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I'm 23, and have been playing games since I was about 2 or 3 with the super old computer my dad got to bring home from working with the government. I got my NES when I was 5.

I love old school SNES RPGs, and I play pretty much anything now except sports games. I'll play FPSs, but typically not on consoles.



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Point & Counterpoint 2 - Remakes
Aerox | 4:28 PM on 01.17.2008 19 comments


This is the second in a series of experimental ‘dueling cblog editorials’ I will be doing with CaffeinePowered. While they may be long, we encourage you to read the whole thing; you’ll like it, I promise. You can check out his opinion on today’s topic HERE.

Previous editions:
Point & Counterpoint 1: Video Game Violence
Violence Doesn’t Affect Gamers
Violence Affects Gamers

Today’s Topic: Originals vs. Remakes



I should start this out by saying that I’m a huge fan of retro (NES & SNES era) games. It’s pretty clear from my avatar and banner that Chrono Trigger is my favorite game, and of my top 10 games list, probably about 7 are over 10 years old (at least). So as I argue in favor of remakes, I am in no way saying that I think the originals suck.

I also want to briefly mention what Caf and I are considering a remake (and not a port) to be for the purposes of this article. A remake we define as any re-released game that makes a jump from 2D to 3D, goes from really crummy 3D to good 3D, or a straight port that contains significant gameplay changes. Certainly there is quite a bit of grey area in between what constitutes a port and a remake and people will probably disagree, but this is what we both agreed on, and we’ll try to make it as clear as possible.

Why Remakes are a Good Thing

I’m willing to bet that a significant number of Dtoiders have FF7 in their list of their favorite games. It had fantastic graphics (at the time), an amazing story, deep and interesting characters (Although I still despise Aerith), and was probably the best game to come out during the PSOne era. In fact, for FF7 fans, one of the only things more exciting than the game itself was the PS3 tech demo that was released-the entirely remade intro to FF7 in amazing, PS3, HD glory.



Are you done drooling?



Gamers have been begging and pleading and whining for an FF7 remake ever since the PS2 was released. Why? Because a remake done right takes everything we love about our favorite games and expands upon them, while keeping what was so enjoyable about the original gameplay intact. For the rest of this article, I’m going to touch on the specific areas where well-done remakes enhance the gaming experience.

Graphics

The most noticeable change, and the main point of virtually every remake in existence, is updated graphics. As far as remakes go, there’s really no downside to recreating a game with better graphics. The core game mechanics typically say the same, but everything gets a nice shiny coat of new paint to spice things up. I admit, there’s a bit of a nostalgia factor involved in playing games the way you originally played them for the first time when you were 6, but on the whole being able to play your favorite game with lush backgrounds, detailed character models, and enhanced color only adds to the gaming experience. However, graphical changes by themselves can in turn lead to other non-graphical changes, typically things that could not have been done in the original because the graphics couldn’t support them. Confused? I know I am, and I wrote the thing. Here’s an example to illustrate what I’m talking about:



The FFIII remake for the DS. Of course, the more detailed towns and fight scenes are readily apparent, but what I found to be the best feature of this remake is the way each character gained a unique look. Fans of the original will remember that all four characters were basically palate swaps of each other, and their appearance was entirely determined by their job class. The graphics of the NES at that point weren’t advanced enough to create 4 distinct characters in a game where there were 20+ jobs. However, the DS version’s graphical upgrade allowed for four completely different characters which in turn led to backstories and character development for them; something that was sorely lacking in the original.

Sound & Music

Another area where remakes outshine originals is in terms of music. We all have our favorite video game songs, and to many of us video game music is just as powerful and emotional as any other genre (I could go on and on about that topic, but perhaps I’ll save that for another blog). In a well-done remake, you get the opportunity to hear your favorite songs rearranged and remastered. Particularly in the case of games where sound technology was limited to blips and beeps (not that that’s bad), hearing the artist’s vision of a song fully realized with multiple instruments in many cases is better than hearing the original.


(Stolen from Cowzilla)

Remaking music is what the ever-popular OCRemix is based on. I know almost all of you religiously check OCRemix, at the very least just to keep tabs on the amazing Mr. North. For me, most of my top 10 played songs on my computer are from there. While we might never get tired of the original versions, there is no denying that hearing updated iterations of our favorite songs is something that gets us gamers excited.

