Across the history of gaming, countless titles have left a significant mark, some spawning enduring franchises while others faded into obscurity despite their impact. For many of these latter games, there's no clear reason for their decline, but the passage of time and technological advancement present a compelling case for their revival through modern remakes. Here are ten classic video games that warrant a second chance to capture audiences with updated presentations and balanced gameplay.
RPG Revivals
The 7th Saga, originally released in 1993 and known as Elnard in Japan, featured a unique premise of seven adventurers pursuing the same crystals in a grim fantasy world. While its North American release was notoriously difficult, potentially alienating players with excessive grinding, its core concepts of separate character progression, impressive visuals for its era, and a useful crystal ball for avoiding encounters offered significant depth. A remake could easily rectify the balance issues and bring this intriguing RPG to a wider audience.
Similarly, Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen, which began a notable JRPG franchise on the Super Nintendo, offered a departure from typical turn-based adventures. Players commanded large armies, scouted maps, and engaged in strategic battles that played out automatically based on unit placement and class. Despite its depth and replayability, neither the original nor its N64 follow-up have received significant updates in decades. A modern take could revitalize this deep strategy RPG.
Panzer Dragoon Saga, a highly regarded but infamously hard-to-access RPG, is a prime candidate for a remake. The original source code is reportedly lost, making direct ports difficult. However, a full remake, akin to Square Enix's efforts with Final Fantasy VII, could make this critically acclaimed title accessible to modern players who currently face exorbitant prices for original copies. Unauthorized fan projects are currently the primary hope for experiencing this game.
Skies of Arcadia, launched on the Dreamcast, presented a vibrant world of sky islands and airships, blending traditional JRPG mechanics with captivating visuals and a compelling narrative. Despite ports to GameCube and PlayStation 2, the franchise has remained dormant. With a significant visual upgrade and considering the growth of the JRPG audience, a remake could finally bring this beloved game the widespread success it deserves.
Nintendo's StarTropics, an NES gem, also merits a revival. The game's blend of island exploration, action combat, and puzzle-solving, centered around protagonist Mike Jones, offered a unique experience. While tile-based dungeons presented challenges, the game's distinct environments and atmosphere are memorable. A remake on current hardware could introduce this overlooked franchise to a new generation of players who appreciate offbeat adventures.
God Games and Racing
Populous, Peter Molyneux's pioneering "god game" from 1989, allowed players to guide a civilization by shaping landscapes and earning mana to conquer rivals. Though the series saw entries up to 1998 and a troubled spiritual successor in Godus, a direct reboot of the original Populous is long overdue. Its innovative gameplay could resonate with modern players seeking unique strategy experiences.
Beetle Adventure Racing, released in 1999, offered a high-quality arcade racing experience with vibrant environments and secret shortcuts, even beginning development as part of the Need for Speed series. While licensing and the scattering of the original development team present hurdles, a straightforward remake with updated visuals could recapture the fun of this underappreciated racer.
Unique Arcade Experiences
Toobin', a 1988 arcade game that translated well to home consoles, provided simple yet engaging fun as players navigated a river in inner tubes. Despite the advancements in water and environmental rendering, the game never received a sequel. A straightforward remake leveraging modern technology could make this timeless arcade experience a hit once again, though past attempts at spiritual successors suggest publishers may be hesitant.
Paperboy, the classic 1985 arcade game where players delivered newspapers by bike, has seen several iterations but remains largely absent from modern hardware. Even a basic 3D reinterpretation of the original or its NES counterpart, potentially incorporating elements from its sequel, could prove highly enjoyable. Its continued absence from current platforms is a significant oversight.
Seafaring Adventures
Uncharted Waters, a compelling 1990 NES title that offered a rich mix of seafaring combat, trade, and exploration, never gained significant traction outside Japan after its Super Nintendo follow-up. While recent mobile and PC entries have strayed from the original's appeal, Steam ports of the first two games lack English support. A faithful remake with modern resources could revive this unique historical RPG simulation.