Ratchet & Clank

While most remakes of old games give the graphics some polish but leave the dated controls intact, this new and improved version of the PlayStation 2 classic features updated controls as well as visuals. As with the original, this version of Ratchet & Clank has you shooting, smacking, running, jumping, and solving physics problems as you try to save the galaxy. But while this is inspired in equal parts by the original 2002 game and the animated movie based on that game, this is less a straight remake and more of a revamp. Not only does it feature the more intuitive controls of latter installments, but it also has a deeper version of the story, new fun and entertaining guns, as well as weapons and gameplay elements -- such as weapon upgrading -- that were added in later games.

But where Ratchet & Clank really shines is how it mixes all of its elements together seamlessly with a story that's full of genuine humor. As a result, this is one cartoony game that really does appeal to all ages ... well, ages over 10, anyway (you're still shooting and smacking people, y'know). These improvements also don't make this title as good as later ones in the series, which had a greater variety of weapons, places to use them, and ways to get around. Still, this is one remake that mostly feels like a fresh new game for a new audience.