# Is a Definitive Edition the Same as a Remake? A Fellow Gamer‘s Perspective - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-a-definitive-edition-the-same-as-a-remake-a-fellow-gamers-perspective/ - Published: 2023-11-02 - Author: Nelson Ayers - Categories: [Basic knowledge & Meaning](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/meaning/) --- Hey friend! As a lifelong gamer and streaming enthusiast, I get asked a lot if picking up the latest definitive edition of a game is worth it. Is it really any different than the original release? Or should we just wait for an actual full remake down the road? Great questions! Let‘s dig into the differences between definitive editions, remasters, and remakes. ## A Quick History of Polishing Games Game publishers have been releasing enhanced and collected editions of games for a long time. Expansion packs for PC games evolved into "Game of the Year" editions bundling DLC and updates. With the rise of digital downloads in the 2000s, definitive editions became popular for consoles too. As technology improves, publishers can release remasters of older titles with graphical upgrades. Eventually, some games get remade entirely for new systems. So what do all these labels mean for us gamers? ## Evaluating the Scope of Changes When a definitive edition is announced, I first look at the scope of changes described. Are they promising enhancements across the board, or just upping the resolution? For example, the _Spyro Reignited Trilogy_ included full 3D model and texture reworks, new lighting, extra gameplay options, and quality of life tweaks. The _Dishonored Definitive Edition_ was only about 4K support and some visual effects. Major changes suggest a transformative definitive edition, while minor tweaks imply a minimal-effort remaster. Read reviews to confirm which it is! ## Comparing Definitive Editions Within Franchises Looking at how definitive editions evolve across a series can illustrate the development effort involved. The initial _Tomb Raider Definitive Edition_ for Xbox One delivered a nice visual boost over the Xbox 360 original. However, _Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition_ also added new tombs, outfits, and an extended ending. Or examine the _Batman: Arkham Collection_ with the first two games getting more substantial upgrades compared to the mild improvements made to _Arkham Knight_. When earlier games in a series get more intensive reworking, that‘s a sign of an impactful definitive edition treatment. ## My Definitive Edition Buying Philosophy So when should we pony up for these definitive editions? Here are my personal guidelines: - **If I missed the original release**, I view the definitive edition as the best way to experience the game for the first time. A remaster is still better than outdated visuals or compatibility issues! - **If a favorite classic gets a major overhaul**, I‘m onboard to relive fond gaming memories in improved quality. The _Age of Empires_ and _Dead Space_ definitive editions look gorgeous. - **When last-gen console games get optimized for current-gen**, like _The Last of Us Part I_ on PS5, the technical boosts and DualSense support are compelling perks. - **If I already replayed the original recently**, I‘m less inclined to double-dip on a definitive edition, unless the changes are dramatic. Gotta pace those purchases! ## The Definitive Edition Dilemma I totally get the frustration when a beloved game inevitably gets re-released. Publishers know our nostalgia is an easy selling point! As gamers, we have to evaluate each definitive edition on its own merits and determine if the changes add up to a fresh experience that justifies revisiting a classic. I try not to buy into the hype and make an informed call based on the specific upgrades offered. The ideal definitive edition honors the original while also enhancing aspects that modern audiences expect, like fluid gameplay at 60fps and dynamic resolution scaling. We want our classics to feel new again, not just recycled! Well friend, let me know your take on definitive editions – worth it or not? I could chat games all day but better get back to my stream. Let‘s squad up soon! --- Source: [Is a Definitive Edition the Same as a Remake? A Fellow Gamer‘s Perspective](https://33rdsquare.com/is-a-definitive-edition-the-same-as-a-remake-a-fellow-gamers-perspective/)