10 Old and Classic Video Games That Should be Remade

Some old games definitely need a new life. Some of them were too good, but they never got a chance to shine in the sequels, or they’ve never been planned for remake due to various reasons.

I made a list of 10 great classic games that definitely deserve to be ‘dug’ out and remade.


Elite

Whoever had computer back in 80’s remembers this game. Elite is probably one of the best games ever. Basically it was space trading and strategy game that introduced revolutionary (for the time) 3D graphics. It inspired many popular online games located in space such as Eve Online, but besides credits never got decent sequel or remake.

How it should be remade: A new sequel, Elite 4 is currently in a development phase that lasts 11 years (started in 1998). I don’t know what developers’ plans are, but I would add keep trading segment, add multiplayer and piracy, and ‘Online’ title after Elite. I’m sure that Elite Online would beat the crap out of EVE and other space MMO games.




Ghost ‘n’ Goblins

I’ve mentioned G’n’G as one of the hardest video games ever in one of our previous articles. It’s been released in 2006 under the name Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins for PSP, but I honestly think that this game could give us more than that.

How it should be remade: You basically fight undead (i.e. zombies) in G’n’G, so making retro Left 4 Dead would be the best idea. There wouldn’t be shotguns or grenades, so the players would have to use swords, spears, crossbows, or improvise with stakes made of broken furniture or pieces of rock off the tombstones (1st Person Stabber). And the only defense against the hordes of blood thirsty undead would be the same lousy armor from the original game. That would make Ghost ‘n’ Goblins adrenaline pumped experience for sure.


The Hobbit

The Hobbit was text based adventure released in 1982. Game of the same name was released in 2003, but that was platform game made in a similar manner to the Legend of Zelda series. Considering that LOTR got several own games in the past few years, including multiplayer version, and that Guillermo Del Torro is working on a movie adaptation of The Hobbit book, fans deserve more out of this game.

How it should be remade: Making a complex RPG with elements of adventure would be prefect for The Hobbit. Adding a ‘massive multiplayer online’ component would be even better. The Hobbit Online maybe sounds silly, but The Hobbit Adventures makes me warm and fuzzy inside.




Gauntlet

Gauntlet was a fantasy-themed hack and slash arcade game, which could be played by one to four players simultaneously, which was pretty unique feature for 1985 when this game was released. Gauntlet was also one of the first true dungeon crawl arcade games, and a game that introduced classes (wizard, warrior, valkyrie and elf). Lines from the game such as "Elf needs food badly!" became part of pop culture, and popular among nostalgic players.

How it should be remade: Since it was already an RPG game, remake should be in similar fashion with graphic engine changes. Apparently, Gauntlet should be released for Nintendo DS today, but apparently it has been postponed again (indefinitely), and rumors about its death circulate on the Internet, followed by petition of support. Gauntlet was a great game and it would be real shame not to remake it, or if Eidos decide to make it for Nintendo only.



Horror games from Atari 2600

Atari 2600 had many good and equal amount of bad games. This console became prominent for adaptation of some of the best horror movies into games: Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Alien. While Alien (on Atari it was Pac-man rip off) has been later adapted in very successful franchise Alien vs Predator, other two titles hadn’t chance to appear in video games again.

How it should be remade: I’ve no idea, but it would be fun to play Leatherface chasing teenagers with a chainsaw, or to play unarmed Laurie Strode who tries to escape and warn her friends, while Michael Myers is after her.





Super Metroid

Super Metroid is an action-platform video game released in 1994 for SNES. This is probably one of the best console games ever, that received highly positive reviews both from critics and players. It was located on fictional planet Zebes, a large, open-ended world with areas connected by doors and elevators.

How it should be remade: It’s been released for Virtual Console two years ago. But I have small request: Leave it as platform. It rocks. But add some graphics changes and release it for PC please. ^_^



Commando

With Bionic Commando’s newest sequel being announced for May 2009, I guess we can hope for remake of the game that started everything. Released in 1985 for most of the platforms of its time, Commando became one of the most popular shooter games ever. It was a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up arcade game that inspired many other later titles.

How it should be remade: FPS would be great. Even recreation of the original view with graphics upgrade is great idea. It would be nice to see Super Joe in action again.





Defender of the Crown

Never before Defender of the Crown had such detailed, colorful and realistic graphics been seen on home computers. Besides amazing graphics, this strategy game had great story set in England in the Middle Ages where, following the death of the king, different factions are fighting for territorial control. It has great strategy battles, tournaments, small action missions and a bit of role-play.

How it should be remade: Because of its complexity, DotC could be a mixture of strategy, adventure and role-playing, with even MMO segment included. Remake of DotC called Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown had been released in 2003, but original DotC offers much more potential to be just turn-based strategy.



Doom

Well, if Duke Nukem Forever is being polished for 12 years, preparing to be released… errm… when it’s done, I don’t see a reason why the landmark game such as Doom wouldn’t have a fresh start under an old name.

How it should be remade: Do I really need to say…







Planescape: Torment

Released ten years ago, Planescape: Torment never got attention it deserved. However, it got praises from the players and it was considered to be the best role-playing game (RPG) of 1999 by critics, but this game that placed emphasis on conversation and storyline rather than combat, should have more appreciation.

How it should be remade: This complex and amazing RPG that blown us away ten years ago, could do the same with graphic engine changes.