HD remakes are one of the weirdest recent trends in gaming. Sometimes it feels like publishers endlessly recycling the same games with a new price tag. On the other hand, it does give us the opportunity to replay some of our favorite games (and discover classics we missed) without digging out our old consoles, or fiddling with PC compatibility settings.
Here are 12 games available in 2015 that fall into that latter camp.
1. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
Release Date: March 24, 2015
A massive Borderlands megabundle, The Handsome Jack Collection will include both Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, along with every single piece of DLC for both of those games. Additionally, the re-release will feature 4-player splitscreen multiplayer, remastered 1080p/60 frames per second graphics, and the ability to transfer save files from the PS3/Vita and Xbox 360 versions of the games.
2. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: April 7, 2015
This “Game of the Year”-esque re-release will include Dark Souls II, all three previously released DLC packs (Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King), as well as new NPCs, improved game balance, more item descriptions, and improved online matchmaking. Finally, the current-gen console and PC versions will also include updated graphics, sound, and performance optimization, as well as functionality for bigger online games.
3. Dead or Alive 5: Last Round
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: Our now for consoles, PCÂ on March 30, 2015
The third re-release of Dead or Alive 5, this one includes all of the content from the previous iteration (Ultimate), as well as new costumes, characters, stages, and custom hairstyles. Current-gen console versions will also be getting a beefy graphical upgrade, bringing the game up to full 1080p and 60 frames per second.
4. Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Platforms: PC
Release Date: Our now!
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered was released last month to surprisingly little fanfare, and while it hasn’t aged particularly well, it’s still a pretty cool little relic from Quantic Dream’s past. It’s still a deeply flawed game, but like any David Cage game, the originality manages to make the experience worthwhile. The re-release features HD graphics, controller support, and replaces the content that was originally cut from the US version due to nudity.
5. Final Fantasy Type-0
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: March 17, 2015
Originally a PSP game, this Final Fantasy spin-off is heading to the Xbox One and PS4, with updated HD graphics, in the spring. The game is part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series, along with FFXIII and XV, so if you’re looking for the “full” story, this will be your first opportunity to pick up Type-0 on a console.
6. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (PS4)
Platforms: PS4
Release Date: Q2 2015
Final Fantasy X and X-2 are getting bundled into an PS4 HD remaster later this year. The re-release will not only contain a graphically enhanced pair of games, it will also feature extra story content that was previously exclusive to the international versions, and a brand new audio drama set after the events of X-2.
