I played the original twice, 2008 I think? Also bought the original from EA on sale, but stopped as everything unlocked - no challenge or feeling of reward when getting a new upgrade etc.
Anyway, to your question the remake is an improvement. Of course it takes a fairly powerful rig to get the most out of it I have ROG Strix RTX 3080ti. I have had no stutter, all smooth, no crashes at all. Also it may be my age, but I feel it's a bit harder that the original. Also there is more freedom to bo back and do side missions, or do them as they come.
So, you are missing nothing, and getting a game with great graphics (with right Hardware). There are extra side missions too. The original is now considered a real classic space/horror so I don't want to compare subjectively. Technically the new one is far better.
P.S I know many people will strongly disagree with me as there are many posts about various smal - l and serious bugs - none story progression and more. But I have experienced none of that, just a demanding game which tales a bit of time to get right in NV control panel (or AMD equiv.) and set graphics in game. I was able to re-set graphics menu 3 times and now running all on Ultra with DLSS quality or whatever it's called in AA option. TAA is available too. In fact I've maxed it out now. My CPU btw is i9-9900ks OCed to 5.2GHz stable, matches my GPU well.
I can't complain as simply everything is running very well indeed. I don't know, maybe I am lucky? But absolutely the remake is the best IMO regardless of having played the original or not.
I use EA app, not via Steam, but that should make no difference. Also my xbox 1 wireless controller works perfectly. I wasn't sure about that, but it does. Switch on before starting the game.
Enjoy - and take time/read up on graphics settings. I say that due to the many posts of folks who have had various glitches.
Community ManagerI understand that. When I play games like this, I attempt to do 100% because I like the challenge. I've played some games where I got awesome content at the end, and I thought to myself - well I'm basically done with the game. Why give this now?
I've built my own rig but the GPU isn't quite what yours is but for the most part, it is pretty smooth for me. I've noticed that it is a bit harder but for me I like it. Going back to things you missed for me is the important part. I don’t want to have to follow a guide in case I miss something that I needed or for an achievement. It is okay to be objective. The original will always be a classic. Comparing them is okay for gameplay, mechanics, controls, etc. They did the same thing with Mass Effect. Original updates/controls or new ones with a different feel.
I have to admit your setup does beat my own, so I can only imagine for you it runs much smoother. Im close but I think you may process those GPU settings far better than I do. There are a lot of posts on things that I get and it is hard to meet all of those expectations. I've been in the gaming industry for years so I've seen it all when it comes to what players want and expect out of a game. We the gamers are the ones to immerse ourselves in that world so we have an expectation to be satisfied. Bugs happen sure but we all remember the Skyrim days. Those bugs were crazy sometimes.
Being one of my favorite games or horror/sci-fi games, it is always nice to hear another fan say it is one of their favorite games. Makes this job more worth it. I cannot play without my Xbox controller. I tried. It isn't the pc controls are bad either, but after years of a controller in your hand, it is what you are used to.
