Remake vs. Remaster — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 29, 2024
Remakes involve significant reworking of a game or film, including updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, whereas remasters enhance original features with higher resolution and better audio.
Difference Between Remake and Remaster
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A remake involves reimagining a game or film, often changing or enhancing the plot, characters, and environment, whereas a remaster focuses on improving technical aspects like graphics and sound without altering the original content.
Remakes often adapt the original work to appeal to current audiences, incorporating modern technology and storytelling techniques, while remasters preserve the original's spirit, simply boosting its presentation to meet modern standards.
In remakes, developers may also tweak gameplay mechanics or update the user interface to improve interaction, whereas remasters typically maintain the original gameplay, merely enhancing its execution.
The goal of a remake is to make the game or film feel new and relevant, potentially attracting a new generation of fans, whereas a remaster aims to make the original more accessible and enjoyable for both new and existing audiences with minimal changes.
Remakes can significantly differ from the original, sometimes causing division among fans, while remasters are generally well-received for maintaining the essence of the original.
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Comparison Chart
Content Changes
Extensive changes to plot, characters, and settings
No changes to the original content
Purpose
To modernize and reintroduce to a new audience
To enhance visual and audio quality for the same audience
Gameplay
Often modified to suit modern playstyles
Remains largely unchanged
Technology
Uses the latest technology and can be platform-specific
Upgrades existing technology, retaining original platforms
Audience Impact
May attract new fans or alienate purists
Appeals to both new audiences and loyal fans
Compare with Definitions
Remake
Seeks to resonate with a new generation while retaining the essence of the original.
The Star Wars: Battlefront remake offers new gameplay mechanics and story arcs.
Remaster
Retains all original elements, including plot and gameplay mechanics.
The remaster of Age of Empires II keeps the classic gameplay but with enhanced graphics.
Remake
A new version of a movie, video game, or other media, completely redone from the original.
The 2020 version of Final Fantasy VII is a remake, featuring completely revamped graphics and a new combat system.
Remaster
Primarily focuses on technical enhancements like graphics and sound.
Shadow of the Colossus for PS4 is a remaster with significantly enhanced visual fidelity.
Remake
Often involves reimagining the original content to fit modern contexts or technologies.
The remake of Resident Evil 2 introduces a more immersive horror experience with modern graphics.
Remaster
An enhanced version of an original film, game, or music, improved in quality without altering the content.
The remastered version of The Last of Us features improved textures and resolution.
Remake
Can change the original storyline or elements to introduce fresh perspectives.
The Lion King remake presented the classic story with realistic animation techniques.
Remaster
Intended to make older media compatible with modern hardware and aesthetics.
BioShock: The Collection remasters the original games for newer console generations.
Remake
Might incorporate contemporary social and cultural elements.
The remake of Mulan includes elements more relevant to today's discussions on gender and heroism.
Remaster
Often released to preserve the original's legacy and attract new fans.
The Beatles’ albums have been remastered to provide clearer sound quality on modern audio devices.
Remake
A remake is a production of a film, television series, video game, or similar form of entertainment that is based upon an earlier production. A remake tells the same story as the original but uses a different cast and may alter the theme, perhaps to a different cultural context - either in geography or time.
Remaster
Remaster refers to changing the quality of the sound or of the image, or both, of previously created recordings, either audiophonic, cinematic, or videographic. The terms digital remastering and digitally remastered are also used.
Remake
To make again or anew.
Remaster
To master again, especially to produce a new master recording of (an old recording) in order to improve the sound quality.
Remake
The act of remaking.
Remaster
(music) To produce a new version of a recording by remixing the original master recordings.
Remake
Something in remade form, especially a new version of an earlier movie or song.
Remaster
(film) To create a new master copy by enhancing sound or picture quality of an older recording.
Remake
(transitive) To make again.
You'll need to remake that cake, as it's completely burned.
Remaster
(video games) To produce a new version of a video game with updated graphics, often re-recorded music, and added features and content.
Remake
(transitive) To make a new, especially updated, version of (a film, video game, etc.).
The director wanted to remake some of his favourite films from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Remaster
Synonym of remastering
Remake
A new version of something.
Remake
A new, especially updated, version of a film, video game, etc.
I haven't seen the original film, but the remake was great.
Remake
To make anew.
Remake
Creation that is created again or anew;
It is a remake of an old film
Remake
Make new;
She is remaking her image
Common Curiosities
Can a remake alter the original storyline?
Yes, remakes often change or expand the original plot to provide a new perspective.
What is the main goal of a remake?
To completely reimagine a game or film, making it relevant and appealing to the current audience.
Which is generally more expensive to produce, a remake or a remaster?
A remake, due to its extensive redesign and development efforts.
What is an example of a famous remake?
"Final Fantasy VII Remake" is a famous example, noted for its significant updates and expansions over the original.
Are remasters considered less creative than remakes?
Yes, since remasters do not involve changes to the story or design, just enhancements.
What remains unchanged in a remaster?
The core content, including storyline, characters, and fundamental gameplay.
Do remasters improve gameplay mechanics?
No, remasters focus on improving graphics and audio while keeping gameplay mechanics unchanged.
Is a remake or a remaster better for new audiences?
Remakes are typically better for new audiences due to modernized content.
Can both remakes and remasters be commercially successful?
Yes, both can achieve commercial success, depending on how well they cater to their target audiences.
Can a remaster run on newer platforms?
Yes, remasters are often upgraded to be compatible with newer platforms.
How do remakes appeal to existing fans?
They can offer a refreshing take on beloved classics, though they might also risk alienating purists.
Do remakes always include new features?
Typically, yes, remakes introduce new features or mechanics to enhance the experience.
Why might someone prefer a remaster over a remake?
For the nostalgia of the original with improved visuals and sound.
What drives the decision to remaster an old game or movie?
The desire to preserve the original while making it accessible and enjoyable on modern systems.
What is an example of a famous remaster?
"The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time HD" is a well-known remaster that preserves the original gameplay in high definition.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
