────What's the difference between a remake, remaster, reboot, and port?
Hiroko Saga
"Remake" is used for works that have completely changed the story, system, and graphics. On the other hand, "remaster" is widely used for works that only have improved graphics. "Reboot" is used when a series that has been dormant for a long time is restarted. "Port" is the transfer of the original to a different hardware, and sometimes slight features are added.
────So, what are some recent remakes that have made a big impression on you?
Takao Ima
Of course, one game that can't be left out is "FFVII REMAKE." When it was released (1997), even the depiction of polygons was said to be amazing, but I was amazed at how the beautiful real-time rendered cutscenes transitioned seamlessly to the gameplay screen.
Compatible platforms: PS5/PS4/PC
This is the first of a trilogy that has been remade 23 years after its release and has sold a total of approximately 7 million copies worldwide. The graphics have been dramatically improved and new episodes have been added. The battle system also combines action and command. It depicts the events leading up to the "Escape from Midgar."
Saga
The battle system is no longer turn-based like in previous games, but is an action-based system that can only be achieved on the latest hardware, making it even more exhilarating.
Tomohiro Katada
"FFVII REBIRTH" is coming out next year. I also think the "Resident Evil" RE series is well done. In previous games, the camera was fixed, making it difficult to move the character, and you had to run by rubbing your shoulder against the wall, but now you can play intuitively.
Compatible models: PS5
A sequel to "REMAKE." Based on the events up to "The Forgotten City" in the original work, it adds original elements.
ORIGINAL
Compatible models: PS1
This smash hit stands out from previous FF games with its futuristic worldview, 3D polygon character designs, and rich CG movies.
Saga
And we can't leave out Dragon Quest, because even before remakes became popular in the gaming industry, they were releasing Famicom titles on the Super Famicom.
Compatible models: SFC
The two Famicom games have been adapted for the Super Famicom. The visuals have also been significantly improved. New features such as the "Adventure Book" and "Convenient Button" have been added.
now
The capacity has increased and new elements have been added. In "III," more jobs have been added and a personality test has been added, broadening the scope of play. In the PlayStation remake "IV," Pizarro, who was an enemy, can now be recruited as an ally, adding more depth to the story.
Saga
Most of the series' titles can still be played on the latest hardware, making it a great environment for both newcomers and long-time fans.
Katata
Speaking of portable game console ports, I also liked "Kamaitachi no Yoru: Advance." Because it's a sound novel, you can play it just like carrying around a paperback book.
Compatible models: GBA
This is a port of the 1998 PlayStation version. Based on the 1994 Super Famicom software, a flowchart function has been added, making it much easier to play.
────What are the trends in remakes in recent years?
Saga
I have the impression that games that people in their 30s now played when they were in their impressionable years, such as "Mega Man Battle Network," "Paper Mario," and "Pokémon Diamond and Pearl," are often being remade or remastered.
now
Now that the remakes of older hardware have come to an end, it's time to start playing GameCube and DS games, preferably on the latest hardware.
Saga
Also, it's worth noting that if you sign up for Nintendo Switch Online, you can play all the old Famicom and Super Famicom games you want. That's a pretty generous offer!
Katata
I also feel that there is a trend of titles with core fan bases, such as "Live A Live," "Power Pro Kun Pocket," and "Shenmue," being ported or remade. This year, the hidden masterpiece "Ghost Trick" by Shu Takumi, the creator of "Ace Attorney," was also remastered and became a hot topic.
now
Hardware reproduction is also a trend. For example, you can play After Burner II on the Mega Drive Mini 2.
Compatible devices: Switch, PS5, PS4, PC
A Super Famicom game released in 1994. The game is detailed using the HD-2D technique, which adds 3DCG effects to pixel art. Character voices are also included.
Compatible with: PS4
This legendary Dreamcast title is reborn in HD remaster. The UI has been updated to a 16:9 screen ratio. It also includes a save anywhere feature.
Compatible devices: Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC
A remastered version of the software released for the Nintendo DS in 2010. It includes a collection function that allows you to collect illustrations and background music. *Software for Xbox One
Compatible devices: Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC
This game has been remade using Capcom's proprietary "RE ENGINE." The camera work has been changed, and it now has a behind-the-scenes TPS perspective, improving operability. *Also available for Xbox One.
────What kind of remake do you think fans are looking for?
Saga
I think it's a balance between newness and nostalgia.
Katata
It's about not losing originality. I think it's important to keep in mind that "if we change that, it'll be a different game."
now
Improving usability is also important. In the past, I used to watch movies without skipping any parts, but now there are times when I wish there was a skip function (laughs).
────What title would you all at Famitsu like to see remade?
now
I'd love to see remakes of games that are no longer available to play. I think games like "Seaman," in which you talk to a fish with a face using a microphone, are a good fit for the current era.
Saga
Speaking of games that you can't play, I highly recommend Sakura Wars. I want to watch the opening forever.
now
There are also plenty of unique games from the early days of the PS, such as a VR remake of "Mosquito."
Saga
That's so disgusting!
Katata
Listing games that haven't been remade tends to be a bit obscure, like the arcade game "The Typing of the Dead"...
now
I'd also like to try playing an RPG with a limited area in an open world. I wonder what it would be like to play the original "Legend of Zelda" using the system from "Breath of the Wild."
Saga
Next year's 30th anniversary "Tokimeki Memorial" will be great too. I wonder if young people today will be excited by Shiori-chan with her old-fashioned design... But I want Shiori-chan to stay the way she is.
Famitsu's favourite remakes
The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Compatible models: FCD
This original Nintendo game was released as a launch title for the Disk System and tells the story of a later period in Hyrule's history.
Sakura Wars (1996)
Compatible models: SS/PC/DC
An adventure set in a Japanese steampunk world, with the anime opening-style theme song "Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan" playing in the background.
Tokimeki Memorial (1994)
Compatible models: PCE
A love simulation game in which you struggle to accept the confession of the heroine, Shiori Fujisaki. Included on the PC Engine mini.
The Typing of the Dead (2000)
Compatible models: AC/DC/PC
Developed by Sega, this was the first arcade game with keyboard input. Type words to defeat zombies.
Mosquito (2001)
Compatible models: PS2
An action game for the PlayStation in which you become a mosquito and suck the blood of the Yamada family. The sequel is "Mosquito 2: Let's Go Hawaii."
Seaman (1999)
Compatible models: DC/PS2
A training simulation game in which you communicate with a legendary creature with a human face called a "Seaman" using a microphone device.
