As physical copies go out of print and hardware improves, leaving certain formats behind, it becomes necessary to re-release games, so that new generations can play them and old fans can relive them. Not every game is so lucky to be preserved for years to come through new editions. The following games are not only lucky, but they also hit the jackpot.
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They have so many re-releases, you’d be hard-pressed to find a console they don’t run on. While it is pretty difficult to dispute any of the entries below, we also have to acknowledge that things get muddy when it comes to what differentiates a re-release and a port, especially with some of the older games on this list. At the very least, a re-release has some new content and improvements between editions, or comes out a significantly long time after the initial version.
8Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4started out as a GameCube exclusive, but the first time it was released on another
console was on the PS2 less than a year later. Though the graphics were downgraded, it included new content. Then,it came out for the Nintendo Wii in 2007,a version that still has the exclusive ability to shoot using motion-controls.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 saw an HD re-release, only to be made obsolete by yet another HD re-release for the PS4 and Xbox One. The Nintendo Switch version in 2019 allowed you to take this masterpiece on the go, while the Oculus release fully immerses you into the world. Counting all these, you’re looking at upwards of six distinct releases, not counting PlayStation and Xbox as separate releases.
7Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Bethesda’s legendary 2011 RPG is the butt of jokes for how often it is re-released. In reality,Skyrimonly just gets the ball rolling when it comes to this list. Even counting the first game of the year edition for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, you’re looking at over six re-releases. Most of these at least have their own distinct names.
The PS4 and Xbox 360 remaster was called the Legendary Edition while the next-gen upgrade was called the Anniversary Edition. The Nintendo Switch release was also special because it was the first time in decades Bethesda worked with Nintendo.
6Final Fantasy
Every numberedFinal Fantasygame, except13 and 15, has been re-released - even 15 has the Pocket Edition. With the first game, there are way more re-releases than you probably realize. The PS1, Game Boy Advance, PSP, and recent Pixel Remaster are just the tip of the iceberg and already give it a spot on this list.
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You can also add a bunch of older versions from systems like the Wonder Swan, the MSX2, and the Family Computer, all of which have their own bells and whistles.
5Super Mario Bros.
The re-releases ofSuper Mario Bros.start all the way back on the NES. A version of it came out shortly after the initial release on the Japan-exclusive Famicom Disk System. Of course, it was also a part of Super Mario All-Stars with improved graphics.
With the way Nintendo releases their first-party games, you could consider every version released digitally for consoles from the Wii onward re-releases, especially the ones you had to pay for. There are also versions you likely have not heard of,like Vs. Super Mario Bros. in the arcadesand Super Mario Bros. Special for computers in Japan.
4Doom
After its initial PC release,Doomwas released on almost every console under the sun at the time, to varying degrees of success. Of course, it was unreasonable to think that the SNES version could stack up to the PC. Every version retains the same levels, though sometimes fewer of them, but has differences of their own in the graphics and soundtrack.
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Through the decades, Doom has seen steady standalone releases all the way up to the PS4 and Xbox One. It also remains playable on modern PCs where it is easy to find and buy digitally. Even if the 90s console releases are considered ports instead of re-releases, the newer ones more than makeup for it to earn Doom a spot on this list. Also, if we were counting devices other than gaming platforms, Doom would be in forst place by a mile.
3Street Fighter 2
Arcade games get upgrades all the time, butStreet Fighter 2actually put new editions with new titles into arcades and the home consoles. Each of these adds a new twist or feature to keep fans coming back for more.
The consoles of the time in 1992 received versions of their own, andStreet Fighter 2 is readily available on many modern consolesthanks to digital re-releases on online marketplaces. Even with several sequels out and about, it is unlikely Street Fighter 2 will stop receiving re-releases. It is simply that legendary.
2Dragon’s Lair
When we say Dragon’s Lair, we are talking about the gameplayed exclusively through quick-time events and good timing.
Even just talking about the animated version, you’re able to find numerous re-releases on home-video formats like DVD, Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and Laser Disc. Some formats even have several re-releases in one. With perfect timing, the game can be beaten in a matter of minutes, but its impact on gaming lends itself to all these releases.
1Tetris
The story behindTetris’creation and the legal struggles surrounding the early years of its distribution is absolutely fascinating. No other game compares to Tetris in terms of cultural impact, longevity, and widespread adoration. This is most certainly why it is easy to find an official version of Tetris and just about every electronic device you can find.
This is not even talking about spin-offs or sequels. Tetris is probably the most ubiquitous video game out there. While different versions have slight variations and are aesthetically different, they all count toward being re-releases.
