Remakes have become increasingly popular over the last decade, but at this point there are so many classic games that it is impossible for them all to get a remake. It seems that with every remake released the outcry over certain titles being neglected grows louder. A lot of games on this list are from the late 1990s. This was a time when 3D games were new and developers were still trying to figure out how to properly make them. Many of these titles are over twenty years old and have very vocal and loyal fan bases who have been demanding a remake since the early days of the PS3 and Xbox360. Here are ten great games of the past that will hopefully get a remake in 2020.
10Shenmue
Few game franchises seem to have as loyal a fan base as theShenmueseries. For those that have never played this game,Shenmueis an open world game set in Japan that focuses a lot on exploration and adventure. There was aShenmue HDremake released years ago, but this was not a true remake as most of the assets from the original were reused.
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The result certainly looked better, but at the same time it didn’t really feel like much effort went into this remake. Sega had announced it was thinking of a full remake, but then cancelled this project in 2018. Hopefully they will decide to reverse course and give fans the remake they have been demanding for well over a decade.
9Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
AlthoughGrand Theft Auto IIIreally began the rebirth of the series and brought it into the realm of 3D games, it wasVice Citythat made the series the sales juggernaut it is today. In 2010 Rockstar released an updated version ofVice City, but for mobile platforms (and it was not well received). We all know that Rockstar is working onGrand Theft Auto VI, and that it is going to be set in Vice City. It’s probably too much to hope that Rockstar will use the updated assets and game engine forGTA VIto give fans a true remake ofVice City.
8Ape Escape
Younger gamers have probably never heard ofApe Escape, or only know about it from the game’s protagonist being inPlayStation All-Stars Battle Royalefor the PS3. This was the first game to use the new (at the time) dual shock controller for the PlayStation.Ape Escapeis considered by many to be the best action/platformer released for the PS1, and currently has a Metacritic score of 90. This game is now over twenty years old and has only been remade once – for the Sony PSP. The PSP version was not well received by fans and critics though.
7Jumping Flash
With the ever increasing popularity of VR headsets many game publishers are looking for a game that will define the accessory, and become synonymous with quality VR games. If any retro game deserves a remake for use with VR headsets it isJumping Flash. If updated with a new game engine like Unreal or Unity this could be one of the most thrilling of VR experiences. The game was released for thePlayStationin 1995, and is credited as being the first true 3D platformer, but it is actually based on a similar game calledGeograph Sealfor the Sharp X68000 system.
6Jet Force Gemini
Jet Force Geminiwas one of the best games released for the Nintendo 64 console. It was made by Rare, who was one of the best game developers of the 1990’s and responsible for classics such asGoldenEye 007andDonkey Kong Country.Jet Force Geminiis a 3D third-person action/shooter with so many added extras that it was more like two games in one (it also had a racing mini-game).
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The game had three main characters that the player could choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.Jet Force Geminialso featured very robust multiplayer options; which included four-player local deathmatches and a two player co-op mode.
5Dino Crisis
Dino Crisiswas released for the PlayStation in 1999, and has since been labeled as a “hidden gem” and “forgotten classic”. The game is basicallyResident EvilmeetsJurassic Park. The A.I. governing the dinosaurs’ behavior was praised at the time, and their animation was carefully modeled on present day reptiles. The game suffered from the blocky polygons, low-res textures, and (worst of all) tank controls. Using a modern game engine, and the standard third-person controller layout of modern games, this could be a flagship franchise for Capcom going into the 9th console generation. There have been some fan-created remakes ofDino Crisis, but an official remake from Capcom is long overdue.
4Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
Tenchuis a 3D action/stealth game similar toMetal Gear Solid, but set in 16th century Japan. This game also had a fairly high difficulty level that is similar to games likeDark Souls. The game was critically acclaimed at the time for its enemy A.I. and stealth mechanics.
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The rights to the franchise has changed hands a few times; first from Sony to Acclaim, and then from Acclaim to FromSoftware in 2004. As popular as action/stealth games have become it is surprising that this franchise has not been given a remake. Until then, gamers will have to tide themselves over with games likeSekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
3Planescape: Torment
Planescape: Tormentis a game set in the outer planes of the Dungeons & Dragons universe. This game used a modified version of the game engine used for theBaldur’s GateandIcewind Daleseries, and was a contemporary of those two classic franchises. With the upcoming release ofBaldur’s Gate 3, many gamers have been wondering whenPlanescape: Tormentwould get some attention. This game was critically acclaimed back when it was released, and has aMetacriticscore of 91. Until we get a remake, there is always thePlanscape: Torment Enhanced Editionfrom Beamdog.
2Mega Man Legends
TheMega Mangames were always 2D side scrolling platformers; that is until the release ofMega Man Legendsfor the PlayStation in 1998. This first attempt at a 3DMega Mangame received mixed reviews; with most of the complaints being leveled at the use of tank controls. As withDino Crisis, updated graphics and modern controllers featuring dual analog sticks for movement would greatly improve this game. The firstMega Man Legendsgame is notable for introducing Tron Bonne and her Servbots into theMega Manuniverse. This game included game mechanics that were uncommon at the time, but are now quite common – like the ability to grab onto ledges and a player controlled camera view.
1Final Fantasy VI (Final Fantasy III in North America)
The imminent release of theFinal Fantasy VIIremake in March has a lot of gamers wondering when we might get aFinal Fantasy VIremake.Final Fantasy VI, titledFinal Fantasy IIIin North America, was a ground-breaking title for the Super Nintendo. In fact, many consider this the best game released for the system. The characters and story are among the most memorable in theFinal Fantasyfranchise, and the word “perfect” is often used in descriptions of this legendary title. It would be great to see this game remade into a 3D title; however, a game as beloved asFinal Fantasy VIshould be changed as little as possible for a remake.
NEXT:5 PS1 Games That Have Aged Well (& 5 That Haven’t)
