411 Top 5 Games Edition 08.25.06: Week 5
Posted by Steve McHugh on 08.26.2006
The Top 5 Games That Should be Remade for NextGen Consoles
Hello and once again welcome back to TOP 5.
This weeks column is the Top 5 Games that should be remade for the Nextgen consoles.
Before we start a little feedback.
Jason Mis has a problem with some of the games included last week and suggests alternatives.
Between the Nemesis and many startling moments of crows or zombies smashing through something to attack you in an area you thought was clear, Resident Evil 3 was far scarier to me than RE4. The Fatal Frame series would top my list, especially FF3 where the dream world starts bleeding into reality as you progress.
The only thing in the entire Silent Hill series that freaked me out was in the original. In the school when one of those little demons came up from the dark and bit my leg I was almost too creeped out to play. The siren that marked boss fights was also creepy. But otherwise the fact that almost all enemies were faceless and mute made them more weird than scary. A doubled pair of legs??? I only got Silent Hill 2 after it was $20 and I won't bother with another one.
Manhunt deserved at least an honorable mention. Psycho thugs are hunting you in the dark with weapons Jason Vorhees would choose. The music sets a really tense atmosphere and if you're spotted by a group your only chance is to run, hide, and hope they don't find you. I would only play it in the dark, and it's one of the few games I kept for later replays.
Thanks for the feedback Jason. I actually didn't find resident Evil 3 to be all that scary and besides the idea of a bunch of Zombies lurching after me isn't as scary as being attacked by a whole village of axe wielding maniacs and a chainsaw guy who just seems un-killable. The thing about Resi 3 was that by that time the game came out you knew you were gonna get Zombies, a few new monsters and the big Nemesis boss. With Resi 4 you had no idea what was coming next.
I haven't actually played Fatal Frame 3 (or Project Zero 3 over here) so I couldn't add it to the list but if its anything like the first one then its bound to be pretty nasty.
I didn't think Manhunt was scary at all. Just the opposite, the huge amount of violence on offer made the whole thing comical (although some of the gorier deaths were a bit disturbing). And besides when the AI is as stupid as it was in that game it's not exactly fear inducing.
And now on with this weeks column.
Steve Mchugh
5. Snatcher – (Mega CD)
A wonderful point and click game that managed to be both compelling and disturbing. Fahrenheit showed that adventure games could still be fun and exciting so why not remake this in that vein.
4. Zombies Ate my Neighbours (Snes/Megadrive)
There's a reason why everyone loves this game. It's fantastic, funny, and easy to play and you get to kill monsters with crockery. It really does deserve an update.
3. Streets of Rage 2 (megadrive)
Just imagine the best scrolling beat em up ever on next gen hardware. I know that scrolling beat em ups have sucked for a long time but this would change that. I'm sure of it.
2. Resident Evil 2 (seems like every console in past 5 years – GC/PS1/PS2/DC)
This is the best one after Resi 4 and they remade the first one so why not this one? Oh and while they're at it they could change the control system to that of Resi 4. That would make me a very happy man indeed.
1. Shining Force 3 – All three parts and Premium disk (Saturn)
This is an easy one. Only part 1 was released outside of Japan due to Sega Europe and US smoking substances not meant to be smoked. Its about time Sega made it up to their fans by re-releasing this fantastic game. Even with a bit of a graphical makeover they could fit all 4 disks on one 360 disk (maybe 2) and there would be much rejoicing. Come on Sega sort it out.
Hon mentions:
Splatter House 3 – Released towards the end of the Megadrive's life this is a great and gory beat em up. Love to see what they could do with the extra power of a Nextgen console.
Earthworm Jim – They've re-launched the cartoon on Nickoloden and it's about time they remade this game. If you've never played this game then I pity you. I could watch that ending over and over and still find it funny. And just think, Hi-Def cow launching, makes me smile just thinking about it.
Steven Masters
5. Galaga
This game had me at the arcade for HOURS on two quarters. One of the simplest yet exciting games of the arcade era should mos def get put on a NextGen system. Space fights against alien scorpions and spiders = retro-style ass kicking.
4. Zombies Ate My Neighbours
ZAMN. Zombies Ate My Neighbours. The SNES equivalent to Snakes on a Plane. Well, maybe not that extreme, but this game kicked much heinous ass on my SNES. Bringing it back on the Wii would be an awesome choice. Spoof of zombie movies spawns a zombie genre. Only appropriate that it should ushers in the NextGen zombie games.
3. Final Fantasy VII
It maybe a cliché choice, but it's my choice. I love this game despite some serious flaws it has and it introduced me to RPGs. In fact, when I was done with it, I went back and played all available FFs and I love them all. While 2/4 May have the best storyline in my opinion, this should definitely be remade on the PS3...and the teaser they have with the opening scene using the PS3 system made me have to take a cigar break.
2. Super Mario Bros. 3
because, you know, 17+ MILLION players can't be wrong. This is definitely one of the greatest games ever and controlling Mario with the Wiimote/Nunchaku combo could be wicked as all Hell.... unless the Wii tanks. But of course, if they make it right, this could be the Wii's arm floaties too.
1. Shining Force II
Really, does anything else need to be said? Oh, it does? Well then...it's FREAKING SHINING FORCE 2! Honestly, it has like, the largest playable cast for an RPG...ever. It's compelling, the battle system rules, and it takes forever to play. What more do you need for a Universal NextGen revival?
Sean McCabe
5. Vectorman
Sega are assholes. This game was being made for the PS2, looked awesome but they canned it in favour of remaking Altered Beast. Look how that turned out. Then again, they might have screwed it up just as badly. Le sigh.
4. RE2 and 3
Continue the process that was started with REmake. I'd play them. Lots.
