Best Remake Second Place Third Place

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a game which needs little introduction. When it was originally released on the N64, it thrust the Zelda series into the realm of 3D in a manner no other series, not even Mario, had been able to do. Zelda games, with their focus on exploration and tactical combat, were a perfect match for three dimensional gameplay. The result was not only one of the best Zelda games of all time, but also one of the best games of all time.

How does one improve upon such greatness? Despite being a fine-looking N64 game, its textures certainly show their age. Enter Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 3DS. Applying a fresh coat of paint to the classic, Ocarina of Time 3D features a completely reinvigorated visual style. More than just a simple polishing of graphics, locations now feature additional details to make houses and dungeons feel more alive. Nintendo even added visual cues to the infamous Water Temple to make it less frustrating.

The controls are adapted nicely to the 3DS as well, and make the flow of gameplay much quicker. All menus are now touch-based, which makes switching items a breeze. The circle pad manages to feel more natural than the original N64 controls. The only disappointment is the lack of updated music. Still, Ocarina of Time 3D successfully updates an all-time classic for the modern age, even if you play it with the 3D slider off.

While the 3DS held our favorite re-release of the year, the PSP got both of the runner ups. RPGamers that missed out in the original, critically acclaimed game from the PlayStation era were finally able to get a second chance to play one of the best tactical RPGs of all time with this year's remake of Tactics Ogre. And if that wasn't enough, the PSP was also home to yet another re-release of Final Fantasy IV. What made this version stand out was the addition of The After Years, allowing fans who didn't want to pay for all the WiiWare episodes a chance to play this sequel story along with the original.

by Mike Apps and Michael Cunningham