The Definitive Guide to Upcoming Video Game Remakes: What’s Next for Gaming Nostalgia
The landscape of modern gaming is experiencing a vibrant renaissance, not just through groundbreaking new titles, but also through a compelling resurgence of beloved classics. Remakes are no longer just simple visual upgrades; they represent a profound opportunity for developers to reimagine and reinvigorate experiences that have left an indelible mark on our gaming memories. These ambitious projects often go far beyond mere graphical enhancements, delving deep into gameplay mechanics, narrative structure, and overall presentation to deliver something that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. For long-time fans, this is a chance to revisit cherished worlds with a modern sensibility, while for newcomers, it’s an invitation to experience foundational titles that shaped genres and inspired generations.
Here at Gaming News, we understand the immense anticipation surrounding these transformative updates. The sheer volume of announced remakes can be overwhelming, making it challenging to keep track of which iconic titles are being given a second life. That’s why we’ve meticulously compiled this comprehensive list of upcoming video game remakes, focusing specifically on titles that are being rebuilt from the ground up, rather than simple remasters. Our aim is to provide you with the most detailed and up-to-date information available, arranged chronologically where possible, so you can plan your gaming calendar accordingly. This list will be a living document, continuously updated as new announcements are made and release windows are solidified.
A New Dawn for Classic RPGs: The Horizon of Upcoming Remakes
The current era of game development has seen a notable shift towards honoring the past by meticulously recreating its most memorable moments. This trend is particularly evident in the RPG genre, which boasts a rich history of complex narratives and intricate worlds that are ripe for modern interpretation. Developers are leveraging advancements in technology and design philosophy to breathe new life into these foundational experiences.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake: A Dual Treat for Fans
Following the critically acclaimed Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, Square Enix is extending this visually stunning treatment to the very beginnings of the legendary series. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will package both of these seminal role-playing games together, offering players a seamless journey through the nascent stages of the Erdrick saga. While the original chronological placement of these games occurs after Dragon Quest III, this new iteration promises new narrative elements that will enrich the established lore. Players can anticipate a significantly refined battle system, drawing from the advancements seen in the DQIII remake, alongside a considerable uplift in graphics and the inclusion of additional new content designed to appeal to both long-time devotees and those experiencing these foundational titles for the first time. The HD-2D aesthetic, with its distinct blend of pixel art charm and modern visual flair, has proven to be a perfect fit for the timeless appeal of the Dragon Quest universe, promising an immersive and engaging experience.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined: A Vast World Reconstructed
Square Enix isn’t stopping at the early entries; Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is set to undertake a truly ambitious reconstruction of the 2000 PlayStation classic. True to its title, this remake is less about a simple facelift and more about a complete reimagining of the game’s core experience. The visual direction embraces a gorgeous, hand-crafted aesthetic that draws inspiration from dioramas, presenting the expansive world of DQVII in a way that feels both nostalgic and breathtakingly fresh. Beyond the striking visuals, significant revisions are being made to the game’s turn-based battles and its intricate Vocation system. Players will now encounter monsters directly on the field, adding a layer of visual dynamism and immediate interaction that was absent in the original. The famously lengthy story has also been a focal point of this overhaul, with developers working to deliver a more streamlined yet still substantial narrative, ensuring that the epic scope of DQVII remains intact while enhancing its accessibility and pacing for modern audiences. This commitment to enhancing the gameplay and narrative flow, while retaining the spirit of the original, positions Dragon Quest VII Reimagined as a major event for RPG enthusiasts.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties: A Long-Awaited Return to Okinawa
It has been a considerable wait since Yakuza Kiwami 2, but the much-anticipated remake of Yakuza 3 is finally on the horizon. Titled Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, this release promises not only a modernized rendition of the 2009 PlayStation 3 title but also an unexpected narrative expansion. The “Dark Ties” component is a brand-new story expansion that serves as a prequel, focusing on the antagonist ** soát Yoshitaka Mine**. For many long-time fans of the Yakuza series, the original Yakuza 3 was considered the entry most in need of a significant modernization. Its slower pace and certain gameplay mechanics often presented a barrier to entry for newer players. Therefore, the news that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is finally obliging with a comprehensive remake is met with widespread enthusiasm. Players can expect the signature brawling combat to be revamped, the intricate side stories and substories to be polished, and the emotionally resonant narrative to be presented with the visual fidelity and cinematic flair that has become a hallmark of the Kiwami series. The inclusion of the Mine prequel story adds significant value, offering a deeper dive into the motivations and backstory of a pivotal character.