3. Streets of Rage
Another old Sega series from back when Sega were not incompetent, but it would probably turn out about as good as Final Fight Streetwise.
2. Starfox 64
Dear Nintendo
Make a traditional Starfox game that rocks like the original two.
Sean
1. Metal Gear 1 and 2
I see lots of potential in remaking these games with the same attention to story and cinematic techniques as the modern games. Snake, fighting Big Boss on Metal Gear. Awesome. Just, awesome.
Will Scott
5. Pilot Wings
Specifically, on the Wii. Tons of fun on the SNES, but not necessarily on the N64, but this just seems tailor-made for the Wii's controller.
4. Double Dragons
How much fun would this be in an urban environment with a good combo system? Give them a Dead Rising-style ability to use multiple objects as weapons, and I think we have a winner.
3. Kid Icarus
I think the next-gen systems could really give us a good, 3-D game that could use the flight abilities in very fun ways.
2. Zombies Ate My Neighbours
Take Dead Rising to a cheesy extreme, and I'd love to hit the suburbs again in an updated game.
1. Dark Forces
Yeah, I know we're only a couple years removed from Jedi Academy, but this is a fun series that needs to find its way to the X-Box 360. Jedi death matches on Live would just be...well, the best thing I can think of.
Vincent Chiucchi
Honourable Mentions: Earthbound, TMNT Tournament Fighters, Smash TV
5. Panzer Dragoon Saga (SAT) - So I don't have to pay $130 to play it.
4. Killer Instinct (SNES) - Has it really been about 10 years since the last Killer Instinct game? I think given the right remake, this series could be a great comeback like how Mortal Kombat did. Plus it isn't like Rare as any better games to make these days.
3. Penguin Wars/King of the Zoo (GB) - It's a simplistic game that I feel would be perfect for the casual Wii or DS gamers. You want casual gamers playing to Wii by making things simpler? It doesn't get much simpler than Penguin Wars.
2. Pilotwings (SNES) - When I saw a red plane for one of the upcoming Wii games, I was excited because I thought Pilotwings was back. But then I found out it was for a different game. Can't you imagine how awesome Pilotwings would be for the Wii using the WiiMote? A remake/sequel/whatever is something I would DEFINITELY like for the Wii.
1. Super Smash Brothers (N64) - This needs to be remade and released on the DS. This is called "Instant Money Maker". Smash Brothers = Awesome. DS = Cash Cow. Smash Brothers DS = Awesomely Huge Cash Cow. IT JUST MAKES SENSE! As for how they should remake it, I suggest adding some of the stuff found in Smash Bros. Melee (characters/stages/weapons/etc.), throw in online multiplayer, and make it play like Jump Superstars (which was essentially like Smash Brothers).
Joshua Richey
5. Smash TV
Oh man, this one has so much potential. Basically the game puts you smack dab into the middle of this bizarre game show. Be as violent as you possibly can, and you win. Our society is so hooked on reality television shows and game shows - that it makes it a perfect tie-in. I wouldn't make it as dark as Rockstar's Man Hunt, but I'd like to see a new Smash TV done to a similar effect.
4. Zombies Ate My Neighbours
Zombies = money. For those unfamiliar with ZAMN - you have my sympathy. It was one of the coolest games, when I was growing up. In fact, if I had the means to play it now, I'd be doing that instead of writing this. An updated ZAMN would sort of be a more colourful, more humorous Resident Evil type game that mocks the very genre that inspired it.
3. Fear Effect
In my opinion - one of the most underrated games in the last 10 years. The game had an amazing level design, crazy plot twists, intriguing characters, and zombies. And as I said above, Zombie = money.
2. Earthworm Jim
Okay, I'll admit it. I, Joshua Richey, was obsessed with Earthworm Jim. How could you not be? It was clever, funny, and challenging. Mostly funny. I'd like to see a next-gen version of Earthworm Jim, with an even more risky approach; sort of like Conker.
1. Battletoads
how could you not love this game? The game was about 3 toads (Rash. Zitz, & Pimple) who…well…kicked ass. That's it! I believe that the game was made by Rare if memory serves me right; who are the makers of Perfect Dark, Goldeneye, & Conker. They've grown so much since the Battletoad days, and Battletoads has all the makings of a fun to play platformer.
Sean Garmer
5. Duckhunt (NES)- I might get some flak for this, but I don't care. When I was young I really had fun playing this game (and no I don't hunt). I've always wondered why this has never been remade and I've always wanted to see it in a new way. Come on Nintendo, you can make it happen can't you?
4. Pokemon (GBC/GBA)- Hey these are some great RPG's whether you think it is kiddie or not, is irrelevant. Nintendo has not been able to deliver a big screen version of the Gameboy RPG. I've been waiting for a long time for them to make a game like the gameboy versions and they always give it some stupid twist, because I gave up on them after I got older and the games became pretty much the same. I think if Nintendo were to remake one of the gameboy games and put it on the Wii, they would make a lot of money.
3. Zombies Ate My Neighbours (SNES)- Josh is not the only one that was a big fan of this game. This thing used to stay in my SNES a lot because the game was simple to play and a heck load of fun. Then you bring a friend into the mix and it gets even better. This would be so cool to see on a big system because the gameplay still holds up today.
2. Earthbound (SNES)- Ness on the big screen in pretty 3D, in his own game? Not much would beat that for me.
1. Chrono Trigger (SNES)- I'll admit this is my favourite game, and yes that means I'm biased for wanting it to get remade. I wouldn't care if it got remade in anime form like the beautifully done cut scenes for the PS1 Final Fantasy Chronicles re-release. Getting to play my favourite game with Chrono, Glenn, and Marle in 3D would be awesome.
Well as per usual if you have any comments or if you think we're wrong then let us know.
Next week it's the top 5 Games we'd like to see remade for the Next Gen.
