At the time of its release, the original PlayStation felt like a true evolution in gaming. Sony’s 32-bit machine seemed like a much larger evolutionary leap in visuals when comparing 16-bit consoles to 8-bit. This was in large part due to the system’s 3D capabilities which, even though it was still in its infancy in terms of polygons, counts.
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Many developers still, however, focused on gameplay over graphics and those are usually the ones that have aged better. However, there were also several very talented developers, like Square, that were able to get the best out of the little grey box. Unfortunately, not every game has stood the test of time and, as good as they were, could still do with a remake as opposed to a remaster in the vein ofFinal Fantasy VIII.Let’s take a look at five games that should remain untouched and five that could do with a modern remake.
10Remake: Silent Hill
Released in 1999,Silent Hillis the debut title in one of the most beloved survival horror franchises of all time. While it remains an atmospheric and tense horror game, the technical setbacks are hard to overlook with the advancement of technology.
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The developers at Konami worked well within the limitations of the machine and used a fogging effect to hide texture pop-in which worked well forSilent Hill’s dense atmospheric surroundings. A full 3D remake with today’s technology would be a huge benefit to the game and, withrumors of a returnto the series, now would be as good a time as ever.
9Leave Untouched: Alundra
Developed by Matrix Software and released for the PlayStation in 1998,Alundrais aLegend of Zeldastyle action-adventure about a young warrior that has the power to enter people’s dreams. Its 2D visuals were beautifully designed and the gameplay, which consisted of platforming, fighting, and puzzles, is just as solid today as it was at the time of its release.
A cleaned-up remaster would certainly be appreciated by fans of the game but everything would need to remain untouched in order to retain its charm. As this is unlikely to happen, however, it can still be picked for a reasonable price on PSN for play on the PS3, PSP, and Vita.
8Remake: Suikoden I And II
SuikodenandSuikoden IIwere released in 1996 and 1998 respectively in western territories. It later spawned three more numbered sequels and two spin-offs. However, the last game in the series,Suikoden: Tierkreis,was released in 2009 and effectively left the series in limbo.
Even after 24 years, the series still has a dedicated following with petitions being created in hopes of bringing it back. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that the series will ever make a return or be considered profitable enough for Konami to bring it back. One only has to look at the popularity of theLegend of Heroesseries to see that fans of the JRPG genre don’t needFinal Fantasy-like production values to make a deep and expansive game worthy of the first two entries in theSuikodenseries. It needs to be said, however, thatSuikoden IIstill has some of the best 2D sprites on the system,
7Leave Untouched: Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Released in 1997 for the PlayStation,Castlevania: Symphony of the Nightis widely regarded as the best in the series and one of the most influential action RPGs of its generation. Despite its 2D aesthetic,Symphony of the Nightis very open-ended and its interconnected areas are a great influence on theDark Soulsseries.
It wasn’t a big hit for Konami at the time of its release, but it became a cult hit among fans, fetching a significant asking price on selling platforms like eBay.Symphony of the Nightis perfect as it is and should remain untouched.
6Remake: Bushido Blade
Released in 1997 on the PlayStation,Bushido Bladewas a fighting game like no other and twenty years on, it’s still unique in its mechanics. It’s a brutally tough fighting game with no health gauge and it focuses more on realism, body damage, and even one-hit kills.
With more modern titles implementing more realistic swordsmanship in their combat mechanics, it would be a perfect time to bring theBushido Bladeseries. Titles likeSekiro: Shadows Die Twice,For Honor,andKingdom Come: Deliverancehave used their own risk and reward system that their fans love.
5Leave Untouched: Twisted Metal 2
Twisted Metal 2is a vehicular combat game released a year after the first entry in 1996. It was a significant improvement over its predecessor and a big fan favorite. The series takes inspiration from theDeath Racefilms and combines that with Destruction Derby competitions.
It wasn’t a huge visual step up from the first game but the mechanics and the bigger level design offered excellent gameplay.Twisted Metal 2is still a game that plays well and would only need a little polishing in the form of a remaster.
4Leave Untouched: Final Fantasy IX
Originally released in 2000 for the PlayStation,Final Fantasy IXwas the best looking game in the series untilFinal Fantasy Xon the PlayStation 2. The art style and character design are arguably more unique and memorable than its successor, however.
Final Fantasy IXis definitely a game that doesn’t need aFinal Fantasy VIIstyle remake. The remaster only served to clean up the graphics and make it more compatible on a cosmetic level. The game’s art-style and character designs remained intact and still looks beautiful.
3Remake: Dino Crisis
Dino Crisiswas released in 1999 for the PlayStation. It is a survival horror game developed by the same makers behind theResident Evilseries and featured dinosaurs instead of zombies.Dino Crisisalso heavily borrowed themes from theJurassic Parkmovies for its story premise.
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Regardless of its inspirations,Dino Crisiswas one of the best games on the PlayStation and deserves the same treatment as theResident Evil 2 remakein 2019. Being built using the same engine for the RE2 Remake andRE 7, a modernDino Crisisgame has the potential to be epic and cinematic.
2Leave Untouched: Vagrant Story
Vagrant Storywas released on the PlayStation in 2000. It was developed by the same team that createdFinal Fantasy: TacticsandFinal Fantasy XII.Together with those two games,Vagrant Storyhas been officially listed as part of the Ivalice Alliance series.
Vagrant Storyis arguably one of the best looking games on the PlayStation due to the distinct art-style which is very in line with their work seen inFinal Fantasy XII.More importantly, the gameplay is still brilliant today with itsParasite Eve-like turn-based targeting system puzzle solving.
1Remake: Xenogears
Released for the PlayStation in 1998,Xenogearsis a science fiction JRPG that remains one of the deepest and most mature games ever developed. Unfortunately, due to time and budget constraints, the team was forced to finish the game’s story using cutscenes. Yet, despite this,Xenogearsis a phenomenal game with a great story and character development.
Obviously, a full-blown remake would not only result in a better looking 3D game but the intended gameplay features for the second half could finally get finished. It is, however, highly unlikely that a remake ofXenogearswill ever get done because the team has moved on and is working exclusively for Nintendo on its spiritual successor theXenobladeseries.
