We thought of quite a few titles that were developed since 2020, but ultimately decided that remakes of older titles would be a great way to showcase the manner in which modern graphics enhance the games that they aim to recreate. Without further ado, let’s dive right into our picks for games that demonstrate just how much graphics in video games have evolved over the years.

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Konami’s decision to give a modern makeover to Naked Snake’s original adventure was a decision we wholeheartedly supported after seeing the end result. While the original game did have its charms, its graphics did show their age after several replays over the years.

However, the remake did a great job of giving the experience a complete overhaul on the graphical front. Naked Snake and his fellow cast of memorable characters looked better than before with improved character models, while the world his adventure takes place in was blessed with a sheen of immersion that had us glued to our screens for every second of it.

This one was an excellent showcase of the point we’re trying to make, and a lovely way to enjoy a source of many fond memories over the years.

2. Resident Evil 2

This last-gen remake was an already solid take on the original adventure, its improvements pushing the title into a new era of relevance among gamers who may not have had the chance to try it out back in the day. But it was the current-gen updates that truly brought Leon and Claire’s efforts to escape Racoon City to life, with improved resolutions and ray-traced graphics that made every area in the game feel fresh yet familiar.

The nostalgia was well backed up by the graphical marvels that this one brought to us, making the entire experience hit harder as a result. This one certainly wasn’t afraid to punch up, and continues to be a beacon for modern-day graphics in gaming.

3. Silent Hill 2

The Bloober Team sure hit gold with this one. It was everything a remake of the original experience should have been, and the graphical overhaul it received made it surpass even the original experience.

The very air around James seemed to shimmer with malevolence as he made his way through the painstakingly crafted levels of the game, each of which is a lovely argument in favor of evolved graphics, lending a fresh layer of realism to a title that’s probably been played too many times to count among its loyal fans.

Silent Hill 2 is as good as they come on the graphical front, and is another great game made even better with a graphical overhaul.

4. Shadow of the Colossus

Allow us to level with you. We approached this 2018 PS4 remake with a fair bit of trepidation. It isn’t easy to forget the many hours of frustration that a game that’s designed to be as opaque as it can be gives you. Each of the mighty colossi we took on back in the day had us feeling despair and frustration, considering the fact that we were quite young when we tried it out.

But Bluepoint’s efforts to invigorate the experience with a graphical overhaul are nothing short of spectacular. We soon found ourselves in the thick of the action, our muscle memories prompting our intentions against the giants we were taking on. It wasn’t a coincidence that this one sold approximately 70% over its original release. Bluepoint probably used a lot of the lessons it learned with this one to make its take on Demon’s Souls be as awesome as it was.

5. Dead Space

Although EA wasn’t too happy with how this remake performed in 2023, that doesn’t take away from the fact that rebuilding the game from the ground up while letting the Frostbite Engine show off its chops was a smart choice. Dynamic lighting and blazing fast loading times ensured that Isaac’s fight against the Necrormorphs and his own psychosis were given a new layer of immersion and engagement.

With levels seamlessly loading into each other and each one popping out with incredible detail and a level of polish that the original game could not achieve due to the limitations of the systems it was meant to run on. But all of that’s in the past, as Dead Space is now a beacon for current-gen focused remakes that make use of the tech to make an experience that feels brand new.

6. Final Fantasy 7

Both the remake and intergrade really did a number on the original experience, making Midgar feel like a new world entirely. Cloud Strife’s adventure was made even better thanks to a more streamlined story and an improved combat system that benefited from buttery smooth framerates on current-gen consoles while also bringing all the bells and whistles of modern hardware to the table.

As a game that aims to recapture the magic of the original, this one did quite well to be more than just a fresh coat of paint, a feat made possible by the improvements that modern gaming hardware is able to enable.

7. Mafia: Definitive Edition

The Mafia franchise is already famous for its cinematic quality and presentation, but the first entry in the franchise was limited by what the PS2 could achieve at the time. But two generations of consoles later, Tommy Angelo’s rise to prominence within the ranks of the Salieri crime family is now an adventure that looks good and plays so well it’s hard to remember what the original game felt like.

Hangar 13’s effort to rebuild things from the ground up paid off, and the first Mafia title is now a great introduction to the franchise, given a new lease of life by graphical improvements that were facilitated by upgraded tech.

8. System Shock 1

We can’t help but wonder if the folks over at Nightdive Studios saw something we didn’t that prompted the idea to remake a 1994 classic that might have slipped under the radar of the modern gamer, considering the many years that had passed since its release.

However, your character’s attempts to stop the malevolent AI program SHODAN in its tracks were made all the better by a remake that feels oddly relevant today. That makes System Shock a game that was ahead of its time, made even better by its modernization and graphical overhaul. The seven years it took to develop this one were definitely worth it.

