remakes Archives

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft explains why Pinball vanished from Windows: “We couldn’t afford to spend days studying the code”

3D Pinball was a space-themed game included in Windows XP since its debut in 1995. It was removed with the launch of Windows Vista due to a bug in the code that caused the game to be unplayable, not because of legal issues as commonly believed. The bug occurred during the transition of Windows XP to 64-bit architecture, where the ball would drop into the launcher and fall through the plunger. Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen, who worked on the project, noted that the original code was largely undocumented, making it difficult to fix. The game was licensed from Cinematronics and Maxis, which limited Microsoft's rights to bundling it within Windows and its Plus! packs, preventing a standalone release. Attempts to revive the game were hindered by these legal constraints. As of 2022, no official version of 3D Pinball has been included in Windows 11, and the licensing situation remains complicated due to the acquisition of Cinematronics and Maxis by Electronic Arts.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Atlus is interested in remaking the PlayStation One-era Persona games, something that, after waiting for many years, I hope finally happens on Xbox and PC

Atlus has announced a remake for Persona 4 and is developing Persona 6, both set to release on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass. However, earlier titles like Revelation: Persona, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, and Persona 2: Eternal Punishment have not been remade, leaving fans of those games wanting. Producer Wada Kazuhisa hinted at the possibility of reviving these earlier titles. The difficulty in accessing these classic games has increased due to the shutdown of the PSP and PSN stores for PlayStation 3.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Persona big boss says ‘I think we have to do’ remakes of the series most-neglected games

Fans of the Persona series have access to a variety of content, including a port of Persona 3 Portable, a remake of Persona 3 with Episode Aigis DLC, and a vibrant remake of Persona 4. Persona 5 fans can enjoy themed merchandise and collaborations. Producer Kazuhisa Wada expressed the need for remakes of Persona 1 and 2, stating they are nearly essential, although he cannot confirm if they will happen. The Atlus team is currently focused on the release of Persona 4 Revival, scheduled for February next year. Persona 3 is noted for introducing social simulation elements to the series, while Persona 1 and 2 are more aligned with the Shin Megami Tensei lineage.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Donkey Kong Land PC Fan Remake Available for Download

A fan-made remake of the Nintendo Game Boy title Donkey Kong Land has been created by YouTube user ‘kasquez’ and is now available for PC. This remake features over 30 full-sized levels, refined controls, and updated graphics and sound that closely resemble the SNES version. It does not require the original ROM file and includes assets from the original game. The project is at risk of being taken down due to copyright concerns from Nintendo. Other notable fan projects in the gaming community include remakes of titles like Superman, Halo 3: ODST, and Metal Gear Solid, as well as various tech demos and ports.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Former Bethesda lead artist is looking forward to Fallout 3’s remaster because the game they released was ‘100% not what we intended, and it was very, very constrained’

Nate Purkeypile, a former artist at Bethesda, contributed to iconic games like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, and was the lead artist on Fallout 76. He is now an independent developer working on a stealth-archer bowhunting first-person shooter called The Axis Unseen. Purkeypile expressed enthusiasm for the announced remaster of Fallout 3, noting the technical limitations faced during its original development, such as restrictions on lighting. He believes that enhancements like increased draw distance could improve immersion and advocates for a remaster that offers more than just graphical updates, referencing successful remakes like those of Resident Evil. He emphasized the need for remasters to meet modern gaming standards while resonating with nostalgia.

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

Microsoft brings Xbox 360 games to PC via Project Helix

Microsoft plans to expand its backward compatibility initiative by bringing Xbox 360 games to PC, allowing players to access iconic titles like Halo 3 and Gears of War across multiple devices, including the upcoming Project Helix console and handheld gaming devices. This move aims to create a unified gaming ecosystem and aligns with Microsoft's strategy of reducing traditional console exclusivity. The initiative enhances subscription services like Xbox Game Pass by incorporating a rich catalog of classic games. The technical implementation remains unclear, but Microsoft's previous backward compatibility efforts have been commendable. This strategy also presents opportunities for game developers to reach new audiences without extensive remasters. Additionally, the inclusion of handheld devices indicates Microsoft's intentions to compete in the portable gaming market.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Late 90s Platformer Is Getting Remastered for Modern Consoles and PC

Argonaut Games has announced a remaster of Croc 2 Kingdom of the Gobbos, set to be released on modern consoles and PC. The remaster will feature classic platforming action with enhancements, including a triple jump mechanic and expanded gameplay options such as racing and flying. Players will explore four unique villages, rescue Gobbos, and encounter new Guardians. The remaster will also include the “Croc2pedia,” a digital museum with production materials and interviews about the game's development. It will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Windows PC via Steam and GOG.com.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Remakes are the backbone to Capcom’s success as they provide ‘financial resources’ for new Resident Evil games or standalone ideas like Pragmata

Capcom has seen significant success with the launches of Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata, the latter selling 2.5 million copies in three months. The company's strategy of focusing on remakes allows for a steady release schedule and skill refinement among developers. Producer Masachika Kawata emphasized that remakes are as important as mainline titles and have helped secure financial resources for new projects. Despite some fans' desire for original stories, Capcom plans to continue producing remakes alongside new entries, including a DLC for Resident Evil Requiem and potential content for the Code: Veronica remake. Kawata highlighted the importance of innovation in the gaming industry to avoid stagnation.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Silent Hill producer believes shaking up the series was necessary to win over players because ‘at best, only about half of the original users will return with a remake’

Silent Hill f is a new installment in the Silent Hill franchise that departs from traditional formats while retaining psychological horror elements. It has been developed alongside Silent Hill: Townfall and the Silent Hill 2 remake, reflecting a commitment to expanding the series. The development team aimed to engage both new and returning players by offering innovative content rather than relying solely on nostalgia. Konami's collaborative efforts with partners like Bloober Team and Annapurna have emphasized psychological horror as a core concept, focusing on themes of inner conflict, guilt, and fear. This approach has set the stage for a broader exploration of the franchise's potential.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Ubisoft says the Black Flag remake has exceeded ‘annual expectations’ in just two weeks, shortly after it laid off a number of the people who made it

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sold 2 million copies within 24 hours of its release. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, stated that the game exceeded annual expectations within two weeks and is the highest-rated entry in the franchise since the original Black Flag. The game was developed with significant contributions from Ubisoft Barcelona, particularly in the underwater levels. Despite its success, the launch occurred amidst recent layoffs at Ubisoft, affecting hundreds of employees. Player reception has been mostly positive, but some critiques have emerged regarding day-one downloadable content, simplified swordfights, and an in-game shop. A review by PC Gamer described the game as "a well-made, but inessential remake that loses more than it gains."