Is it a “remake”, a “remaster”, a “re-release”, what?

While working on a review for Skyward Sword HD, a thought crossed my mind: “Should I call this a remaster?” When I think of a remaster, I think of something like Spyro Reignited Trilogy where the graphics are completely overhauled and made to look brand new. Skyward Sword HD of course didn’t fit that bill. But it also didn’t feel right just calling it a “re-release” either, because Skyward Sword HD is still undoubtedly an improvement over the original, having a better resolution and frame rate as well as a number of quality of life improvements in the gameplay.

Then it occurred to me: we have all these terms for a re-release of a game — “remake”, “remaster”, “port” — yet each one tells us nothing about the nature of the re-release.

That ends today. Henceforth, in this blog, the following definitions will apply:

Port: A game being released on a console/system within the same generation as the original, usually not long after the original’s release. Ports have few, if any, improvements over the original. Typically the only changes that are made are those necessary to release it on the new system. Examples include the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC and the release of Among Us on the Nintendo Switch.

Re-release: A game being released on a newer console/system, typically years after the release of the original. Similar to ports, few, if any, improvements are made over the original and the only changes made are those necessary to release it on the new system (though a little more leeway is given on this). Examples include Chrono Trigger for iOS and each of the games in Super Mario 3D All Stars for the Nintendo Switch.

Upgraded Release: A game being released on a newer console/system that has tangible improvements over the original, in most cases including a better resolution and/or frame rate. This may also include new content, a remastered soundtrack, significant improvements to the gameplay, etc. Examples include Okami HD for various consoles and Ni No Kuni Remaster for various consoles.

Remaster: A game being released on a newer console/system with completely overhauled graphics made to take advantage of the newer console’s better hardware. Examples include Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Modern Warfare 2 Remastered.

Remake: A game being released on a newer console/system having been completely redesigned from scratch. The only example of this that I know of so far is Final Fantasy VII Remake.

These definitions will hopefully provide more clarity and allow me to explain re-releases in a more concise manner. I may end up having to tweak these definitions a little in the future as more games in grey areas are considered, but this will give us a solid foundation to work off of.