The current generation of hardware has ushered in a golden age for video game remakes. Titles like Resident Evil 2 and Final Fantasy VII Remake prove that updating a classic is more than nostalgia. It’s a chance to fully realize a game’s original vision with the power of modern technology.
Yet for every revived classic, dozens of influential games remain forgotten. These seven titles are groundbreaking experiences gathering dust on old cartridges and disks. With a modern overhaul, they could thrill original fans and captivate a brand new generation of players.
First on the list is Dino Crisis from 1999. This true companion to Resident Evil swapped zombies for raptors. It delivered high-tension survival horror, demanding quick thinking against faster, smarter creatures.
The Resident Evil remakes have perfected the over-the-shoulder horror formula. Imagine that same claustrophobic tension combined with next-gen dinosaurs. It’s a natural fit for a full-scale, terrifying revival.
Next is Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic from 2003. Set millennia before the films, KOTOR offered unparalleled freedom to shape a Star Wars legacy. It featured a compelling story and one of gaming’s most famous plot twists.
While a remake has been announced and paused, its depth deserves a modern combat system. Pairing its writing with graphics updated for a Disney-era audience would bring its vast worlds to life.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is a 1999 gothic masterpiece. It starred the vampire-wraith Raziel with Shakespearean dialogue. Its core mechanic was shifting between the physical and spectral planes to solve puzzles.
The original controls feel clunky today. A remake could leverage modern hardware to make plane-shifting seamless and visually breathtaking. It could transform Nosgoth into a modern God of War-style epic.
Chrono Trigger from 1995 is a timeless JRPG. It featured a fantastic time-traveling story and beautiful Akira Toriyama designs. Its combat system seamlessly integrated enemies into the map.
This game is perfect structurally and doesn’t need a total overhaul. An HD-2D style remake would preserve its iconic sprite work and charm. It would add modern lighting and effects, making each time period visually distinct and stunning.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run from 2003 is an open-world cartoon gem. It was essentially Grand Theft Auto set in Springfield. The game perfectly captured the humor and look of the beloved TV show.
Fan demand for this remake is astronomical. It’s a pure injection of pop culture nostalgia. A version with improved driving physics and new voiced dialogue would be a guaranteed smash hit.
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is a 2002 GameCube exclusive. This psychological horror was famous for its Sanity Meter. When sanity dropped, the game would mess with the player through fake crashes and fourth-wall breaks.
A modern remake could escalate these insanity effects dramatically. On PC, it could use graphical and system-level tricks far beyond the GameCube. The concept demands an updated canvas to unleash its full terrifying potential.
Finally, Metal Gear Solid from 1998 defined the stealth genre. It brought cinematic storytelling to gaming and launched a legendary franchise. Its atmosphere, boss fights, and voice acting remain iconic.
Its tank controls and fixed camera angles feel archaic now. A remake using the modern control scheme of Metal Gear Solid V would honor the original’s spirit. It would allow true third-person stealth, making the game fully accessible to modern players.
These seven games represent lost opportunities for incredible modern experiences. Each one laid foundational work for genres we love today. They deserve a second chance to shine with contemporary technology and design.
The potential for these remakes is immense. They could introduce classic stories to new audiences while satisfying long-held fan dreams. The blueprint for success is already written in their original code and design documents.
All that’s needed is a developer with vision and passion. The market has proven that well-executed remakes are celebrated events. These forgotten gems are waiting for their turn in the spotlight once more.
