Much like zombies, some games never seem to die. This week we’re begging to breathe life back into some old favorites of ours. These games have stood the test of time and are ready to be seen by the newest generation of gamer. What makes these games a classic? And what makes these games worthy of seeing the light once again? Good thing we’re here to tell you.
10. MechAssault
Yet another Sci-fi FPS for the Xbox fan boys, but this one counts for a little more. MechAssault was one of the first games on Xbox able to be played on the Xbox Live service (where fuckboys began!) While the game is your generic Sci-fi shooter, there is something to be said for piloting an assault mech. Makes you feel powerful. The story follows the player as they uncover a dangerous, technology-worshipping cult.
The multiplayer is really where MechAssault shines, though. Being one of the first games on Xbox Live, it set a precedence for online games to come. A reboot of this game would introduce new online Xbox players to the mechanic multiplayer of the past. And come one, who can resist giant fighting robots?
Ah yes, adventure, animals, and aliens. Star Tropics had all the elements for one hell of a Sci-fi RPG. You take control of a boy named “Mike,” who is on the hunt for his missing archaeologist uncle, Dr. Steven Jones. You shortly discover that your uncle has been abducted by aliens. Armed with only a yo-yo, you embark on an adventure like no other. Once reaching your uncle at a crashed UFO, you are given the chance to save an almost extinct race of aliens. Of course there is a happy ending, with the saved aliens taking up residence on your uncle’s island for the remainder of time.
RPGs today have evolved, but going back to their roots for a time can be refreshing. Star Tropics re-emerged in 2008 when remastered for the Wii and eventually it was re-introduced with the NES Classic. But one wonders how Star Tropics would look like in the modern world. The story itself is unique and interesting, and there is much developers could do to make it seem fresh. And let’s face it, there’s always a market for aliens.
To me, this is a must play game. Rampage is an 80’s staple and everlasting arcade hit. I would love to see it with a crisper look, updated sound, and online elements. This game is both classic and competitive: lending itself well to an online leader board and versus mode. I remember this game most fondly on the GameBoy and feel a remaster would do well on The Switch, for instance. The brevity of each level, paired with the surprisingly comfortable joycons, makes this the perfect game for a tabletop session.
Rockstar’s Baby GTA, Bully, has definitely made its way to our list. While Rockstar may be busy with their killer GTA Series and phenomenal Red Dead Redemption, I hope they don’t forget their unique look on bad kids. Bully follows the story of a young juvenile (delinquent) and his bout in boarding school. Essentially, you play as a tough kid who must seek out the approval and acceptance of the various cliques around you. Seems a bit tired, but you can count on Rockstar to make a seemingly boring tale an interesting one.
I spent hours in front of my TV playing Bully until my PS2 almost overheated. To tell the truth, this game was one of my first open world games — and I absolutely fell in love. While others may argue that they spent their childhood playing the “better” GTA series, I can’t help but think they missed out on an exceptional game. The idea and storyline were unique and enthralling, and being a teenage girl, I got to experience life as a male tormentor (definitely an interesting insight into the minds of asshole kids.) The game was funny, yet endearing and would no doubt do well again given the chance. Rockstar did release Bully for Android and iOS this past winter, nothing beats the idea of a new generation of bullies.
This first-person shooter featuring dinosaurs has a cult following of sorts. And with only two games in the series, a remaster seems a little out of place. Not to mention that plenty of gamers never played Turok to begin with. What better way to remind fans (new and old alike) of this glory than a reboot? As an added bonus, and as a way to warrant a modern day game price, a port or reboot of the original Turok games could be included with the reboot. Thus, appeasing all audiences.
