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EA On Remakes And Remasters: It’s Not Part Of Our Culture

Ben-Dutka 30 Comments

If you were hoping for a remastered or remade Mass Effect compilation, we have some bad news.

Although remakes and remasters are common in the video game industry these days, one publisher has zero interest in producing any such project.

Electronic Arts COO Peter Moore criticized the practice in a recent IGN interview , saying it "feels like pushing stuff out because you've run out of ideas." He further added:

"For a lot of companies, remakes are a way to drive revenue. It's sub-cost, it's an IP that's there, you can remaster, and that's great. We don't do that here. I don't think that’s ever been in our culture."

Hence, EA has no plans to do any HD remasters. Most other major publishers, including Sony, Microsoft and Capcom have been quite prolific at releasing collections of updated classic titles; we've seen the recently released Uncharted Collection (which Sony called a "system-selling" title ), the Borderlands: The Handsome Jack Collection , Resident Evil HD Remaster , and The Last Of Us: Remastered .

But Moore says EA is more about pushing forward…if you choose to buy that explanation.

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What’s The One Classic RPG You Really Wish Got Remade?

Ben-Dutka 58 Comments

Yes, we're finally getting the Final Fantasy VII Remake , after about twelve years of begging. Despite what Square Enix says , I'm pretty sure they're going to ruin it.

But put that aside for a minute: If you had your choice, which classic role-playing game would get a remake? As a follow-up question, how would you want the game to be remade? Would you basically just want a graphical upgrade and no change to the gameplay, or would you want a complete overhaul?

I've been thinking about this and while Legend of Dragoon was atop my list for a while, I'm leaning more toward either Chrono Trigger or Chrono Cross . The long-rumored Chrono Break game never happened and really, it's the one RPG franchise I most miss these days. On top of which, the concepts within these titles would make an excellent transition to modern-day gaming. I mean, Chrono Cross had a ton of playable characters to recruit, and the time-traveling aspect is a definite draw (no matter what generation we're in). A remake of either would be epic.

I also thought about Phantasy Star but I was never quite enamored with that series and I never felt as strongly about Secret of Mana , either. But I really miss the good ol' days of GameArts during the PlayStation era, because I'd love to see a new Lunar or Arc the Lad . Oh, and Parasite Eve could be awesome if remade properly (as an action/RPG and not an action game ala Resident Evil like the sequels). All pipe dreams, I know, but that's part of the fun. 🙂

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The Remaster/HD/Remake Debate: What Makes You Buy ‘Em?

Ben-Dutka 36 Comments

They just keep coming down the pike. And a big reason for that is because, obviously, people keep buying them.

If you ask around, it seems like gamers have very different reasons for springing for an HD update, remaster, or remake. And don't forget about those "Game of the Year" bundles that frequent store shelves, typically sporting all the DLC, a few extra goodies, and a lower price tag for a previous hit.

Yes, such products have proven undeniably popular in the new generation. The question is, what makes you buy them? Do you have certain requirements? I mean, if you've already played – and still own – the game in question, there has to be a pretty compelling reason for you to get a re-release of the same title, correct? In my experience, most gamers aren't swayed only by the promise of superior graphics; they need something more to be enticed.

Personally, I'm one of those weird individuals who likes to have the best versions of his favorite games. That's why, even though I don't yet own Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition , I still want it for my library. I have friends who don't care about this, but they do care about playing a favorite game again. And why not do it with the latest and greatest iteration? Perhaps this is why so many are springing for the remasters and HD updates.

And let's not forget the last, and ultimately savvy, group of consumers: They recognize this ongoing trend and, being patient and knowledgeable, they often wait on getting all the biggest new games, certain of a better or more robust package at a later date. Nothing wrong with that, either.

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