Fixing Gameplay Issues

The last point I’m going to focus on is how remakes are able to correct the failures/mistakes of the original, making the overall gaming experience more enjoyable. I think that we can all admit that no game is flawless, and that even our favorite games have certain gameplay aspects we wish could be fixed or changed. For example, one of the most frustrating things for me as I would play through the many amazing NES JRPGs (and even some later ones, like in Earthbound) was how clunky the menu system seemed to be, particularly in shops when you were buying or selling things. Every time you would buy an item, the whole menu would close out and you would have to go through the entire process again. When you’re trying to buy 12 different things and sell 20, this gets boring and tedious. The FFIII DS remake solved this problem by updating the game with more modern and streamlined menus.



Another, somewhat different example of this can be seen in the upcoming Street Fighter HD remake, where the developers have announced that they’ll be tweaking many of the characters. While I love Street Fighter, I did always find it kind of lame that the characters inevitably ended up “tiered” with certain characters being just flat out better than the others. In this new remake, the developers have acknowledged that their goal is to try to balance the characters so that they’re all viable choices. While it remains to be seen if this will be successful, the general concept is an excellent example of why remakes can be better than originals.



That ended up being a bit longer than I thought, but hopefully you guys will be able to make it through. Again, while I love the original versions of games and definitely feel a strong sense of nostalgia for them, well-made remakes are able to take those fantastic games and make them even better. Being able to get the original experience of your favorite games with better graphics, better sound, and having the annoyances/limitations of the original removed is really the icing on the cake (the cake that’s shaped like your favorite game). Even if the original is great, if there’s a better version out why not just play that instead? Having NOT played FF III on NOT an emulator, I can say that I vastly prefer the DS experience, and that I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything from the original. I suppose it all comes down to taste, but really the only reason to play an original over a good remake is the nostalgia factor.



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18 comments | showing # 1 to 18
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Def JM's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 16:48
Def JM
Im all for remakes, FFIII on the ds is great, and now with the new Bionic Commando, I'm hoping more of these comes out. I mean theres a long list of games that I would like to see, but games like Fester's Quest, Street Fighter 2010, and Kabuki Quantum Fighter would be a few on my list.

I like what the series, good read.
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 17:04
EternalDeathSlayer
Remakes are perfect fine by me, just so long as things aren't tampered with too much. Would you want to play a PS3 remake of Chrono Trigger if they went in and changed things at all? I wouldn't.

But I would enjoy playing it if it was word for word the same, just updated Graphics and sound and maybe an FMV or 2.
Zenith's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 17:26
Zenith
mmm, i played chrono trigger for the first time recently, on a totally legitimate copy of the game and console. I doubt they could recreate the singular splender and enjoyment just by making chrono's hair shiny.
mcbennet's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 17:29
mcbennet
Personally, I find remakes valid if they improve on what the original offers, strictly in terms of fun-factor and game play. Square Enix is the king of useless remakes, IMO. Simply cash cow's that sucker in fanboys/girls based on a well established franchise name. FF7 remake could be tasty, but only if it brings something new to the table that can fit into the whole materia bullshit.

FF1-6 on the GBA. Did we really need that? FF1 and 2 on the PSP, did we really need them?
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 17:35
EternalDeathSlayer
@ mcbennet: Uhhh, yes we did actually. We always need them, especially considering Americans either missed out the first time cause they didn't know what it was or because the game wasn't released here ever, ala FF3 on DS. I personally can't wait to see what they have in store for the FF6 3D remake for the DS, it's coming eventually.

I'll be first in line for the FF4 remake, I'll tell ya that.

We don't need them per se, but we sure as fuck like them, and they give an excuse to play an old classic again.

And of course they redo the graphics, how else do you expect them to sell their game to newbs who have never played Final Fantasy before?

Business. It's a way of life.
Puppy Licks's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 17:37
Puppy Licks
I'm really digging these point & counterpoint blogs :)
Both sides bring up good arguments but I think I may side with you on this issue. A I might add is that remakes give people who have missed out on certain franchises back in the day a fresh chance to experience what made these classic games so awesome in the first place.

For example I have never played the original Bionic Commando, I am aware it was/is a great game but I just never got my hands on it in my youth, now with the reArmed remake on the way I can enjoy the same fun that others had while playing the original game, but with an added layer of polish and gameplay improvements that just weren't available in the older version.

So yeah, remakes FTW :)
mcbennet's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 17:47
mcbennet
EDS: So what you're saying is, as a SquareEnix fan, is that you you need them but actually you don't, it's more of a want, but the fanboy within is confusing the want as a need.

I hear you, the DS remakes actually make a meager attempt at bringing something new to the table, even though it's a half-assed attempt. Ooh touch screen and dual screen capability..shitty ps1-esque graphics..ookay. We have opposing views on what is deemed "valid" for a remake. Essentially you're more inclined to shell out another 35 bucks for a game you played 10 years ago. I'm not. Notice how I was referring to the useless GBA and PSP FF remakes, and not the DS ones, smarty guy. :P~


The FF4 remake *almost* made me want a DS, but then I realized I wasn't a barnacle on SquareEnix's nutsack.
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 17:54
EternalDeathSlayer
@ Mcbennet: About the GBA games: Yes, we still needed them. Do you have any idea how many people never got to play those games back in the day?

