Written by: Richard on September 20, 2012.

I think if there’s a way I can sum up this year in video gaming, its one word: HD REMAKES. Okay fine, that two (technically three); but that’s besides the point. This year, we have been thrown announcements about remakes of nostalgic games that we have come to know and love in the past. With games like Tony Hawk HD, Devil May Cry HD, Katamari HD, ICO and Shadow of the Colossus HD, Street Fighter 25th Anniversary, Metal Gear HD, Silent Hill HD, and Zone of the Enders HD, it DOESN’T even end there! They are still announcing more like Jet Set Radio HD, Final Fantasy X in HD, Final Fantasy VII (well, was at least), Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix, and more! I have a feeling that I haven’t even scratched the surface on more upcoming titles. But in the end, milking our old nostalgic games for current gen systems always makes my head shake. As it gives developers a chance to distract the consumer with old content, than generating new stuff.

Final Fantasy X Remake!

    BUT let me be honest, I love these HD remakes. In fact, that’s pretty much the only games I care for nowadays. Most games now, are repetitive or milking of old franchises anyway, so I might as well play the original source material than refer to another repetitive FPS and sports game.
That said the beloved Okami once for the PS2, is now coming for the PS3! I remember this particular title and Yakuza was overshadowed by big PS2 hits like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and other PlayStation to era games, but I highly sought out this game the most.

The concept was very original and amazing for it’s time. The game revolved around the player controlling Amaterasu by manipulating his powers via the screen by altering the area in which he can continue the game, fight bosses, or create things in the environment. Not to mention this game is just extremely beautiful with its cell-shaded art style and very colorful use of the atmosphere mixing Japanese calligraphy-styled mechanics it makes this game just visually addicting. Hell, I bet pausing the screen at any time could easily make a good wallpaper for any desktop.

Consider this is before the HD, so imagine when it is!

In 2011, they released Ōkamiden: Chiisaki Taiyō aka Okamiden which was the DS sequel to the original Okami. Along with following the same steps as Okami, this game was GODDAMN ADORABLE. Same mechanics and much more pretty graphics, but of course you’re playing as a puppy with the characters at a younger age.

Okay, you gotta admit…that’s freaking cute.

Okay that’s besides the point… the game was an initial failure for the PS2. But amazingly, with word of mouth, the game became a cult hit, so much so that Amaterasu was a playable character in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom. Over time, people started to appreciate the game and its significance in quality; so it sort of makes sense why people would be excited to see a remake of this game. Though it is a part of the whole HD remake spiel, I can honestly say that this is the one title I am looking forward to the most. Perhaps we can see this title get the proper recognition it deserves in 2013, we’ll see, but only time would tell.

    That said, what HD Remakes would you like to see, or what is your general opinion on HD remakes now in the gaming industry? Leave your comments below!

Trailer for Okami HD