9. Yakuza Kiwami 2

This one certainly earned the Kiwami in its title. A Japanese word meaning “ultimate”, the last and current-gen versions of this game are a great display of how video game graphics have evolved.

There’s a reason this one won the awards it did, bringing a revival of the original experience that brought a lot of graphical improvement while also elevating the experience through them, Kazuma Kiryu’s adventure becoming all the more immersive alongside a very welcome additional chapter focused on Goro Majima.

10. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Colorful, charming, and confident. Those are the sentiments that were foremost during our time with the original games. But the N. Sane Trilogy took things up a notch with a visual overhaul of a largely faithful recreation of all three games that made this one truly stand out amongst a sea of remakes.

Hi-res textures, dynamic lighting, improved draw distances, and reworked animations did a very good job at giving the OG trilogy a new lease of life. Besides, Coco Banidicot being a playable character was just the icing on the cake. We’d go so far as to say that the improvements on this one were “N.Sane” enough to make us sit up and take notice of the painstaking effort that went into it.

And that’s a wrap on games that had a graphical leap that showcased just how far the gaming world has come, and the manner in which the experiences it brings to us year after year have now been elevated, thanks to how realistic the worlds they take us to have become.

Grand Theft Auto 3 

Rockstar made a big splash in the gaming industry with Grand Theft Auto 3. Thanks to the addition of a new dimension, Grand Theft Auto 3 let players loose into a virtual world that was unlike anything they had seen before. Between a great open-world and fun gameplay mechanics, Grand Theft Auto 3 tells a gangster story complete with all the betrayals and plot twists that one would expect from a story of this ilk. It has definitely aged a bit by modern standards, but there’s still a distinct charm to its world and gameplay that makes it enjoyable to this date.

Mafia Definitive Edition 

2020’s Mafia Definitive Edition soups the 2002 original with a complete reimagining of its visuals from the ground up. It tells the same story through a new lens and features the same complex characters and emotional development arcs that made us fall in love with it all in the first place. Mafia: Definitive Edition is an emotional tale of Tommy Angelo’s journey of rising through the ranks of criminal families, and the action sequences are extremely captivating which will keep you engaged for hours upon hours. 

The Warriors

Based on the 1979 film, The Warriors stands apart from the crowd of other Rockstar-developed open-worlds. And the biggest reason for that is its impressive hand-to-hand combat system that enables player expression, which is quite different from the ranged combat system that we see in games like Grand Theft Auto or Red Dead Redemption. The story also does a great job of showcasing the rivalry between gangs, and the characters are also quite memorable. It might not hold up visually, but The Warriors is definitely worth playing even after all these years.

The Getaway

It’s possible that many wouldn’t know about The Getaway, which is a shame considering it was one of the pioneers of cinematic action experiences of its time. Set against the backdrop of London, The Getaway tells a story of two characters trying to pull off dangerous heists and make it out alive against all odds. With cutting-edge animations and visuals, The Getaway is definitely one of the most impressive games on the PS2 – and it remains a must-play for anyone wanting to experience a good gangster story. 

50 Cent: Bulletproof

50 Cent: Bullet Proof is a third-person action game where the players are put in the shoes of popular rapper 50 Cent as he gets caught up in a criminal drama, and players are left to their devices to solve the mystery surrounding it all. The gameplay can be pretty clunky with aiming that’s not quite as accurate as one would like, but a soundtrack composed of 50 Cent tracks along with some remixes and instrumentals brings a fun vibe to this straightforward shooter game. It’s definitely not a perfect game by any means, but it has a distinct charm to it which makes it worth trying out.

Yakuza 0 

Ryu Ga Gotuko’s Yakuza series is most known for its densely packed open worlds, but equal attention also needs to be shed on its ability to tell surprisingly emotional stories within that format. Yakuza 0 is the first canonical game in the Kiryu saga, which makes it the perfect starting point for fans not used to the franchise. What makes Yakuza 0 so special is its ability to effortlessly switch between emotionally charged scenes and extremely eccentric moments unnoticed, and such instances can be found in abundance throughout its 20 to 30 hour run. 

True Crime: Streets of LA

Released in 2003, True Crime: Streets of LA tried to replicate the elements of Grand Theft Auto – but failed to capture the essence of what made it all so special in the first place. That being said, True Crime does manage to impress in certain aspects including but not limited to a story that changes based on your decisions and a different approach to humor in its writing. Add to that plenty of side activities, and True Crime: Streets of LA becomes a fairly fun time.

Sleeping Dogs 

United Front Games’ Sleeping Dogs might feel like a GTA clone at first glance, but when you look past that initial facade – you will notice that it’s so much more than that. As an undercover cop Wei Shen, you take up the task of bringing down the Sun On Yee gang by infiltrating them from the inside. The story juggles between the two factions, and there are plenty of interesting missions peppered throughout its world that will keep you playing right through to the end.

