Remaster Archives

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: 10 years of Windows 10

Windows 10 celebrated its 10th anniversary, while Windows 11 SE is being discontinued and will not receive the upcoming Windows 11 version 25H2, with support ending in October 2026. Microsoft plans to open-source WinUI, the user interface framework for Windows 11. The Flyoobe tool has been updated to assist users switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Recent data shows a gradual increase in Windows 11's market share, while Microsoft Edge struggles in the desktop browser market. Microsoft provided guidance on upgrade paths for businesses transitioning to Windows 11. Updates for Windows Insiders include general fixes and new features across various channels. Microsoft reported a record-high profit of .2 billion and revenue of .4 billion for the last financial quarter. A new Surface Laptop Smurface Edition was announced, and Adobe has made creative applications available natively on Windows on ARM devices. Microsoft Edge introduced an AI-driven feature called Copilot Mode, while Opera filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil regarding unfair practices. Microsoft banned the developer account of LibreOffice for violating the Service Agreement. In gaming, Microsoft released the July 2025 update for the Xbox app, allowing game streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming, and is preparing for the Gamescom show. EA decided to maintain game prices and announced a remaster of Plants vs Zombies: Replanted. A public beta for Battlefield 6 is forthcoming. Valve revealed updates for the Steam client, including a revamped store interface. Special discounts are available for the Back to School season.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Zombies are on the lawn again: Plants vs. Zombies is coming back with a ‘Replanted’ remaster featuring the original campaign plus new game modes, co-op and PvP support, and more

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a remaster of the original Plants vs. Zombies game, announced during a Nintendo Direct showcase after a 16-year hiatus. It will be available for PC and Nintendo platforms, featuring new levels, enhanced HD graphics, and various new modes, including local co-op play, PvP battles, a permadeath mode called "Rest in Peace," a "Cloudy Day" mode, and updated mini-games. The game is set to launch on October 23 and is currently accessible on platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, where the original game has over 130,000 user reviews with an "overwhelmingly positive" rating.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

August 2025 is the month of remakes and remasters

August features several notable video game remakes and remasters, including: - Dawn of War: Definitive Edition, releasing on August 14, includes all expansions and multiplayer modes, enhanced textures with 4K support, improved lighting and reflections, camera adjustments, and a shift to 64-bit architecture. - Gears of War: Reloaded, set for release on August 26, offers upgraded assets and lighting, cross-play, cross-progression, DLSS, HDR, and an optional streamlined control scheme, with all post-launch content included for free. - Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, a remake of the Harvest Moon DS classic, will be available on August 27, promising a refreshed take on farm life. - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, releasing on August 28, is a full remake that introduces new features such as the Fox Hunt multiplayer mode and real-time wear and tear on characters.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Castlemania II is a Castlevania-themed Super Mario game that you can play on PC

A new romhack titled Castlemania II has been created by modder xMANGRAVYx, combining elements from Super Mario Bros. and Castlevania for PC play. Players need a SNES emulator and the original Super Mario World ROM to play. The game features unique power-ups, engaging cutscenes, and custom bosses, with a higher difficulty level than traditional Super Mario titles. Players can download Castlemania II and apply the romhack using tools like Flips or Beat. Other notable romhacks mentioned include Super Mario Bros. CD and the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Remastered, set to release on September 13th.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

What’s Dropping In August 2025: The Best Games Coming To PS, Xbox, PC & Switch 1/2

As August 2025 approaches, several notable game titles are set to launch across various platforms: - Lost Soul Aside (PS5/PC) will be released on August 29. It is an action-RPG developed by Ultizero Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, featuring a warrior named Kazer on a quest in a fractured world. - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (PS5/Xbox Series X|S/PC) is a next-gen remake launching on August 28, enhancing the original game with improved graphics and modernized controls, including new features like 3D audio and a battle damage system. - Dying Light: The Beast (PS5/Xbox Series X|S/PC) will be available on August 22. This standalone sequel offers a horror-centric experience with cooperative gameplay for up to four players, set in expansive rural landscapes with a 20-hour campaign and additional side content. - Gears of War: Reloaded (PS5/Xbox Series X|S/PC) is set for release on August 26. This remaster of the original game features 4K visuals, up to 120 fps, HDR, and Dolby Atmos support, along with full cross-play capabilities. - Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World will launch on August 28, introducing a new story campaign, new gameplay modes, and significant graphical upgrades for the Nintendo Switch 2.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is an excellent, subtle remaster and my new Steam Deck game of the summer

