Summary
Video game technology boomed in the 80s and 90s. Suddenly, new software and hardware were available to video game developers, giving them the opportunity to experiment with new, revolutionary mechanics at an affordable cost. This led to a slew of groundbreaking platforming games, many of which changed the genre forever.
Reviving these titles would honor their legacy, showcasing the innovation and creativity that defined an era. With enhanced visuals, smoother game play, and added features like achievements and save points, these remakes would offer both nostalgic enjoyment for long-time fans and fresh excitement for newcomers.
9Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue
Game Boy Color Version
Power RangersLightspeed Rescue gives you control of the Rangers as you set off to save Mariner Bay from natural disasters and monster attacks. Each level has three stages. The first two stages are platforming stages, where you must save the citizens from collapsing buildings and fight off enemies. In the final stage, you form the Lightspeed Megazord to defeat the boss once and for all.
There are two different Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue games. This article refers to the Game Boy Color game, not the game released on Mac OS, Windows, N64, and PlayStation.
The platforming stages are the strongest parts of the game. Each level features different challenges and skills in a detailed environment that requires you to learn how to use each Ranger’s unique stats and abilities to successfully save the day.
However, the combat portions of the game could be enhanced, especially the segments with the Lightspeed Megazord. The epic battle was comprised solely of exchanged punches and the occasional special attack on an empty battlefield. The game would also benefit from a modern save system, replacing its password system.
8Jazz Jackrabbit
Jazz Jackrabbit is on a quest to save Princess Eva Earlong after she is kidnapped by the Devan Shell, the leader of the turtle terrorists. His quest takes him across the galaxy, challenging the turtle terrorists one planet at a time to find the princess.
Jazz Jackrabbit was Epic Megagames’s answer to Sonic the Hedgehog, with its brightly colored levels and a snarky, fast-moving protagonist. However, that’s where the similarities end, especially given Jazz’s gun mechanics and technical platforming.
One of the designers of Jazz Jackrabbit was Cliff Bleszinski, who also worked on Unreal and Gear of War.
A remake would help smooth the edges of this fun game. The levels are well-designed, with smooth mechanics and an engaging soundtrack. However, the graphics are stretching the extent of DOS capabilities. A remake with modern processing power would elevate this classic game to the next level.
7QuackShot Starring Donald Duck
In QuackShot Starring Donald Duck, our favorite feathered hero borrows Indiana Jones' hat and embarks on a thrilling treasure hunt. Donald and his nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, travel across the globe in search of the hidden treasures of King Garuzia, ruler of the ancient Great Duck Kingdom.
The levels in QuackShot are fun and the graphics are gorgeous, with detailed set pieces and vibrant colors that bring the adventure to life. However, the controls can be finicky for the more technical puzzles.
QuackShot was favorably received upon its release. It was the top-selling Mega Drive game in the United Kingdom and received a 95 percent score from Sega Pro, which celebrated its puzzles and graphics. Despite these accolades, QuackShot has disappeared into obscurity and deserves its time to shine on modern consoles.
6Duke Nukem 2
While most people knowDuke Nukemas a first-person shooting game, the series got its start as a DOS platformer. While promoting his new book, Why I’m So Great, Duke Nukem is kidnapped by the evil Rigelatins, who plan to use his brain to plan their next attack on Earth. The Rigelatins sealed their fate the moment they brought Duke Nukem back to their planet.
While Duke Nukem 3D is a beloved classic in its own right, a return to form by remaking Duke Nukem 2 would introduce a new generation of players to a different side of Duke Nukem. Imagine experiencing the retro charm of Duke Nukem 2 with modern graphics, updated controls, and enhanced audio, making the platforming adventure more accessible and enjoyable than ever.
5Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy
In Goodbye Galaxy, Billy receives a message on his faster-than-light communication device that the Shikadi are planning to destroy the galaxy. Acting quickly, Billy dons his brother’s Packers football helmet, grabs his ray gun and pogo stick, and leaps into action as Commander Keen! He makes haste to the distant planet of Gnosticus IV. There, he must rescue the powerful Oracles before he can bring the fight to the Shikadi on their Armageddon Machine space station.
