The horror genre has come a long way, starting as pretty niche, but soon becoming very popular in the gaming world. It offers some of the best experiences in the video game industry, with some amazing stories, intense action, and, of course, tons of scares.
While there are classics from the early 2000s and even the 90s, some of the best horror games have been released recently. These come in the form of remakes, taking an old version of a game and completely rebuilding it from the ground up.
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There are plenty of horror remakes out there, but only some improve upon the original in every way possible. Read further to learn about the best horror remakes out now that are simply better than the original.
7 The Last of Us: Part 1
Visual Upgrade that Enhances the Amazing Story
The original The Last of Us was one of the best games released on the PlayStation 3. It brought players one of the most heartfelt and emotional stories of its time, following a man and a young girl on a journey across America in the wake of an apocalypse. Not only was the story really well written, but it also included some of the best third-person gameplay of its era, filled with tense moments and exciting encounters.
While Naughty Dog released a remastered version of The Last of Us in 2014, it wasn’t until 2022 that the developers released a full-blown remake. This remake improved upon everything in the original, from gameplay to graphics, making the experience more engrossing than ever before. Due to the overhaul in fidelity, lighting, facial animations, and more, the story hit harder than ever, and it felt as if you were playing the game for the first time.
6 Resident Evil 2
No More Tank Controls
The Resident Evil 2 remake took one of the most beloved entries in Capcom’s popular franchises and made it better in all aspects. While the original laid the groundwork, the remake fully realized that vision to create an experience that is unforgettable through its modernized graphics and voice work that enhanced both the terrifying moments and overall plot of the game. Both campaigns, Claire and Leon’s, was recreated with so much love, and it’s easy to tell.
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Additionally, the change from the original’s tank controls to the over-the-shoulder third-person perspective just made the game feel way better to play and simply less frustrating. This made exploring Raccoon Police Station more enjoyable as you search for keys and solve puzzles throughout. While there were a ton of changes in the Resident Evil 2 remake, it still kept the original’s identity that fans have come to know and love.
5 Silent Hill 2
Even More Terrifying
The original Silent Hill 2 is known as one of the pioneers of the survival-horror genre, and for good reason. It showed how disturbing, yet fascinating, the genre can be, and how it can explore uncomfortable subject matter to connect with the player on an emotional level. Silent Hill 2 was incredibly scary for its time, but it wasn’t until Bloober Team released the remake that we realized how downright terrifying the game actually is. In all honesty, the Silent Hill 2 remake is one of the best horror games ever made.
The Silent Hill 2 remake improved everything from the original to the point that it felt like a brand new game. Not only is there a graphical improvement, which is obvious since the original came out in 2001, but the game also features reworked voice acting, with phenomenal work from its cast, which makes the story more believable and engaging. Additionally, the sound design is out of this world, making each enemy encounter more intense than ever before.
4 Resident Evil 4
Major Improvement to Combat
The original Resident Evil 4 is argued by many to be the best addition to the horror franchise. It was the first main entry to get rid of the tank controls and opt for an over-the-shoulder perspective, giving fans of the series a fresh feeling that wasn’t seen very often in the genre at the time. However, despite the original being a fantastic game, the recent Resident Evil 4 remake gave it a run for its money and simply improved on it in any way possible.
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The changes in the Resident Evil 4 remake include: new enemies, darker and more scary environments, fewer quick time events, side quests known as requests, and much more. One of the best additions to the game is Leon’s ability to parry, which adds a whole new layer to combat encounters. While Leon was a badass in the original, he’s even tougher in this one, as he can parry items thrown by enemies and even knife attacks, leaving the enemy stunned for a roundhouse kick. Adding a parry seems like a small change, but it simply made combat feel more exciting.
3 Total Chaos
From Mod to Full Game
What started as a mod for DOOM 2, Total Chaos is now a full-fledged game thanks to developer Trigger Happy Interactive. Remaking the mod into a game was probably not an easy task, but the end result was a pretty good survival horror experience that fits right at home in the genre. It improved everything from the original mod, adding a fully realized story, scarier enemy encounters, overhauled combat, and much more.
The drastic visual upgrade is enough to make Total Chaos better than the mod, but it was the improved structure to the level design that really makes it better than the original. Also, the larger emphasis on survival mechanics, where the player has to focus on eating to cure hunger, stamina consumption, and crafting, made the game more engaging than ever. While it may not be for everyone due to its increased difficulty, it is one that every survival horror fan should give a try at least once.
2 Dead Space
Space Has Never Looked So Good
If you asked anyone what the three icons of the survival horror genre are, they would most likely say Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Dead Space. Originally released in 2008, Dead Space was an exciting addition to the genre, taking fans to outer space to fight the monstrosities that lie above. It’s primarily a survival horror experience, but it mixes action very well for a faster-paced experience, without removing any of the scares. However, the 2023 remake is simply better.
The Dead Space remake, developed by Motive Studio, did such a great job at recreating the original that it’s now known as one of the best survival-horror games of this generation. With a complete graphics overhaul, giving the protagonist an actual voice this time around, and improved gameplay for a smoother experience, the Dead Space remake is a joy to behold. Even better, the levels were redesigned to help with backtracking.
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The most impressive addition is the game’s Intensity Director, which changes environmental events and enemy spawns depending on the player’s actions to make the game more unpredictable and scary.
1 Resident Evil
From Classic to Masterpiece
Yes, another Resident Evil remake makes the list. The reason is because Capcom knows its stuff and truly knows how to take a classic and make it better. The original Resident Evil, the one released in 1996 and started one of the most popular horror franchises to date, was revolutionary at the time. It added “survival” to survival-horror, and the gaming industry has not been the same since. Most developers now use the original Resident Evil as a blueprint for their horror games.
However, when the remake of Resident Evil came out in 2002, that’s when fans realized just how special this game truly is. It completely overhauled the graphics and sound, making all levels feel more alive than ever, as well as adding more rooms to explore. Additionally, the remake added defensive items to make combat feel more satisfying, new puzzles to solve that were challenging, and even a brand-new enemy. Simply put, the Resident Evil remake was a more complete package than the original.
We Need More Horror Games That Embrace The Ordinary
As we enter a horror gaming Renaissance, more developers should incorporate the mundane.
- Security Camera Installation – indoor/outdoor IP CCTV systems & video analytics
- Access Control Installation – key card, fob, biometric & cloud‑based door entry
- Business Security Systems – integrated alarms, surveillance & access control
- Structured Cabling Services – voice, data & fiber infrastructure for new or existing builds
- Video Monitoring Services – 24/7 remote surveillance and analytics monitoring
Author: 360 Technology Group
