A reader argues the trend for remaking classic video games is a positive one and essential for younger gamers to appreciate older classics.
The year 2020 has brought many remakes to the video game world, some welcomed; some questioned. I just recently finished playing the Final Fantasy 7 remake and, to cut a long review short, I absolutely loved everything about it. The gameplay, the world, the characters, the music. I’ve never played anything like it, but many people have – since the original game was released in January of 1997.
For context, I was born four months later. So it is understandable to say that I missed the initial boat. This leads to my point, and the title of this article: the remake trend must continue into the next generation and beyond.
Alongside the Final Fantasy 7 remake, 2020 has brought us a whole host of remakes. To name a few, the notable hits include Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 3, hot off the heels of the brilliant Resident Evil 2 remake in 2019. These original games were released in 1999 and 1998, respectively.
In late September, 2K Games is bringing us a complete remake of Mafia, originally released in 2002. A System Shock remake of the original 1994 game will also be with us soon. Not to mention that the PlayStation 5 has already announced a remake of 2009’s Demon’s Souls by the developers of the Shadow Of The Colossus remake. Yet, the question is: do we really need these remakes?
My answer: yes! However, there is much opposition to this remake trend on the internet. People argue that if we wanted to play these old games then we would just boot up our old systems or we could simply just rent them from services like PlayStation Now. People are also claiming that developers are hindering their own creative progress by focusing on older properties. There is a fear that we will begin to see less new, original video games.
I believe this is not something that one should be worried about. There are always new stories to be told and new worlds to explore. Our culture is built on storytelling, in whatever medium it occurs, and new generations will always have their own voice to share. However, there is also much to be learned from the past, and reviving lost or forgotten properties can only be a good thing. I do not wish to knock PlayStation Now, it is a fantastic service, but there is a stark difference being renting an old, iconic game compared to playing through a remake of said game.
I was always aware of the importance and influence of Final Fantasy 7, yet I could never bring myself to play the original primarily because of how dated the graphics are. Yes, they were innovative for their time, but this is 2020 now, and, looking back, I would struggle to enjoy it.
One of my earliest video game memories is watching my father play Resident Evil 4 on the GameCube; it was 2005 and I would have been almost eight-years-old. Perhaps not the wisest parenting, but I seem to have turned out alright. Recently, I actually played the HD remaster of the game for the PlayStation 4, and, although you can argue that it does hold up rather well, the gameplay is painful. The aiming of a weapon is brutal, the camera movement is infuriating, and the dialogue and cut scenes are laughable. [The cut scenes were always like that, god bless ‘em – GC]
That’s not to say I didn’t like the game, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it was a bigger challenge than it should have been, primarily because of its technological limitations. Classic games such as Final Fantasy 7 and the early Resident Evil games deserve remakes. They are easily the most influential video games of all time, and they can still have an impact today.
The younger generation would normally cast a blind eye to something that looks so dated and, therefore, never experience why they are hailed as the best; but, by giving them a polish and reworking, they can attract a new audience. It will also provide a more historical and cultural education to young gamers stuck in their Fortnite or Apex Legend phases.
There are so many old games I missed out on simply because I was too young. I would love remakes of further Resident Evil games: the original 1996 game; Code: Veronica from 2000, and Zero from 2002. I would welcome remakes of the early Metal Gear Solid games from 1998 onwards. I struggled to truly capture the essence of the series while playing The Phantom Pain in 2015 and a return to the originals would definitely encourage me to give the series another shot.
I’ve always heard great things about 1999’s Silent Hill and it’s 2001 sequel and I’m sure many horror fans would love to play a modern, revamped version of them. Capcom’s Dino Crisis from 1999 is yet another remake heavily demanded by the internet.
But it’s not just games that I missed out on that I’d love the opportunity to play, but the nostalgic factor of great games from my childhood that deserve to be given a new life. Beyond Good & Evil (2003), Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time (2003), and Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic (2003) are all deserving of makeovers. Even TimeSplitters from 2000 can challenge the dominating battle royale games of today.
The video game remake trend is not hindering future creative progress. It’s giving fresh legs to old, forgotten gems that otherwise would be lost in the past. It’s allowing younger gamers and future generations to truly experience the greats of our time without being put off by the technological limitations of years before. These are stories that deserve to be told in the best way possible. Long may the remake trend continue!
By reader Lewis A Downie
This Reader’s Feature does not necessary represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. As always, email gamecentral@ukmetro.co.uk and follow us on Twitter.
MORE: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2 has entered ‘full development’ says Square Enix
MORE: Alex Kidd In Miracle World DX remake is a thing of retro beauty
MORE: Resident Evil 3 Nemesis retcon is new hint at Resident Evil 4 remake
Follow Metro Gaming on Twitter and email us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk
For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.
0 Commentaires