Four Upcoming Video Game Remakes and Remasters You Should Totally Watch Out For

A lot of old video games received a fresh coat of paint this year with the arrivals of Yakuza Kiwami 2, the first two Shenmue games, Shadow of the Colossus, Secret of Mana, the first three Crash Bandicoot games, and even the first Dark Souls, among others. But in the latter half of 2018 and in 2019, gamers should prepare their wallets if they want to revisit the worlds of these following games wrapped in either an HD or a remake treatment.

A lot of old video games received a fresh coat of paint this year with the arrivals of Yakuza Kiwami 2, the first two Shenmue games, Shadow of the Colossus, Secret of Mana, the first three Crash Bandicoot games, and even the first Dark Souls, among others. But in the latter half of 2018 and in 2019, gamers should prepare their wallets if they want to revisit the worlds of these following games wrapped in either an HD or a remake treatment.

1. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

The second title in Capcom's long-running survival horror franchise, many fans have been requesting the developer and publisher to give the said game—released in the first PlayStation in 1998—a new breath of life just like its successful attempt with the first game. And obviously, their yearnings have been answered.

First announced in 2015, Capcom unveiled gameplay footage and a trailer back in E3 2018, surprising fans after a two-year silence. In the footage, the tank-like controls, fixed camera angles, and limited aiming system were replaced by Resident Evil 4's fluid movements, over-the-shoulder camera, and accurate aiming. But unlike 4, 2 emphasizes dread over action, similar to its predecessor.

Additionally, Resident Evil 2 revamps the setting with atmospheric lighting and detailed environments, along with some gory details, thanks to the RE Engine first used in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Some parts of the game's scenarios, puzzles, and item placements were also modified to keep veteran players' experience fresh.

Finally, Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy make their return in the game with updated character models. However, unlike the original Resident Evil 2's zapping system that connects the characters' campaigns, the remake will feature two separate campaigns for them instead.

The Resident Evil 2 remake is scheduled to be released on January 25, 2019, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

2. Onimusha: Warlords (2019)

Another beloved title and franchise from Capcom, the action-adventure game—known as only Onimusha in Japan and released for the PlayStation 2 17 years ago—now gets an HD overhaul next year.

Its gameplay still resembles the original game's hack-and-slash combat, but the graphics and character models are now cleaner and more detailed. Of course, controls now adopt the analog stick support for more ease in movement. In addition, the remaster offers widescreen support, which has a 16:9 aspect ratio, and it also lets players play the game using the original 4:3 ratio.

Warlords still follows the same story as the original, with samurai Samanosuke Akechi trying to save Princess Yuki after being abducted by the demonic allies of feudal lord Nobunaga Oda.

The game will be released on January 15, 2019, 10 days before the Resident Evil 2 remake's launch, and it will be available to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Steam, and Xbox One.

3. Spyro Reignited Trilogy (2018)

With the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy's well-received remasters, it's about time that the Spyro series should also get one too.

To be released in one bundle, Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon will now sport gorgeous HD graphics for more vibrant colors and detailed environments with the help of the Unreal Engine 4. In terms of gameplay, Spyro still has the same moves, breathing fire and gliding through levels. Those who played the games before might even enjoy a trip down this particular memory lane as enemies and items are still situated in their previous locations.

Fans will have the chance to play as the famous blue dragon when it releases on November 13, 2018, for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles.

4. Sekiro Shadows Die Twice

This isn't technically a remake or a remaster, but Sekiro Shadows Die Twice was originally planned to be a Tenchu game. Now, it might not be out of the question to think that FromSoft's up and coming game could make the cut as one.

Regardless, Sekiro Shadows Die Twice is a breath of fresh air from the traditional Dark Souls game in both gameplay and setting. Stealth looks like it will play nicely in this game, although going all out with an ax to grind looks fun as well. 

Sekiro Shadows Die Twice is pegged for a March 2019 release.