Are HD collections a scam?

[Reprise]

They're not a scam, they're exactly what they say they are. A HD re-release collection. Those who missed them the first time or were too young have a chance to try them out, or those who fancy the improved picture may want them.

I own SotC on PS2, but it didn't stop me re-buying the HD version on PS3, and I don't feel ripped off in the slightest.

[Menegrothx]

I still dont see why they cant release the games in PSN if their only intent is to introduce new players to the game.
HD collection with 2 or 3 games=45-60 euros
An individual classic game from PSN=4-8 euros

[retrosportsgamer]

I think these are great since you're getting 2 or 3 games for $40 (that's a just released "new" price) - they look great and if you missed them the first time around (there are many that I did), it's a great deal.

[Jmustang1968]

I still dont see why they cant release the games in PSN if their only intent is to introduce new players to the game.
HD collection with 2 or 3 games=45-60 euros
An individual classic game from PSN=4-8 euros

They upgrade the textures and resolution, make the games look better and then package them up and re release them. Sounds like a good plan for those who want it. If it doesn't interest you or it isn't worth it to you if you own the original, simply pass on it. Those who want it will enjoy it. The god of war hd games look a good bit better than the originals on my 55" LED. If I was playing on an older tv then it wouldn't matter as much...

The psn games are just direct and nearly untouched ports.

These games are only a scam if they weren't what was described. But they are accurately marketed an a decent gaming value as you get a touched up bundle of classic games from the last generation for a fair price.

I also don't get how you complain about hd releases and in the same post also recommend or wish for other series to get an hd re release...

[isiolia]

I don't think the releases themselves are a scam. Plenty of good reasons have already been given for them, and I tend to like the option being there.

That said, what I do feel is something of a scam, sometimes, is that newer consoles could be providing a similar experience without requiring customers to repurchase the games. It feels like the potential of backwards compatibility on newer consoles is deliberately hamstrung in order to create/maintain a market to resell older titles.

[Jmustang1968]

While I appreciate backwards compatibility, it isn't that tough to hold onto or acquire a $40 ps2... even with backwards compatibility, the games wouldn't be getting the hd treatment.

[Menegrothx]

I also don't get how you complain about hd releases and in the same post also recommend or wish for other series to get an hd re release...

Read my original post. What I said is that from what I have personally seen so far, it seems that most HD remakes dont really deliver what they promise, when the Wikipedia article clearly states that they include updated graphics. My example of that was a gameplay video of Jak and Daxter HD which to my eyes didnt look any different than the original game.
I dont have a problem with updating old game's graphics nor do I have with reselling old games on new systems, but when I see an old game being sold as a HD remake, then I expect to see a noticeable difference in the graphics department. If they remade Maniac Mansion with Sam&Max/The Curse of Monkey Island level graphics or Silent Hill 1 with Silent Hill 2/3 level graphics, then I would call it a legit remake/remaster and I would instantly buy it. I dont have a problem with the Resident Evil 1 remake on Gamecube, the difference in graphics is noticeable and it has new content.

If I buy a HD remake, I expect to get an old game that has been graphically improved, not the exactly same game I bought 4 to 8 years ago. Either make proper remakes of old games or sell them as they are.

The psn games are just direct and nearly untouched ports.

Isnt that the point?
If younger people and people who missed the last console generation want to experience the games, they can buy them for a small price through PSN and play them on their PS3 consoles with out having to track down the original game and a PS1/PS2.

[isiolia]

While I appreciate backwards compatibility, it isn't that tough to hold onto or acquire a $40 ps2... even with backwards compatibility, the games wouldn't be getting the hd treatment.

With consideration for what emulation has accomplished on the PC, I'd have to assume that at least something in between the original and an HD rerelease would be possible. PCSX2 or Dolphin allow for 1080p rendering of PS2 or Gamecube/Wii, or going back, bleem! allowed for higher resolutions and graphics filters than a regular PS1, and predated the PS2.

[Jmustang1968]

If I buy a HD remake, I expect to get an old game that has been graphically improved, not the exactly same game I bought 4 to 8 years ago. Either make proper remakes of old games or sell them as they are.
PS2.

The graphics and resolutions look better to me, atleast on the god of war and ico/sotc games. Are you sure the vids you were watching were set on the proper resolution? Many of times youtube and such will default to 360p or 480p on videos and the hd version won't look improved on low res video...

Are you also basing this entire argument on 1 jak gameplay vid? Have you played them to see the actual difference? I promise the resolutions and textures are improved. The graphics are somewhere in between ps2 and ps3. They aren't quite up to par with new ps3 releases, they look closer to early ps3 games. The better the games graphics to begin with seems to translate better to the hd remakes.

RE1 remake was a complete remake and standalone title at full retail price. You can't compare that to a discounted bundle of games with an hd makeover.

[Menegrothx]

Are you also basing this entire argument on 1 jak gameplay vid? Have you played them to see the actual difference?

No and no. I dont want to risk my money just so I could see what the difference is like on a real console, espescially since I own most of the games already. Also as a game collector/retro gamer, as far as physical copies are concerned, I prefer to play games on their original consoles as long as its not ridicolously more expensive, like playing Sonic Adventure 2 on Dreamcast rather than Gamecube, Gex on 3DO instead of PS1 etc as the original version of the game is the one with the historic value. I'm planning to buy the SOTC/ICO remake and maybe the God of War and Sly remakes as I only own GOW 1 and Sly 3, but I wont be buying them before they are dirt cheap, so it'll probably take years before I get to see for myself what a HD remake looks like in real life. Before that, youtube is all I've got

RE1 remake was a complete remake and standalone title at full retail price. You can't compare that to a discounted bundle of games with an hd makeover.

I would gladly pay a full retail price for a proper remake of some outdated classic (C-tape/Floppy disk/Early 3D). Most of these HD remake bundles that I've seen in a store have been going for 45-55e, while the original PS2 games can be bought for 5-10e a piece. SOTC and ICO are more expensive though.