8 Best Horror Game Remakes

Remaking a horror game, when executed properly, is a win-win outcome for veteran players and newcomers; it gives the opportunity to approach the idea differently while adjusting it to fit new standards and allows for a way to get inmersed in an unknown world to some.

In a time where remakes are the go-to approach for some big and legendary franchises, it is fair to say that remakes are not always done right (right, Resident Evil 3?).

Here are few examples of ones that got things right and even managed to surpass the original game.

8. Layers Of Fear (2023)

Is it better than the original game? Indeed. Way better.

Layers Of Fear was a very divisive game when released and still was (and is) in the upcoming years. It was the biggest card Bloober Team had before the humongous Silent Hill 2 Remake. Its approach may not suit players wanting more visceral or action-oriented horror but if one is able to get drawn by what it is and what it has the pay off is huge.

The charm in this remake lies on its beautiful presentation, its atmosphere, its puzzles, its slow burn apporach and narrative that yield well-crafted horror and uneasiness when released and the connection between the first two games in the series and the new content (specially if we take into consideration the poor reception Layers Of Fear 2 had).

In hindsight, considering how great the Silent Hill 2 Remake ended up being with its more action-packed gameplay one can appreciate more this Layers Of Fear remake.

7. Until Dawn (2024)

Is it better than the original game? It is hard to tell. It certainly keeps up with its source material.

A lot has been said about the original Until Dawn; its amazing butterfly effect, its replayability, its cinematic approach, its cast of actors, its jumpscare galore, its customization through your psychological profile and its outstanding graphics  (which still hold up to this very day).

For all these reasons it was rather unexpected even thinking about remastering the game let alone giving it a remake. The result, being honest, is a game that doesn not feel that different frok the original but justified its remake status by improving (though slightly) the visual display, adjusting a couple of tiny details in the story and the way it unfolds (e.g. the very beginning of the story) and by being twice as expensive as the O.G.

6. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

Is it better than the original game? No, unfortunately it is not. It could have been, though.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was the series' return to form but the announcement of Resident Evil 2 Remake took everyone by storm and there were several reasons that backed up all the hype around it. 

In spite of being officially and initially announced in 2015, the first trailer came out after RE7 and the positive response the latter got made everyone crave for the first. It was also released in an era where remakes were not as abundant as now and it was the remake of what many regard as the best game in the main timeline.

The final product could have been the best horror remake ever if it had featured the zap-system that made the original so great and replayable (what you do in scenario A with one character affects the other's scenario B). Instead, we got two almost identical campaigns that lacked coherence. What a shame it was considering that gameplay-wise, atmospherically and technically it was marvelous.

5. Dead Space (2023)

Is it better than the original game? It is. Slightly better.

Despite being a seventh generation game the original Dead Space is everything but unplayable. The game still holds up nicely. It is safe to say that remaking this game was unexpected to say the least; this did not give too much room for uncertainty, doubt or crtiticism.

What did we get? One of the best horror games of our generation. Why is not it higher in the list then? Well, the controls were polished (the kinesis mechanic particularly), the graphics were taken up a notch but the difference between O.G. and remake does not feel substantial like in the following entries in this list. Indeed, Dead Space Remake is a better game than its source material but there was not much to be improved.

4. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (Wii Edition) (2012)

Is it better than the original game? It totally is.

The original Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly is rightfully regarded as one of the best horror games ever made but its Wii Edition can be considered one of the greatest remakes in all of gaming, let alone horror. It is curious how a console that had a short but intense lifespan is home to some of the best versions some classics have: for instance the O.G. Resident Evil 4 has its version here and this remake of the second entry in the Fatal Frame franchise.

The improvements since the adaptability for the controllers to the change of camera perspective and fluidity in the gameplay was not only changed but improved. Currently, another remake is in the making and, if done right and with the same dedication as this special edition, we might behold a new king of remakes. It undoubtedly has the potential to be the best horror game of all time.

3. Silent Hill 2  (2024)

Is it better than the original game? Indeed, not as iconic, though.

Despite having Layers Of Fear in its pocket as credential most people were skeptical when Konami brought up Polish studio Bloober Team to reimagine the beloved and untouchable Silent Hill 2. Now, after a year of the release (and a couple of patches) the veredict is that Bloober Team succeeded and delievered.

It goes without saying that it is not a perfect game; the combat system, though improved and fun, was not balanced enough and we went from silly in the original to, at times, unfair and frustrating here. Some people address that Bloober Team did not take any risks regarding the story of the game considering that Capcom (the rival studio) does it all the time with their Resident Evil remakes. I do believe that premises in Resident Evil are very improvable whereas Silent Hill's were way ahead of their time and still feel novel and fresh.

Other than that we have to state that the game was improved in all the other departments ranging from the graphics (the game looks horribly beautiful) to the redesign of puzzles and boss fights (especially Flesh Lips and Abstract Daddy). A worthy contender for best Silent Hill game.

2. Resident Evil 4 (2023)

Is it better than the original game? Regardless of what the majority thought, it managed to be.

Since Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Capcom has been reshaping not only the Resident Evil franchise but the horror gaming panorama as well. 7 triggered the series' return to form and the subsequent entries and remakes solidified its status as the prime horror franchise in gaming.

Nonetheless, when Capcom decided to skip Code Veronica and opted for  a remake of the omnipresent Resident Evil 4 eyebrows were raised. The issue most people had had to do with the totally nostalgic and inaccurate idea that Resident Evil 4 did not need a remake. When its remake was released it rendered the original version as it actually was: an outdated game with a plain premise, unnecessary sexual jokes and a, though still fun, clunky gameplay.

The remake ramped up the action, increased the tension, fleshed up the characters and improved the story and the way it was told and all of this while staying incredibly faithful to the source material. Talk about surpassing expectations.

1. Resident Evil (REmake) (2002)

Is it better than the original game? Of course it is. The perfect embodiment of what a survival horror game is.

Saying that the remake of the first Resident Evil is the best horror remake ever made is an understatement. This game is the best survival horror game of all time, a worthy candidate for best horror game ever created with the likes of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Alien: Isolation, Silent Hill 3, Fatal Frame II, etc, and probably the best remake in gaming history.

This REmake was the very depiction of being way ahead of one's time; the graphics were unbelievably realistic (they hold up nicely to this day and still look really good); gameplay-wise we had an improvement in aiming mechanics and we received counterattack weapons (the tank controls were kept); and the foremost aspects, the atmosphere and additions improved the game exponentially. The introduction of Lisa Trevor was promiment to make the title scarier and deeper and the Crimson Heads were the way in which Capcom wanted to surprise veteran players and newcomers as well.

Resident Evil's modern era in which remakes tend to attract the most attention has made this remake (released twenty three years ago) go overlooked and unnoticed but its legacy is there forever.