Video Game Remakes

Ever since the PS4 and XB1 debut in 2013 there have been quite a lot of "remastered" versions of last gen titles on the consoles. That's understandable since the new library needs a little padding, but I hardly think games like The Last of Us or 2013's Tomb Raider need to be updated this soon. This brings me to the question of what games actually NEED remasters or sequels. Should a game be a certain age or quality to get a remake? Obviously, popularity is a big issue as well. What game series would you like to see remade? Obviously there are too many deserving titles to list, but here are a few of my picks.

Skullmonkeys - PS1
The only reason I can think of for this one not getting a re-release yet is that it's constantly overshadowed by its infinitely more popular cousin, Earthworm Jim. They're both from the mind of Doug TenNapel (who is about 10 feet tall as I remember him from ComicCon), and I actually find Skullmonkeys to be a more entertaining game with one of the quirkiest original soundtracks on the planet. Top it all off with claymation-styled graphics and the Universe Enema power up and you've got yourself one heck of a platformer, buddy. One of my dreams is to get my copies of Skullmonkeys and Boombots signed by the man himself.

MDK - PS1, PC, Dreamcast, PS2
MDK 2 has already had an HD remake on PC, but I'd like to see a new installment in the series because the last game had so much going for it. Each of the three playable characters had their own unique approach to problem solving. Kurt, the janitor, had the Coil Suit which let him glide and use a sniper rifle mounted in his helmet, while Max, a dog with six legs, could brandish 4 mix-n-match weapons at once. Last but not least, Dr Fluke Hawkins used his brains to outsmart the enemy and give the player a rest from the constant run-and-gun gameplay of the other characters. I'd love to see what a developer like Rocksteady would do with the series, given their success with open world action games like the Batman franchise.

Bust A Groove - PS1, Arcade
Unlike DDR, Bust A Groove didn't use a dance pad. It behaved more like PaRappa the Rapper, only better. Problem is, the games don't work properly these days because there's no A/V sync for modern TVs and sound systems, plus they're collector's items that cost an arm and a leg. Repackage the first two games as Bust a Groove Dance Legends or something like that. Heck, you could probably sell each one digitally for like $10 or $15 with a graphical update.

MediEvil - PS1, PSP/VITA
The original Medievil for PS1 was pretty good and Resurrection on the PSP improved on it in every way, so we don't need another remake or remaster of the first game. What we do need is a REAL sequel to make up for the Godawful mess that was Medievil 2. I swear that game was some kind of cruel joke. Anyways, just skip all that BS with the museum and keep it set in the land of Gallowmere. They could probably even make a decent prequel, but I doubt anyone would want to play as a non-skeletal Dan Fortesque.

Croc - PS1
Originally designed as a Super Mario 64 clone where you played solely as Mario's pal, Yoshi, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos was a cute and challenging platformer that suffered mainly from restricted, clunky tank controls. This is a game I'd like to see on the WiiU with a bonus mode where you could play as Yoshi as originally planned.

Kingsley's Adventure - PS1
I expected nothing out of this game and got everything instead. It's a great little adventure game that resembles a shorter, less intricate version of Ocarina of Time with a cute little fox named Kingsley as your main character. Unfortunately, the jumping in the game is not automated like in the Zelda series, so you'll be trying chunks of each dungeon over and over until you get each and every leap lined up right. Not a game-breaker, just really annoying. Replace the stiff PS1 controls with something more modern, update the graphics, and you're golden.

The Misadventures of Tron Bonne - PS1
I actually found this game to be way more fun than Megaman Legends 2 because of all the variety. Some levels had you marching around a grid to solve a puzzle, while others utilized Pikmin or Overlord-style gameplay. I think there were some shooting minigames as well. Whatever. Bring it back, Capcom. This and MML1.

MotorStorm Arctic Edge - PS2, PSP
I'm a huge MotorStorm Lunatic. I've got all the console games, and as amazing as PS3's Pacific Rift is, I think that the BigBig team really took Evolution's formula to the next level with Arctic Edge on the PS2. It's an ambitious offroad arcade racer set in a frozen wasteland where avalanches, rockslides, and collapsible ice bridges could alter the vehicle-specific paths on each course. A graphical overhaul and a few extra vehicles might be all this game needs for a vibrant new lease on life in the current gen. God knows we Lunatics have been begging for MS to go back to its original formula after the BS that was Apocalypse and MS:RC.

Crash Team Racing - PS1
Of all the Crash Bandicoot games out there, I think this is the one that is in the most dire need of a makeover. A couple of years ago, I was pretty good at this game, but then I started playing more modern kart racers, and now the control feels almost alien to me. That's a pity because I love this one so much and Nitro Kart just makes me sad. CTR's crazy shortcuts and bugs made it even more unique and loveable. Bring it up to date with better graphics, more characters and stages, and fine-tuned controls. Or hey, release some Crash DLC for Mario Kart 8. C'mooon, you know you want it.

Klonoa - PS1, PS2
This one's been redone already, and it flopped. Still, I'd love to see another entry to the Klonoa series someday. Come to think of it, I'd like to see a spinoff starring the supporting cast of Lunatea's Veil. I have no idea what Lolo, Popka, Leorina, and Tat would play like, but I'm getting those nostalgic warm-fuzzies just thinking about it. A Kirby/ Klonoa crossover might even be a cool idea since they're very similar in play style.

Super Mario RPG - SNES
Paper Mario and the Mario/ Luigi games have been great, but you're just not going to top good ol' SMRPG. It's been way too long since we've seen this version of the Mario universe in action, and people have been clamoring for a sequel for years. It's at, or close to, the top of my remake list. The only thing that really bothers me about it is Square's involvement. They're not the same company as they were in the 90s, so I sometimes question how good a remake or sequel would be for this franchise.