Mafia 2

Mafia 2 is an excellent sequel that builds upon what came before in new and interesting ways. The story related to Vito Scaletta is chock full of surprises, and the ever-shifting loyalty of important characters will keep you hooked to the edge of your seat at all times. The gameplay variety has also been improved, and while there isn’t much to do outside of sightseeing in the open world, it remains an extremely engaging experience nevertheless. 

Grand Theft Auto 5

It’s safe to say that Grand Theft Auto 5 has transcended from just a regular open-world game to a cultural behemoth, and that’s all thanks to the well-realized open-world of Los Santos. It’s well and truly a playground of possibilities, and while a lot of fun comes from just exploring its sunny beaches and lush forests – you also get a really great story about an unlikely alliance of criminals. In addition to the intriguing story of Michael, Franklin and Trevor, something that one would expect from the series, Grand Theft Auto 5 features a vast assortment of memorable heist missions with set pieces galore.

Watch_Dogs 1

While Watch Dogs was subject to plenty of controversy when it was released in 2013, it’s undeniable that it manages to do more things right than wrong. The hacking mechanics are a perfect fit for the pseudo-stealth gameplay on offer, which adds an extra layer of flexibility to the combat mechanics. Its story about exacting revenge might not be directly related to gangsters, but you will find plenty of fellow hackers that run organized crimes throughout the city to give the same shades of action as other games on this list.

Saints Row The Third 

Saints Row the Third takes place in the neon-lit city of SteelPort as they embark on an over-the-top comical adventure that stays true to its roots. The story takes you on an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that’s full of violence, bloodshed, and obscenity. The gameplay revolves around taking part in different kinds of missions and navigating the city’s underworld which is composed of different gangs and their rivalries. But what makes Saints Row the Third so special is that it doesn’t take itself seriously, which helps it stand out against the rest of its contemporaries. 

Scarface

Games that are inspired from movies tend to have a bad reputation for not standing up to player expectations, but Scarface has proven the naysayers wrong. Directly taking inspiration from the Grand Theft Auto series, Scarface presents a similar open world experience as its contemporaries, and while it doesn’t quite match the level of its aspirations, it definitely has its own charm regardless. The missions do an excellent job of recreating iconic scenes from the movie, but it also introduces a new ending to mix the pot up. It’s not without its quirks, but Scarface does provide a movie-like gangster experience and remains a must-play for people who crave action.

Driver: Parallel Lines

Driver: Parallel Lines thrusts you in the shoes of TK, a driving virtuoso who works for crime lords all while trying to make it big in a city that’s home to all sorts of shady organizations and shoddy activities. Driver: Parallel Lines meshes elements of GTA with Need for Speed, letting you blaze through an open world map filled with different kinds of side activities and points of interest. With its impressive camerawork and realistic car handling, Driver: Parallel Lines is a unique game for open-world fans who are craving to view the world of gangsters from a different angle. While the game might not be a big improvement over prior entries in the franchise, it is still a fun game for people who want to enjoy mafia games.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 tells a very unconventional gangster story. Instead of telling a tale of conquering the world, it shows the gradual descent of the Van Der Linde gang as they try to find their place in a rapidly changing America. Between an excellent cast of well-written characters that will stay with you long after the credits roll to plenty of exciting missions throughout its dozens of hours long story, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one game that’s just unmissable for anyone interested in such experiences.

NOTE: The nominees and winner were decided by an internal vote held among the entire GamingBolt staff.

THE NOMINEES

The Last of Us Part 2

We always knew it wouldn’t be for the faint of heart but Naught Dog’s The Last of Us Part 2 hit us in many ways. Ellie’s story of revenge and Abbey seeking some kind of redemption complemented and conflicted well with each other against the backdrop of an unforgiving world. With strong improvements to the gameplay, incredible visuals and unrelenting brutality, The Last of Us Part 2 will leave you reeling.

Ghost of Tsushima

Sucker Punch’s samurai epic could have become yet another revenge story on the PS4. Instead, it explores the conflict of Jin Sakai, a warrior at odds with his ideals. The production values are incredible all around, whether it’s the sweeping plains of Tsushima or its perilous peaks, and the precise combat made every encounter a joy. Add in some engaging side content via Tales and you have an action adventure game that delivered on its massive hype.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

The puzzle-based battle mechanics may not have been for everyone in Paper Mario: The Origami King. However, the charm and aesthetic, accentuated by the title’s excellent humor, is still great. Between adventuring, puzzle solving and platforming, players will visit cafes, fill in the world with confetti, drive shoes and battle stationary. It’s a quirky and ultimately fun time for any Mario fan.

