Top 10 Classic Games That Deserve A Digital Re-Release

Script written by Fred Humphries

Top 10 Classic Games that Deserve a Digital Re-Release

These classics definitely need to be introduced to a new generation. Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 Video Games that Deserve a Digital Re-Release.

For this list, we take a look at the games whose appeal has never diminished over time or that perhaps didn’t get the recognition it deserved at the time of their original release. They may also have only be released in certain countries, meaning their release on a digital distribution platform like Steam, Virtual Console, PSN or Xbox marketplace would be necessary to take it to a wider audience. Obviously games that have received a re-release on any of those platforms won’t be included, nor will games that were released as part of a compilation be considered.

#10: “The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse” (1992)

Capcom and Disney had a great partnership in the 80’s and 90’s, bringing us classic platformers like Ducktales & Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers, although one of their great games has been rather forgotten to history and it’s a shame cause it’s great. In this title, Mickey has a trio of costumes and a number of power-ups to choose from when traversing the large levels filled with hidden crevices that reward the gamer who is happy to take their time in every meticulously designed world. Sort of a Metroid-vania-light, secrets and special areas can only be accessed with the use of specific costumes. Coupled with bright, vibrant graphics and richly detailed environments, and we’re sure this one has aged very well.

#9: “Panzer Dragoon” series (1995-2003)

The Sega Saturn had a notoriously difficult lifespan but these games managed to be a rare ray of light for this cursed system. The Panzer Dragoon games a set of rail shooter titles, where you rode on the backs of Dragons that can shoot lasers. Except for Panzar Dragoon Saga, which switched genre’s to an RPG but did not lose it’s creative quality. The series as a whole created a world so detailed and rich in atmosphere while the beautifully environments, intense combat and of course, some really awesome looking dragons.

#8: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time” (1991)

The closest we’ve ever gotten to a modern rerelease of this game was a full remake of the game titled Turtles in Time Reshelled. It sucked, What made the original so great was it’s easy-to-learn combos, mixed in with some charming 2D visuals that captured the quality of the original show, and a really kickass soundtrack. The Turtles travel to various periods of Earth’s history to reclaim the stolen Statue of Liberty and we’d love to do much the same by having another taste of retro side-scrolling carnage. Also, the music kicked shell.

#7: “Star Trek: Voyager – Elite Force” (2000)

You don’t need to be a Trekkie to love this FPS. There is still plenty for fans of the show to get stuck into but developers Raven Software ensured that it was a high quality game before implementing the usual fan service. Borrowing many elements from Half-Life, the level design and graphics are exceptional while the action is driven by a story that remains respectful to it’s source material. To this day it maintains it’s status as probably the best Star Trek game ever through it’s combination of original story and existing lore. If ever you wanted to fight the borg up close and personal, this is the game you want to play.

#6: “Snatcher” (1994)

If the Metal Gear series has grown a little too bloated for your taste then this point and click adventure game is a great throwback to Hideo Kojima before his breakout with Metal Gear Solid. Mashing together various 1980s sci-fi influences, you play as Gillian Seed, a Blade Runner inspired detective trying to catch mysterious beings who are taking over human cyber-punk. Kojima throws in a number of references to his most well known series but that never detracts from the dark world he has created while it’s adult themes and imagery are a rarity for a game of this era.

#5: “Star Wars Trilogy Arcade” (1999)

There is nothing quite like being thrown into the Star Wars universe first hand and this rail-shooter was a great means to experience battle scenes from the first trio of movies. Using all the power of the arcade, large-scale and one-on-one battles are faithfully recreated in a title that was the series’ definitive video game tie-in at the time. Every laser blast, TIE-Fighter scream and Lightsaber clash sounds just right to authentically transport you into the X-Wing cockpit or put you right in Luke’s shoes. However unlike many amazing arcade games of the era, this one never got home console release, so not only is a digital release ideal, it’s long overdue.

#4: “Seiken Densetsu 3” (1995) aka “Secret of Mana 2”

The mid 90s were flushed with quality action RPGs and this sequel to Secret of Mana is quite possibly one of the best of the 16-bit generation. Which is a travesty for Western gamers as it was never officially released outside Japan and only ever reached these shores through unofficial fan translations. What was unique here, at least for 1995, was that the story would change depending on who you picked as party member – meaning it was satisfyingly replayable. It’s predecessor was given a wider release and has even been ported to mobile platforms, Square should really make up for their mistakes of 20 years ago and finally give it a proper worldwide release.

#3: “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2” (2001)

The Pro Skater line of games has fallen into slightly ignominious territory in recent times so it would be very nice to be reminded of how good the series can be. It’s one of the best games ever and kick-started the craze for extreme games, how hasn’t it been rereleased for major platforms? The graphics may look a little tired these days but the addictive gameplay backed by an epic soundtrack is utterly timeless. It’s Park Editor feature was the first of it’s kind and with the power of modern internet, millions could potentially share their own parks and revel in each other’s sliver of nostalgia.

#2: “Mother 3” (2006)

If you follow video games online, no doubt you’ve heard the constant cries of (“Come On Reggie Give us Mother 3”). The final installment of the beloved Mother series of RPGs was only released in Japan and now, a decade after that initial release, the time could finally be right for a Virtual Console release of a game that would be known as EarthBound 2 to North American players. The previous entries have both had a rerelease so it makes sense to complete the trilogy and give fans an official taste of the unique wit and immense story that will inevitably make you laugh and cry. For a handheld title it was exceptional but it could be taken to a whole new level of appreciation with the worldwide console release it truly deserves.

Before we reveal our top pick, let’s take a look at some honorable mentions.
“WWF No Mercy” (2000)

“Resident Evil Outbreak” (2004)

“Timesplitters” (2000)

“Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” (2004)

“Uniracers” (1994)

#1: “GoldenEye 007” (1997)

This legendary FPS is one of those games about which seemingly every gamer has a story or two to tell: it might be a tale about driving a tank through the streets of St Petersburg or diving off the dam in single-player but it will most likely be about the riot they had with their friends in multiplayer. That mode goes down in gaming folklore as one of the best ever, providing thrills that modern local multiplayer often struggles to live up to. Perhaps unsurprisingly the game’s reimagining on the Wii did not call into question the original’s status as the best Bond game ever and until it receives a worthy challenger, we’ll be more than happy trolling our friends as Oddjob. HEY MAN IF YOU CAN PICK THE CHARACTER IT’S NOT CHEATING.

Do you agree with our list? Which classic titles have you always wanted to play on a modern platform? Everyone has a favorite game from their childhood and we couldn’t possibly cover them all. For more retro top 10s be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.