Danganronpa 2x2: More Murder, More Mystery
The surreal and darkly comedic world of Danganronpa is set to expand with Danganronpa 2x2, a remake that promises to retain the original’s penchant for outlandish scenarios while introducing entirely new depths of despair. This remake of Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair will feature a brand-new scenario that will undoubtedly plunge a fresh cast of characters, or perhaps familiar faces in new predicaments, into Monokuma’s twisted murder game. The core of the Danganronpa experience lies in its intricate mysteries, compelling characters, and shocking plot twists, and this remake aims to deliver these elements with renewed vigor. In addition to the new narrative content, players can anticipate significant visual enhancements that will bring the vibrant yet unsettling art style of Danganronpa to life on modern hardware. Monokuma, the iconic ursine antagonist, is sure to be as mischievous and menacing as ever, promising a challenging and engaging experience for all who dare to participate in his deadly games. The promise of a new campaign that is as substantial as the existing one ensures that this remake offers a compelling reason for both series veterans and newcomers to dive back into the despair.
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake: Embracing the Terror Anew
The Fatal Frame series, a benchmark for atmospheric horror, is receiving a much-deserved revival, and its highly esteemed second entry, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, is leading the charge. This remake of the 2003 PlayStation 2 classic is poised to plunge players back into the terrifying world of the rural Japanese village and the cursed Crimson Butterflies. Horror aficionados hold this particular installment in exceptionally high regard, and the upcoming remake is set to amplify its scares with improved visuals and gameplay. The signature camera-obscura-based combat, which requires players to confront ghosts head-on with a special camera, will undoubtedly receive thoughtful enhancements to make the experience more fluid and terrifying. Tweaks to the gameplay mechanics are expected to deepen the immersion, making sisters Mio and Maya’s harrowing adventure all the more visceral. The developers have even teased one of the remake’s most intriguing new additions: Mio and Maya can now hold hands, a seemingly small detail that promises to add a new layer of emotional depth and vulnerability to their desperate struggle for survival against supernatural forces.
Fate/Extra Record: A Cult Classic Reborn
The Fate franchise is renowned for its intricate lore and diverse range of media, and Fate/Extra Record aims to bring a cult classic to a wider audience with a comprehensive remake. This project rebuilds Fate/Extra, the inaugural entry in the dungeon-crawling RPG series, with a significant overhaul of its presentation and gameplay. Players can expect updated character graphics that breathe new life into the iconic cast, alongside a beefier narrative that expands upon the original’s rich storyline. In terms of gameplay, developer Type-Moon Studio is focusing on refining the unique combat system. It is described as featuring “a more strategic deck-building style of dramatic command battle.” While the precise mechanics of this new system are still being detailed, the implication is a deeper and more tactical approach to the turn-based encounters. Given that the original game was released for the PSP, the prospect of experiencing this beloved, albeit niche, title with vastly improved visuals, modernized gameplay, and on current-gen hardware is incredibly exciting for fans of the Fate universe and tactical RPGs alike.
Gothic 1 Remake: A Classic RPG Reawakened
The enduring legacy of Gothic, the 2001 PC role-playing game, is being honored with a faithful yet thoroughly modern remake. Gothic 1 Remake seeks to reintroduce this beloved, albeit notoriously challenging, RPG to a new generation of players while satisfying the nostalgia of its original fanbase. A significant focus of this remake is the complete reworking of the combat system and control scheme. These elements were frequent points of criticism for the original game, often feeling clunky and dated by modern standards. The developers are committed to making the gameplay feel modern and, most importantly, playable, ensuring that the immersive world and deep lore of Gothic are more accessible than ever. THQ Nordic Barcelona has taken an innovative approach by releasing a playable teaser and a free prologue demo on Steam, actively seeking feedback from the community to ensure the remake is on the right track. For a game that has been a tough revisit for many over the past two decades, this remake is a welcome and necessary endeavor, promising a chance to experience the oppressive atmosphere and intricate world of the Colony with a degree of polish and accessibility it has long deserved.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: A Rocky Road to Revival
The journey towards the remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time has been, to put it mildly, a tumultuous one. Development has been plagued by setbacks, beginning with an initial reveal that drew considerable backlash from fans due to its underwhelming graphical presentation. This was followed by a series of delays, initially a brief two-month postponement, then an indefinite halt, before finally being slated for a 2026 release. The prolonged development cycle has been a source of considerable discussion, especially considering the game was originally intended for release in January 2021. In a significant shift, Ubisoft announced in May 2022 that development of the remake had been moved back to Montreal, the studio where the original game was conceived. While it is unfortunate that the Ubisoft Pune/Mumbai studios were unable to see the project through, there is renewed hope that Ubisoft Montreal can recapture the magic that made the original a beloved classic. The focus will undoubtedly be on delivering a visually stunning and mechanically refined experience that honors the innovative platforming and engaging combat of the original, while addressing the concerns that have been raised.