Hades

Hades catches your attention with its eye-popping aesthetic, whether it’s the environments or character designs. But over time, we’re once again exposed to the studio’s brilliant story-telling as the tale of Zagreus, his family and the Greek Pantheon unfolds over numerous runs. Combat is also a joy, feeling impressively responsive and offering numerous ways to play while the rogue-lite elements fuel run after run.

Cyberpunk 2077 (PC)

Even if the role-playing elements didn’t satisfy you and the bugs need to be ironed out, Cyberpunk 2077 on PC still presents a strong story with great voice-acting and pacing. Gunplay is fairly meaty; Cyberware offers all kinds of technical and destructive possibilities; and the overall visuals are sharp, presenting Night City as the gorgeous dystopia of tomorrow. Again, improvements need to be made but as an action adventure experience, Cyberpunk 2077 stood out this year.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Five years after the launch of Ori and the Blind Forest, Moon Studios returned with Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Since its reveal, its gorgeous visuals have been the highlight but the gameplay also offered several improvements in terms of feel and progression. Whether you’re taking in the sights, battling any number of awesome bosses or becoming attached to the lovable cast, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a stellar Metroidvania experience.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

While not a full-fledged sequel in its own right, it was still great to return to Insomniac’s Spider-verse and take on the role of Miles Morales. As the new Spider-Man, Miles’ inner conflict made for a brief but memorable journey with excellent characters, stunning production values and fun combat mechanics on top of the already great web-slinging. What comes next is anyone’s guess but Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is yet another excellent open world action adventure in Insomniac’s catalog.

Ghostrunner

Do you want a more fast-paced, challenging cyberpunk experience? One that features split-second combat, grappling, dashing, wall-running and bullet time? Ghostrunner from One More Level and Slipgate Ironworks is the ticket. As Jack, a ghostrunner, you navigate complex levels and survive against one-shot kills. With incredibly responsive controls and well designed obstacles that flow together seamlessly, Ghostrunner embraced both the action adventure enthusiast and speed runner in all of us.

The Pathless

Giant Squid’s open world foray didn’t one-up Breath of the Wild’s design but The Pathless still delivered stunning aesthetics and mesmerizing environments. As a hunter venturing to a cursed island, players would battle bosses and solve puzzles, with movement tied rhythmically shooting crystals for speed boosts. Despite its short run-time, The Pathless offered a fast-paced and emotional adventure.

Watch Dogs: Legion

Story-telling has been hit-or-miss in previous Watch Dogs titles so Watch Dogs: Legion upends that by challenging you to create your own memorable tales. Recruit anyone to join DedSec, infiltrating Albion and Clan Kelley strongholds to liberate London. Or go on a joy-ride in the marvelous, near-future city, discovering illegal fighting rings and shopping for wacky clothes while building a ragtag group of rebels. The choice is ultimately yours and it worked pretty well.

Immortals Fenyx Rising

Ubisoft’s latest open world title leans into the Greek mythology of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey while “borrowing” the stamina, climbing and exploration of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The comedy may be hit or miss for some but there’s no denying the strong combat or the well-designed puzzles and challenges. It won’t win points for originality but Immortals Fenyx Rising is still enjoyable.

Destroy All Humans Remake

In a year of good remakes and bad, Destroy All Humans’ remake ultimately stuck to what made the original work. Its B-grade humor and premise are largely intact, and the sheer joy of obliterating humans with alien weaponry remains appealing. Yes, it’s technically limited and also kind of repetitive but in living up to its core premise, Destroy All Humans shone once more.

Mafia Definitive Edition

After the disappointments that were Mafia 2 and 3 Definitive Edition, concerns grew over Mafia Definitive Edition. Thankfully, as a full-fledged remake, it offers greatly improved visuals, providing more dramatic weight to the original story’s events. With additional sequences, revamped cutscenes and changes to the overall open world flow, Mafia Definitive Edition actually makes it worth revisiting the 1930s.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Time travel? Time travel. But in the case of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing as players experience events from before the Great Calamity. As a Musou title, combat is more intricate with various playable characters – including Zelda – having different combos, special attacks and runes to obliterate foes with. Breath of the Wild 2 may be a ways off but Age of Calamity is still a great holdover till its release.

Winner:

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Moon Studios’ latest isn’t just a sequel – it’s a labor of love, one borne from thousands of iterations and years of obsessive polish, which can be seen in the backgrounds and integration of 3D characters. The series’ theme of love and loss is still effective while the platforming and combat remain as responsive and rewarding as ever. The world design, boss fights, soundtrack and story-telling all combine seamlessly into a masterful experience. To that end, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is our pick for the Best Action-Adventure Game of 2020.