus” later this year.

While the fanbase has had relatively positive reactions to these announcements, I find this development to be a bit cynical. Many people just fall all over themselves when they see great graphics – yes, HD graphics are nice. However, great graphics do not a good game make. Nintendo has never released any games with HD graphics, yet has some of the strongest franchises in all of gamedom. Look at the classic X-Com franchise on the PC circa 1994. The graphics weren’t much to look at, but the game was amazing. And that’s the point – it’s all about the game; and that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

The HD remakes of Halo Combat Evolved by Microsoft and Ico & Shadow of the Colossus by Sony look nice, but they don’t add any additional gameplay mechanics that take advantage of any new technology on the target platforms. Granted, Halo adds co-op play as well as multiplayer, but that’s par for the course for modern shooters. Worse, Ico & Shadow of the Colossus is a straight port, which means both titles are still essentially the same games that have been available for years on previous generation Xbox and PS2 consoles. Despite the classic nature of these titles, it’s clear they are showing their age as newer games have surpassed them in both graphics and gameplay.

While I am willing to admit that there are those that might have missed these games during their original release on the previous generation consoles, I also think those people would be few and far between. Therefore, these remakes are cynically aimed at customers who had already purchased and played these games previously, using their fond memories as a way to tug at heartstrings and wallets. It’s a cheap way for Microsoft and Sony to monetize assets and profit by recycling old content. Sony’s views above say it all, and I find that to be wrong on a lot of levels. Let’s just hope that both Microsoft and Sony spend more of their time on giving us great new games that push the envelope, instead of finding new ways to make a quick buck off of their loyal customers.

Source: Video Game News