We’re in a trend now. Nostalgia is king. Old movies are being remade or getting sequels. And games too are getting the same treatment. We recently talked about independent Korean horror game White Day being remade and revamped with new ghosts, launched first on Android and eventually console releases with more content to offer. With that in mind, here are 5 hits from back in the day that need a reboot.
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose
Initially released in 1992 by Konami, Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose! is based on the popular animated TV series. It features the adventures of Buster Bunny in six levels (if you play on hard) in a wild side-scrolling adventure leading up to a battle with Duck Vader. It’s a simple game but with enough challenge that makes it cute and fun at the same time. Let’s BUST LOOSE!
Sim Tower
Having never caught on to any Sim City franchise games, Sim Tower was the only one that was incredibly entertaining to play. The goal was to build a 101 story tower with a 5 star rating (no easy task!). There are hurdles of course and one of the biggest ones that should be fixed if this were ever to be revamped is to give more than one chance for the mysterious VIP guest to give you a favorable rating (that’s just unfair!). Without that rating, the game ends and its usually the reason why I have never actually completed the game (Curse you, VIP!). A fact that still bothers me whenever I think about it and why I need to play a reboot.
Myst
Back in 1993 when Myst was released, it was a groundbreaking experience whether on a mind-boggling puzzle aspect or the fantasy adventure in its story (and kept us all up past our bedtimes). It was a huge leap forward from what most other games were doing. Even today, many gamers agree that Myst was one of the hardest video games challenge ever to get through. Just imagine what it could become with some modernized touch-ups, adding in some cutscenes perhaps or mobile compatibility. Whatever it is, Myst has the potential to still take its player (players? Multiplayer anyone?) on a gorgeous, brain-twisting trip, it just needs a little help in the visuals to appeal to the younger audience. (On a side note, we will be getting Obduction soon!)
Prince of Persia
Prince of Persia’s first game was released in 1989. It was a simple platformer, which today might look funny to the modern gamer with its blocky graphics and clunky side-scrolling gameplay. Naturally, the franchise has evolved into something much more than what this game used to be, however, the first one holds a charm that maybe some of the newer ones lack. Personally, I’d like to see a return to form with cool modern graphics. I’d play it. And hey, while we’re at it . . . Princess of Persia?
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
Another one from Broderbund, it might be cheating to put Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? in the top spot for a reboot. Fact is, Facebook had it (which can’t seem to be found anymore) and even Android (and probably iOS) also have iterations, but they are not the full experience and have issues. For those that don’t know, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? is a spy game that teaches us about maps, geography, and artifacts as we chase down criminal after criminal following clues using logic and memory. It was the best game offered in school and one that to this day, I truly believe can capture kid’s and adult’s imaginations because everyone can benefit from the educational and entertaining gameplay. Right? However, a rebooted version would give it more functionality and better appearance and update to 21st century technology.
Honorable Mentions:
California Games
Chester Cheetah
What games would you want to see get a reboot?