Neverwinter Nights 2 has received a remaster that enhances the original 2006 RPG, making it appealing to both returning players and newcomers. The remaster is compatible with existing mods and fan campaigns, and it allows for play on the Steam Deck. The game maintains its real-time with pause combat mechanics and isometric camera view, with controls adapting well for gamepad use. Performance on the Steam Deck is impressive, achieving a consistent 60fps, though some areas may cause frame rate drops, and battery life is limited to under three hours. The Enhanced Edition features sharper textures and a user interface that scales to HD resolutions, while also being more efficient in CPU usage. It supports cloud saves and retains compatibility with old save files, allowing for a seamless transition for players. The remaster focuses on delivering a polished experience without aiming for flashy graphics, preserving the original's charm and quirks.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

This week in PC games: Stronghold, Destiny and Neverwinter Nights lead a host of drifters, necromancers and Pac-Monsters

The latest PC game releases include factory-themed titles such as "Kaizen: A Factory Story," an automation puzzle game by former Zachtronics developers, and "MoteMancer," which features real-time factory construction across dimensions with generative AI-inspired art. For those preferring different genres, "Arashi Gaiden" offers a turn-based ninja adventure. Notable revivals include "Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition" and "Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition." "Destiny 2" has released the Year Of Prophecy edition with new content. New games also feature "Becoming Saint," a real-time tactics roguelite, "Worship," which explores occult tactics, and "The Necromancer's Tale," an open-world RPG. Other titles include "Fill Up The Hole," a 2D landfill simulator, "Shadow Labyrinth," a horror twist on Pac-Man, and "The Drifter," a pulp adventure game. "Phantom Squad" promises action-packed gameplay.

AppWizard

July 13, 2025

Ahead of its remaster, GOG added Neverwinter Nights 2 to its preservation program and is also giving owners of the original a ‘loyalty discount’ on the enhanced edition

GOG is supporting Neverwinter Nights 2 by including the original version in its preservation program ahead of the enhanced edition launch. Customers who purchased Neverwinter Nights 2 on GOG can receive a 15% loyalty discount on the remastered version, which can be combined with a 10% preorder discount. The game recently received an update addressing a long-standing black screen issue. The Enhanced Edition will be released on July 15, and the preorder discount will end on that day, after which the loyalty discount will decrease from 25% to 15%.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

Ken Levine wanted System Shock 2’s final level to be set in outer space, but the idea was shot down by its senior designers: ‘They’re like dude, we have 14 months to make this game’

System Shock 2 is a highly regarded PC game known for its storytelling and gameplay, but its final act, The Body of the Many, has received criticism for not matching the quality of earlier parts. This level features a challenging environment that can leave players unprepared for the final confrontation with the antagonist, Shodan. Ken Levine, the game's designer, acknowledged that the finale's shortcomings stemmed from his ambitious vision for a zero-gravity environment outside the ship, which was impractical given the tight development timeline. Despite his colleagues' skepticism, he created a level that differed significantly in appearance and gameplay, which he later admitted was not one of the game's strongest. Levine's initial concept of an exterior level influenced later games like Dead Space and Prey. System Shock 2 recently received a remaster from Nightdive, which has been well-received, while Levine is working on a new project called Judas.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

I would’ve loved Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 a lot more if it hadn’t made the mistake of rolling out time limits for every level

The remaster of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 successfully captures the essence of the original game, providing a familiar mix of satisfaction and frustration. However, the remake of Pro Skater 4 does not evoke the same excitement, as much of its content feels recycled and the gameplay has been altered with a strict two-minute time limit on levels, which changes the dynamics and diminishes the experience. While players can extend the time limit to 60 minutes, the alteration of original objectives to fit a two-minute format is seen as a missed opportunity. The changes seem to cater more to newcomers rather than long-time fans, leading to a divide and a loss of the nostalgic appeal that characterized the remakes of the first two titles.