A “remake” is likely more ambitious, and may alter existing levels and systems, or introduce brand-new ones. A “remaster” is likely a visual update with some quality-of-life improvements to reduce friction from playing it in a modern context. When I interviewed several developers working on Capcom’s update to Resident Evil 4, which launches later this week, they specifically told me the project was a “remake.” The terms set expectations.
Nintendo labeled this a “remaster,” not a “remake.” The terms are arbitrary but important. There is nothing else to scratch the itch of Metroid Prime except more Metroid Prime, and it’s what makes revisiting the game curious and rewarding, because it feels like playing it for the first time all over again. Instead, Metroid Prime, with its focus on patient and sometimes purposely frustrating exploration over all else, stands alone. Metroid Prime is broadly recognized as a masterpiece, but in its wake, we have not been flooded with dozens of imitators. A huge reason people clamored for Nintendo to revisit Metroid Prime, whether through a re-release or a new game, is because to this day, Metroid Prime feels wholly unique.
