Along with the Xbox 360, the PS3 is the first console to be made specifically for high-definition consoles. Many publishers took advantage of the HDTV (and Sony removing PS2 backwards compatibility from the hardware revisions following the launch units) to re-release PS2 games with revamped graphics and trophies support on the PlayStation 3. So which remastered collection ended up being the best?
10. Zone of the Enders HD Collection
Hideo Kojima may be best known for the Metal Gear Solid series but he is also responsible for one of the best pure action games of all time. Even though Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner suffered from issues at launch, a patch was eventually released to resolved the problems. While the first game of the series was also included, it pales in comparison to the sequel. Zone of the Enders HD Collection is still worth it for the second game alone.
9. Jak and Daxter Collection
Before The Last of Us and Uncharted, Naughty Dog developed the Jak and Daxter series on the PS2. The first Jak and Daxter game is more of a traditional platformer while Jak II and Jak 3 are based more on action. Although the two sequels divided the fan base, the Jak and Daxter Collection should still provide plenty of entertainment value for Naughty Dog fans.
8. Devil May Cry: HD Collection
The first Devil May Cry game revolutionized the action genre with its stylish combo-based gameplay. The third game refined the same mechanics to become one of the best action games ever created that still hold up exceedingly well today. Even with the hugely disappointing Devil May Cry 2 included, the Devil May Cry: HD Collection is worth the price just for the first and third games of the trilogy.
7. Ratchet & Clank Collection
The Ratchet & Clank series made a successful transition to the PS3 despite the decline of the platformer genre in the high-definition era. The Ratchet & Clank Collection features the first three mainline releases on the PS2: Ratchet and Clank, Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando and Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal. Fans of the series will be able to experience the evolution of the refined mechanics found in the PS3 games.
6. The Sly Collection
The third of the three popular platformer franchises that received the high-definition remastered treatment is Sly Cooper. The first game is more of a traditional platforming experience with the raccoon using his stealth skills to navigate linear environments. For the two sequels, Sucker Punch Productions went with a more open-world approach. All three are worth playing in The Sly Collection.
5. God of War Collection and God of War Origins Collection
God of War Collection is the compilation that started the craze of remastered games on the PS3. It gives fans a chance to experience God of War and God of War II with improved graphics. God of War Origins Collection, which contains God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghosts of Sparta, is also worth owning. Sony eventually bundled both compilations with the God of War: Saga Collection.
4. Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster
Final Fantasy X introduced many new changes to the legendary role-playing series. It was the first game to feature voice acting and also got rid of the active time battle system from previous games. In spite of its linear nature, the video game remains one of the most beloved Final Fantasy game. Final Fantasy X-2 offers a very different experience that is still worth playing as well. The Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster collection is rounded off with a new epilogue that takes place after the events of the second game.
3. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix
Although the Kingdom Hearts games were extremely popular on the PS2, a game from the series won’t be built from the ground up on the PS3. Instead, Square Enix decided to release two remastered collections. Fans of the series are treated with the final mix versions of Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. The rest of the content in Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix are just extra gravy.
2. Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection
Ico and Shadow of the Colossus are two of the most celebrated, but also overlooked, games on the PS2. Despite the lack of popularity, Sony was more than willing to released the remastered versions of both classic titles. Perhaps more than any other games, Shadow of the Colossus benefited the most from the makeover as the choppy frame rate from the PS2 version has been stabilized. The gorgeous artwork-like visuals of the two games looked even better on high-definition resolution in the Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection as well.
1. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
The Metal Gear Solid series has perhaps the most dedicated fan base in gaming. The Metal Gear Solid HD Collection includes Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. All three game provide different high-quality experiences.
For instance, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty expanded on the close quarters sneaking elements found in the first game. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater added on the same concept by using more open outdoor environments. Last but not least, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker introduced online cooperative play to the series.