7 Classic Games That Deserve a Remaster Right Now
▼ Summary
– The article highlights the growing trend of game remasters but notes several notable classics still missing from this treatment.
– Fallout: New Vegas is praised for its depth and writing but suffers from bugs and outdated visuals, making it a prime remaster candidate.
– Dragon Age: Origins is considered the best in its series but faces remaster challenges due to its outdated engine and lack of developer familiarity.
– Black & White and its sequel are nearly unplayable on modern systems and would benefit from accessibility improvements and AI tweaks.
– Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines and Star Wars: KOTOR 2 are acclaimed but unfinished, needing remasters to fix bugs, restore cut content, and improve playability.
The gaming world thrives on nostalgia, and few things spark that feeling like revisiting classic titles with modern enhancements. While countless games have received the remaster treatment, some truly exceptional experiences remain stuck in the past, deserving of a fresh coat of paint and quality-of-life improvements. Here are seven standout titles that would shine brighter than ever with a proper revival.
Fallout: New Vegas (2010) stands tall as one of the finest RPGs ever made, blending deep player choice, razor-sharp writing, and a world brimming with personality. Despite its brilliance, technical hiccups and dated visuals hold it back. A remaster smoothing out these rough edges could elevate an already legendary game to new heights. Given Bethesda’s recent success with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’s remaster, hopes remain alive, though Obsidian’s involvement might keep it lower on the priority list.
Dragon Age: Origins (2009) remains unmatched in BioWare’s catalog, offering tactical combat, morally complex decisions, and a dark fantasy tone later entries abandoned. While Mass Effect got its well-deserved Legendary Edition, Origins languishes due to its aging engine. A visual overhaul, especially for armor designs and facial animations, would make its gripping narrative even more immersive. Sadly, the lack of developer familiarity with its old tech makes this dream unlikely.
Few games capture the ambition of Black & White (2001), Lionhead’s god game where players shape a creature’s behavior through divine influence. Its absence from digital storefronts makes revisiting it a challenge, and its AI-driven pet mechanics could use refinement. A remaster could reintroduce this cult classic while smoothing out its notorious learning curve. The sequel, Black & White 2, with its city-building focus, deserves the same treatment, preferably with toned-down visual effects.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines (2004) is a paradox: a groundbreaking RPG with unparalleled freedom, yet a technical disaster. Bug fixes, restored cut content, and combat improvements could transform it into the masterpiece it was meant to be. That infamous sewer level? A little pruning wouldn’t hurt. Given the franchise’s resurgence, a polished version could captivate a whole new audience.
The legal limbo surrounding No One Lives Forever (2000) is a tragedy. This witty spy FPS, blending stealth and humor, remains inaccessible due to rights disputes. A remaster wouldn’t need much, just sharper textures and modernized controls. Nightdive Studios’ expressed interest offers a glimmer of hope, but until then, fans can only dream of its return.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II (2004) suffers from an unfinished story, despite its brilliant deconstruction of Star Wars morality. A remaster restoring cut content, like fan mods have done, could finally deliver the complete vision Obsidian intended. With Disney revisiting the Old Republic era, now’s the perfect time to reintroduce this gem.
Lastly, Freedom Force (2002) is a forgotten gem from BioShock’s creators, mixing tactical combat with Silver Age comic charm. Its eclectic enemy roster, from snowmen to Soviet agents, puts modern superhero games to shame. A remaster embracing modding tools and Steam Workshop could turn it into a thriving community project.
These classics shaped gaming history, now they deserve a chance to dazzle a new generation. Which overlooked title would you add to the list?
(Source: PCGAMER)