Goodbye Galaxy consists of two episodes: Secret of the Oracles and The Armageddon Machine.
Goodbye Galaxy boasts a fun collection of unique levels, interesting enemies, and fun puzzles. Despite its age, the controls are smooth, and the graphics are sharp. A remake on modern consoles with updated mechanics and quality of life additions, such as achievements, would be an excellent addition to the library of classic games already at our fingertips.
4Cyril Cyberpunk - Cyberboard Kid
Set in the distant future, Cyril stumbles across a communication from an alien scout ship discussing their plans to destroy the Earth. It’s up to Cyril to save the day! Equipped with his trusty hoverboard and ray gun, Cyril races out the door to confront the Cyborg Teddy-Bears.
Cyril Cyberpunk included a level editor, letting you create your own platforming levels.
One of Cyril Cyberpunk’s main highlights is that Cyril rides on his hoverboard throughout the entire game. Despite the speed boost, the hoverboard does not interfere with the platforming mechanics. The controls are smooth and precise, enhancing a game already boasting interesting level designs and a stellar soundtrack.
Cyril Cyberpunk would make a fun addition to game libraries, especially with updated controls, in-level save points, and an achievement system. A remastered adventure as Cyril races through Manhattan, battling waves of Cyborg Teddy-Bears, and uncovering the alien plot to save the Earth - all with cutting-edge graphics and immersive sound design would be thrilling!
3Mega Man 2
Dr. Wiley is at it again! After his defeat inMega Man1, Dr. Wiley began building a series of robots specifically designed to bring down Mega Man. Dr. Light gets wind of Dr. Wiley’s schemes and sends Mega Man to put a stop to them.
Mega Man 2 is a highly celebrated game. Its level design, story elements, controls, and soundtrack work together in concert to create a truly engaging gaming experience. It’s no wonder that the game isconsidered one of the best ever made.
As part of the ninth game release celebrations, Mega Man 2 was ported to various platforms, including the PS2, PSP, Nintendo Switch, and iPhone iOS. These ports stayed true to the original game, preserving its charm and game play. Capcom hadplanned to release Mega Man Universe, which was slated to remaster Mega Man 2, but the projectwas unfortunately canceled in 2011. While it looks like Mega Man Universe will never be revived, a gamer can dream.
2Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
InSymphony of the Night, Dracula’s castle re-surfaces, and Richter Belmont, the protagonist of Castlevania 3, mysteriously disappears. It is now up to Alucard to destroy the castle and its master, putting an end to Dracula’s reign of terror.
When replaying the game, you’re able to input Richter’s name as your username and play the game as Richter Belmont. In the Sega Saturn version and PSP and PS4 ports, you can play as Maria.
Symphony of the Night was a turning point in theCastlevania series. It leaned heavily on RPG mechanics and introducedMetroidvania-style exploration, blending platforming with non-linear game play and character progression.
While Symphony of the Night has been ported to the PSP and PS4, it has not been remastered. Alucard’s journey with modernized graphics, smoother game play mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements such as in-level save points and an achievement system would be a blast. A remastered edition would not only honor the original game’s legacy but also introduce a new generation of players to this classic masterpiece.
1Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
Donkey Kong has been captured by King K. Rool, leaving Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong to embark on a daring rescue mission across Crocodile Island. Diddy and Dixie each bring their own set of abilities to tackle obstacles throughout the adventure. Diddy has superior agility and speed, allowing him to navigate swiftly through levels, while Dixie’s ability to jump higher and glide enables her to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
Diddy’s Kong Quest was the second-bestselling game of 1995, and the overall sixth-bestselling game on the SNES.
ADonkey Kong Country2 remake should primarily focus on modernizing controls for contemporary gaming systems and refining the graphics while preserving the solid game play and level design that have stood the test of time over nearly three decades. The charm and challenge of the original game remain timeless, ensuring that a remake would be both a nostalgic treat for longtime fans and an engaging experience for new players.
