I say skip Captive (the remake, that is, by all means play the game and go straight to a remake of Liberation. Fantastic dystopian/noir atmosphere and nonlinear gameplay. I think a modern version would do very well, especially with cooperative multiplayer.
Liberation was pants period. But yes something along those lines, but the player should not be left running around for hours wondering what the hell to do or where to go; linear gameplay is better than non-linear in my opinion.
The only thing I remember being unique in that game is how you stored items in inventory - slotless - you basically dragged whatever you was carrying to fit in the given space on the screen; that alone was highly original.
Liberation was a huge let down for many players who loved Captive.