And like I said, you're not looking at it from a business stand point. 3D graphics, even shit ones, look damn nice to the average DS user, the non-gamer if you will.

So we pretty the game up and hope new customers join in the fun, thus ensuring the continued growth of the FF brand name. It makes sense "smarty guy".

And I am a barnacle on Squeenix' nutsack. Take That!
mcbennet's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 18:01
mcbennet
EDS: I don't disagree with any of that at all. To the casual gamer that's been sleeping under a rock for the past 10-15 years, yeah those GBA games sure look awesome. For people like myself, we've played them already or utilize the wonders of emulation like *true* "smarty guy's".

I wasn't overlooking the business stand point at all. In fact, it is this very notion which makes me loathe Squenix. Take pride in the fanboy that you are, there's no shame in it..for the majority of veteran gamers though, those remakes are kind of bullshit. I have them all though...

IN A ROM FOLDER GYYAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHHUAUAHGHG *hacking cough*
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 18:10
EternalDeathSlayer
I get what you're saying, but I always look at from the business side. Why bother whining and bitching about things like the new "look" of Bionic Commando? Just play the fucking game and either enjoy the gameplay or don't.

I can't say I blame companies for taking this approach, nobody wants to make an original IP for $40 or $50 million and then watch it fail. That would suck. Better to release a plethora of remakes and side quests and satiate the fanboys for now, so you can afford to keep spending the big bucks on the new games.

Hopefully costs of development will come down a lot in the next 5 years and they won't be so remake centric, but until then this is honestly the best they can do most likely.
mcbennet's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 18:23
mcbennet
EDS: Eh no one is really bitching or whining. The point of a personal blog is to rant about what you want to rant about. Yeah like any one who plays a video game, I sit down for the sake of "fucking enjoying it", but I like to pay close attention to the details and the intent within them. BC topic is pretty irrelevant, and that was an old post..why bother trying to press mcbennet's buttons. :3 *meow*


Your explanation still doesn't excuse Squenix's shameless attempt at squeezing your wallet dry like a lemon. *opens and closes rom folder rapidly*
droversoul's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/17/2008 22:24
droversoul
I see you like SNES RPGs... I do as well. Let's be friends.
naia-the-gamer's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 01:03
naia-the-gamer
I think remakes have their place. It gives developers the opportunity to retell a story the way they would have liked to if technology were more advanced. It's the reason why Mega Man Powered Up exists.

I'm excited to see how flushed out the FFIV remake will be when it hopefully comes stateside. Sure it's more nostalgia than anything else, but whatever. Let me and other retro fans stay in our retro bubbles.

...ahhhh... that's better...

That being said, I could care less about an FFVII remake.
Bob Muir's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 01:43
Bob Muir
Great points, Aerox. Just as I chastised Caffeine for not using an example, I'll do the same for you: Resident Evil on Gamecube was an excellent remake that basically made the original version completely obsolete outside of stubborn nostalgia. Great write-up, and I have to side with you on this debate.
Bob Muir's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 01:43
Bob Muir
Great points, Aerox. Just as I chastised Caffeine for not using an example, I'll do the same for you: Resident Evil on Gamecube was an excellent remake that basically made the original version completely obsolete outside of stubborn nostalgia. Great write-up, and I have to side with you on this debate.
insomnia's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 02:13
insomnia
These Point/Counterpoint articles are great,

I'm pro remakes if they're done well but usually I prefer the nostalgia of the old games. Especially later SNES games shouldn't be remade into 3d as those where some of the best 2d games ever made and no amount of HD graphics with 3d up the arse will make them look better to me.
Liontamer's Avatar - Comment posted on 08/07/2008 09:18
Liontamer
Thanks again for the OC ReMix plug. In terms of music remakes, hopefully you'll enjoy OC ReMix's soundtrack for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. I thought that was a great fit for our first official soundtrack, so hopefully you'll agree!

Larry "Liontamer" Oji
Head Submissions Evaluator, OverClocked ReMix
Creator, VG Frequency
Staff, VGMdb
http://www.ocremix.org
http://www.vgfrequency.com
http://www.vgmdb.net
Natali Alinskaya's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/21/2011 09:48
Natali Alinskaya
Hello friends,this is a nice site and I wanted to post a note to let you know, good job! Thanks
Best regards, Natali, CEO of listen to free music
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