Sometimes, classic video games make a spectacular comeback. At other times, they fade into insignificance. And then there are those that keep resurfacing—regardless of whether there was a demand for them.
Few titles illustrate that last group better than The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It has been ported, remastered, and re-released so frequently that it’s practically a running gag in the gaming community. (At least this time, we’re finally seeing something new with an Oblivion remaster.)
Now, Microsoft has revealed Gears of War: Reloaded, a 4K-enhanced rendition of the 2006 Xbox 360 classic. It’s even making its way to PS5. That’s fantastic—except Gears of War already underwent a remaster back in 2015 with Ultimate Edition. So, yes, this is essentially a remaster of a remaster. The silver lining? If you possess Ultimate Edition, you’ll receive the new version at no cost.
But instead of lingering on that topic, let’s shift our attention to some older games that truly merit the remaster treatment—titles that are either difficult to find or haven’t aged as gracefully as they might have with a fresh coat of polish.
5 Video Games That Deserve Remasters
For this compilation, we’re showcasing games that are not readily accessible on contemporary consoles. There are a few exceptions, but believe us—they’re worth considering.
1. Sleeping Dogs
Let’s bend the rules from the start. Yes, Sleeping Dogs technically has a Definitive Edition available for modern Xbox and PlayStation consoles. However, that version didn’t provide much in terms of visual or performance enhancements—it was mainly just the original game packaged with DLC.
Originally launched in 2012 for Xbox 360 and PS3, Sleeping Dogs can be best described as a fusion of Grand Theft Auto and Hong Kong action cinema. You assume the role of an undercover officer infiltrating the criminal world, and since firearms are rare in this context, the game heavily emphasizes hand-to-hand combat. The outcome? A fighting system that’s more rewarding than anything GTA has ever provided.
Despite receiving critical acclaim, it didn’t sell sufficiently to justify a sequel. Still, fans remember it with great affection—and it deserves a genuine remaster.
Where to play it: Steam, PlayStation 4
2. Asura’s Wrath
Asura’s Wrath is a game so extravagant, it’s essentially an interactive anime film. Released in 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360, it’s a thrilling, eight-hour journey filled with timed button presses and cinematic excitement. One character literally pierces the Earth with a sword. The moon gets obliterated. It’s that style of game.
The main drawback? The true ending was gated behind a $10 DLC. A modern remaster that encompasses the complete narrative and runs seamlessly on current-gen consoles would be a dream realized.
Where to play it: PlayStation 3
3. The Simpsons: Hit & Run
In 2003, someone had the ingenious idea to merge The Simpsons with Grand Theft Auto—and the outcome was The Simpsons: Hit & Run. You could traverse an open-world Springfield, undertake missions for beloved characters, and drive virtually every vehicle featured on the show.
It’s arguably the finest Simpsons game ever created, but due to licensing complications, it’s yet to be re-released. A straightforward HD remaster would suffice to resurrect this cult classic.
Where to play it: PlayStation 2 (if you can track one down)
4. Bloodborne
You knew this one was inevitable. Bloodborne is a fan-favorite action RPG from 2015 that remains exclusively available in its original form on PS4. While it’s playable on PS5, it never received a proper upgrade patch—meaning it still runs at 30 frames per second without 4K support.
In spite of this, it continues to be one of the most cherished titles in the FromSoftware collection. Fans have been requesting a remaster for years, and every PlayStation showcase reignites hope. So far, nothing has materialized. Yet we’re still optimistic.
Where to play it: PlayStation 4 and PS5
5. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4 is a triumph of excess. Launched in 2008 exclusively for PlayStation 3, it’s loaded with 90-minute cutscenes, intricate plotlines, and Kojima’s distinctive style of cinematic narration. It’s also the only mainline Metal Gear game that hasn’t been re-released on modern systems.
With the recent unveiling of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, fans are hopeful that MGS4 will finally get its moment in the spotlight. But nearly two decades later, it remains confined to the PS3. That’s unfortunate, as it’s a captivating, flawed, and unforgettable experience that deserves recognition.