The good old days, right?
Everything seems to have been better in hindsight. The air was cleaner, the food nutritious, and the games were better.
While nostalgia is still rife, there has been a recent uptick in remodeling classic PS games. In retrospect, games lacked 3D graphics, but the gameplay was unparalleled. Since we have technology at our disposal, we already see remakes of the retro games.
As we reminisce the glory days of our games, it is prudent we analyze some of the old-school games that deserve a remake. And others the developer shouldn’t tinker with for any purpose.
Note: It was tough to narrow it down to the top games. The inaugural PS featured some iconic games that would still make waves today. However, we looked at overall gameplay and modern console compatibility to decide.
TimeSplitters 2
No other game did players pour dozens of hours into shooting than TimeSplitters 2. The game was issued a license to shoot in a riotous world. You could battle just about anyone, even monkeys!
The free for all shooting game had zany sound effects and the most appealing element – unparalleled insanity levels. Free Radical, the developer behind TimeSplitters 2, went out of business. It means our hopes of a remake should best remain repressed.
However, inside Sony’s bag of tricks, we have emulation tech. Sony may just pull off the reconstruct and introduce multiplayer gamepad compatibility to offer unparalleled gaming on multiplayer online modes.
Silent Hill
Many regard Silent Hill as the most horror-filled enthralling game. It fits the mold due to the demonic turns it takes as you carry out the critical mission; search for your daughter.
Silent Hill was shrouded in mystery and made it more fun. You couldn’t see a few feet ahead of you and were apprehensive when opening doors.
Playing Resident Evil today seems to tickle the fancy of many young players. But they won’t know the joy of playing a real horror game unless there’s a remake of Silent Hill.
The developers can also get inventive with better graphics and fluid mobility. The tech-savvy creators would be better off linking the game to the best online casino bonuses site for an extra kick. In-game purchases and getting a bonus is an added advantage.
But err on the side of caution to avoid spoiling the experience of the original Silent Hill we used to and still adore.
Ape Escape
We will go bananas (pun intended) if they remake Ape Escape. The iconic game had simple gameplay, capturing the ape.
Specter was an intelligent ape who acquired his intelligence through an experimental ape and attempted to rewrite humanity’s history by sending an army of apes back in time. Tasked with stopping the cray cray Specter was Spike.
You would play as Spike, using different weapons battling through the Snow in China and helping Dexter, the sick Dinosaur. The exclusive PS game was alluring yet straightforward.
We are long overdue past an Ape Escape remake. Sony, please do something. We would love our boy Spike back with an HD treatment given to him.
Vagrant Story
Essentially Vagrant Story is the retro Fantasy XII. It is no surprise since the creative mind behind the two games is Yasumi Matsuno, the acclaimed triangle strategist.
The game takes place in the desolate city of Ivalice, where you play as Ashley Riot. Riot’s mission is to capture a cult leader who kidnapped the Duke’s son.
Vagrant Story’s rich storyline and hyper-focus on Ashley are why it is evidently the best ROG classic game. The only downside is the graphics which were better on CRT displays. Today’s liquid and progressive displays can’t handle such low resolutions.
Square Enix will have to be inventive with its HD treatment and the remaking of the game. The most cinematic RPG game has a huge fan base. Fantasy XII players will love the unique blend of cinema, lighting, and composition in the Vagrant Story remake.
Twisted Metal
No remake list would be complete without a combat game. Uniquely enough, we present a vehicular combat game that deserves remaking and better online modes.
Twisted Metal was drenched in nihilism, albeit trashy graphics and scenes. You would drive around in your ideal vehicle collecting power ups and weapons to blast your opponents. The game’s mascot was a deranged clown in an ice-cream truck.
Other drivers seemed to have it in for you and would rocket launch your car at the slightest provocation. You would get blasted for no apparent reason sometimes.
The 1995 classic would change the game space of vehicular combat. The remake would address the immediate need for an exclusively vehicular combat game.
Xenogears
Xenogears blends controversy, religion, time battle, and up-tempo music into one cocktail. The retro game rules the roost for JRPGs. But the second remake is off-putting compared to the first.
Xenogears director Tetsuya Takahashi admitted to not having enough staff to finish developing the game as planned. Instead of leaving us with a cliffhanger, the creators decided to end it as they deemed fit.
Xenogears involves battling gears which are giant robots in a mecha-science-themed game. The infamous first adaptation faced backlash due to its religious themes. The controversial nature of the game prompted a second adaption.
Disgruntled fans who played the inaugural Xenogears know the second adaption lacks key game-enhancing features. Remodeling of the game should be in the cards for Xenogears creators.
Outlook
Kids today won’t know how great it was to eke out exceptional performances in the retro games. Maybe they will with the remakes of the game. Ultimately it boils down to Sony’s emulation technology and efforts to include online modes and remakes for the above games.