With the recent successes of titles like Resident Evil 2 and Crash Bandicoot, remakes and remasters are starting to churn out to the delight of nostalgic gamers and the developers behind them. Some games look to add modern flair to the classic games for an entirely new experience while others make the games more approachable with better graphics and updated mechanics.
While most gamers are excited for the upcoming Mass Effect trilogy remaster and whatever Halo is up to, there are some lesser known gems in the pipeline. Here are some classic titles seeing new light in 2021 that many people might not know about.
7 Kingpin: Reloaded
- Release Date: TBC 2021
- Developer: Slipgate Ironworks
- Genre: First-person Shooter
Kingpin was a controversial shooter when it came out in the 90’s and the remake for next year is looking to do the same. Players take on the role of a nameless Thug who was beaten half to death by the Kingpin and his criminal lackies.
Out for revenge, the player will build their own gang, overthrow the current rulers of the dark dystopian streets and challenge the Kingpin himself. The game is being rebuilt using the Quake II engine and will feature better graphics and controls while keeping the retro feel of classic 90’s shooters.
6 SiN: Reloaded
- Release Date: TBC 2021
- Developer: Nightdive Studios, Slipgate Ironworks, Ritual Entertainment
- Genre: First-person Shooter
Another 90’s shooter being remastered for 2021 is SiN Reloaded. The game has been developed on the Quake II engine and features enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players will be sent on a warpath to take down the CEO if SinTEK industries hellbent on world domination.
The game will contain both content from the original title and the expansion Wages of SiN. They’ve promised to keep all original content no matter how controversial and will support the Deathmatch and Capture the Flag multiplayer game modes.
5 Pokemon Brilliant Diamond And Shining Pearl
- Release Date: November 19th, 2021
- Developer: ILCA
- Genre: Role-playing
Fans of the Pokemon franchise should be set to revisit Sinnoh when Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl release in November. These games are both remakes of the 2006 originals that first came out on the Nintendo DS. Anyone who adores Pokemon should be thoroughly pumped for these titles. With the success of New Pokemon Snap, it's easy to see why we can trust Nintendo when it comes to handling old properties on a new console. Keep a weather eye open for this upcoming Nintendo Switch title later this year.
4 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
- Release Date: July 16th, 2021
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Genre: Action-adventure
Announced during the February 2021 Nintendo Direct stream, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is already turning heads. Originally released on the Wii, Skyward Sword looks to bring new additions when it makes the console leap to the Nintendo Switch. The remaster includes revitalized motion controls and the option to play without them when using the Switch in handheld mode. While not the most popular of Zelda titles, Skyward Sword looks like yet another appealing offering from Nintendo.
3 Diablo II: Resurrected
- Release Date: TBC 2021
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Genre: Action Role-Playing
Updating perfection can be hard, but Blizzard Entertainment aims to try with Diablo II: Resurrected. Largely considered one of the best ARPGs ever made, Diablo II left behind some big shoes to fill. Resurrected does not seek to change major gameplay elements as a result. Instead, it seems that Diablo II: Resurrected will focus on enhancing the visuals of the original game, making minor adjustments to improve the title's overall quality. If it ain't broke, why fix it?
2 Sonic Colors: Ultimate
- Release Date: September 7th, 2021
- Developer: Blind Squirrel Entertainment
- Genre: Platforming
Sonic fans of the world can rejoice that everyone's favorite blue hedgehog is finally getting some more love and attention. Sonic Colors: Ultimate is a remaster of the original Sonic Colors that released on the Wii. This latest and greatest version of the title will see Sonic take on Doctor Eggman once more in an effort to save colorful Wisps. However, this time, players can race and platform as Sonic on the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
1 Braid: Anniversary Edition
- Release Date: TBC 2021
- Developer: Thekla
- Genre: Puzzle-platform
Braid is a unique game that utilizes time manipulation to make its puzzle-platforming mechanics a more novel experience. As such, seeing a remake of this beloved indie darling is a bright spot on the gaming horizon. The ability to reverse time is by no means wholly special to Braid, but its use of a rewind feature feels incredibly polished. While no set release date has been announced, fans of this impressive little title can eagerly anticipate Braid: Anniversary Edition releasing sometime in 2021.