Beyond RPGs: Expanding the Scope of Upcoming Remakes
While RPGs are prominently featured in the remake landscape, the trend extends to various genres, showcasing the universal appeal of revisiting and revitalizing iconic gaming experiences. From city-management simulations to action-packed shooters and narrative-driven adventures, the desire to recapture the essence of beloved titles is a driving force.
Frostpunk 1886: Survival in the Cold, Reimagined
11 Bit Studios is preparing to revisit its critically acclaimed 2018 post-apocalyptic city-management game with Frostpunk 1886. This isn’t merely a visual polish; the studio is undertaking a complete reconstruction using the Unreal Engine 5, promising a significant leap in graphical fidelity and overall presentation. Beyond the visual overhaul, Frostpunk 1886 will introduce new content, including an entirely new “Purpose” path, offering players different societal directives and ethical dilemmas to navigate. Furthermore, expect the introduction of new mechanics and laws that will deepen the strategic complexity and the emotional weight of survival in the frozen wasteland. While it might seem somewhat early for a remake of a game released just a few years ago, by the time Frostpunk 1886 is scheduled to launch in 2027, the original will be nine years old. This allows for a substantial reimagining that can build upon the established foundations, offering a fresh and perhaps even more challenging experience of managing society in the face of overwhelming environmental adversity.
Gungrave G.O.R.E. Blood Heat: A Second Chance for an Icon
Despite its recent release in 2022, the action-heavy shooter Gungrave G.O.R.E. is already slated for a remake titled Gungrave G.O.R.E. Blood Heat. This project is being rebuilt entirely in Unreal Engine 5, aiming to serve as a redemption for the original’s mixed reception by implementing a host of significant improvements. The core of the remake lies in a revamped and more polished combat system, designed to be more fluid, responsive, and satisfying. Players can anticipate enhanced cinematics that will further immerse them in the gritty, stylish world of Gungrave. The controls are also receiving an upgrade, with the introduction of 360-degree aiming providing more precision and freedom in combat. Additionally, the developers are focusing on improved enemy AI, ensuring that players face more dynamic and challenging opposition. The addition of new characters promises to expand the narrative and introduce fresh dynamics to the ongoing saga of Grave. This remake represents a determined effort to correct the shortcomings of the original and deliver the high-octane, stylish shooter experience that Gungrave fans have been hoping for.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic: A Legendary Tale Awaits
The announcement that arguably one of the greatest Star Wars games ever created was receiving a much-needed remake sent ripples of excitement throughout the gaming community. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake promised to bring this beloved RPG classic to modern platforms with updated visuals and gameplay. However, development has faced significant hurdles, with reports indicating that progress had stalled and the project had switched hands from Aspyr Media to Saber Interactive. The game entered a prolonged period of radio silence, fueling speculation about its future. More recently, a development shake-up occurred when Embracer Group sold off Saber Interactive, leading the studio’s CEO to publicly confirm that the KOTOR remake is “alive and well.” This reassurances fans that the project is still actively being worked on, albeit with potential shifts in its development trajectory. The anticipation for a faithful yet modernized rendition of the epic narrative, the memorable characters, and the groundbreaking gameplay of the original KOTOR remains incredibly high. We eagerly await further updates and the eventual release of this highly anticipated title.
Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake: Bullet Time Returns
In a move that delighted fans of gritty crime thrillers and iconic gameplay mechanics, Remedy Entertainment announced a landmark deal with Rockstar Games to remake Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. The partnership is particularly significant as Remedy sold the intellectual property to Rockstar in 2002, but the two companies are now collaborating to revive the series that popularized the groundbreaking Bullet Time slow-motion combat. This ambitious project will see both seminal titles combined into a single, comprehensive remake. Developed by Remedy with Rockstar Games funding the development and publishing, this endeavor promises to deliver the signature noir atmosphere, hard-boiled narrative, and stylish action that defined the original games, all realized with modern graphical capabilities and updated gameplay. The remake is slated for release on current-gen consoles and PC, ensuring that a new generation of players can experience the iconic descent into darkness that is Max Payne.
Persona 4 Revival: The Velvet Room Opens Again
While Persona 5 achieved widespread mainstream success, the critically acclaimed Persona 4 laid much of the groundwork for the series’ modern identity and is now set to receive another shot in the limelight. Unfortunately, specific details regarding Persona 4 Revival are scarce, as Atlus only announced it as being in early development with a brief trailer in 2025. However, the most logical benchmark for what fans can expect is the recently released Persona 3 Reload. If Persona 4 Revival follows a similar path, players can anticipate a comprehensive visual overhaul, updated gameplay mechanics that align with modern Persona titles, and potentially expanded narrative content. The prospect of returning to the seemingly idyllic yet mystery-shrouded town of Inaba and spending dozens of hours with the Investigation Team, fighting shadows and forging bonds, is a highly appealing one for fans of the series. This revival promises to make the beloved P4 experience more accessible and engaging for a new audience.
Silent Hill Remake: Confronting the Fog of Fear Once More
Following the overwhelmingly positive reception of their remake of Silent Hill 2, Bloober Team has been entrusted by Konami with another monumental task: remaking the original Silent Hill. This surprise announcement signifies a deep faith in Bloober Team’s ability to capture and enhance the terrifying atmosphere that defined the 1999 PlayStation classic. The original Silent Hill is credited with instilling a profound sense of dread and psychological horror into players, and the remake aims to amplify this experience for a new era. We are eager to see how Bloober Team will reimagine Harry Mason’s captivating and terrifying search for his missing daughter, Maria, within the fog-laden confines of Silent Hill. Expect a significant upgrade in visuals, sound design, and potentially refined gameplay mechanics that will make the oppressive and deeply unsettling journey through the town even more impactful and terrifying. This remake represents a significant opportunity to revisit the genesis of one of horror gaming’s most iconic franchises.
Splinter Cell: A Stealthy Return to Form
After years of anticipation and a noticeable absence from the forefront of gaming, the Splinter Cell franchise is finally gearing up for a significant revival. While not a new entry, a full remake of Sam Fisher’s first outing is a highly welcome development for fans who have been clamoring for the return of the iconic stealth operative. Ubisoft Toronto is spearheading this project, with the ambitious goal of rebuilding the original game from the ground up using the powerful Snowdrop Engine. This will allow for a modern presentation and potentially enhanced gameplay systems, all while meticulously maintaining the classic stealth elements that defined the series. The project has seen some changes, including the recent departure of its director, though it was reportedly on good terms. Details about the development’s progress and a potential release window remain unclear, but the prospect of experiencing Sam Fisher’s inaugural mission with contemporary fidelity and gameplay polish is a significant draw.
The Witcher: The Genesis of a Legend
CD Projekt Red, the acclaimed studio behind the Witcher saga, has a packed slate of upcoming projects, and one of the most intriguing is a full remake of the very first Witcher game. This ambitious undertaking is being developed by Fool’s Theory, a studio comprised of industry veterans, with direct supervision from CD Projekt Red veterans. The remake is being built using the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5, promising a complete graphical and technical overhaul of the 2007 PC classic. The Witcher, released nearly two decades ago, is not an easy game to revisit for contemporary players due to its age and the lack of official console ports. With Geralt and his world now global phenomena thanks to the success of The Witcher 3 and the Netflix series, this remake offers a crucial opportunity for newer fans to experience the adventure that started it all. It’s an invitation to delve into the gritty, morally complex world that laid the foundation for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises, presented with the polish and accessibility that modern audiences expect.
We are incredibly excited about the future of gaming, and the ongoing commitment to revisiting and reimagining classic titles is a testament to their enduring impact. This list represents our current understanding of upcoming remakes, and we will continue to update it as more information becomes available.
What upcoming video game remakes are you most looking forward to playing? Let us know your most anticipated titles in the comments below!