One hot take has ignited a firestorm within the gaming community, centering around the 2018 remake of Mario Kart 8. Disgruntled players are at odds over whether this game received preferential treatment compared to others, particularly citing The Last of Us 2 remake as an example that faced criticism. The claim that Nintendo titles get a free pass for everything has been met with backlash from players who argue that Mario Kart 8’s remake offers substantial added content, making it deserving of its existence.
Players defending the Mario Kart 8 remake highlight the inclusion of six new characters and several new maps, enhancing an already extensive roster. In contrast, The Last of Us Part 1’s remake for the PlayStation 5 failed to introduce any significant new features for the latest console generation, leading players to question its necessity. Even the fact that the game was “rebuilt from the ground up” did not save it from gamers’ dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, the lack of backward compatibility between the Switch and the Wii U adds weight to the argument for remakes or remasters. Players are unable to access titles from older generations on the Switch, making new forms of beloved games all the more appealing.
The remake model proves highly profitable for game developers, as demonstrated by the success of franchises like Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us, which sold 37 million copies over nine years. Mario Kart 8 is also one of the best-selling titles throughout the lifespan of the Switch.
Recent releases, such as the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4, have garnered positive reviews by introducing changes to the plot, new characters, and graphical updates. This marks the tenth time Resident Evil 4 has made the leap to a new console, showcasing the demand for refreshed versions of beloved games.
With potential remakes of iconic titles like Silent Hill 2 and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on the horizon, game developers must take note of the controversy sparked on October 9th to ensure they fully satisfy gamers’ expectations.
Source: DOTESPORTS
