9 Forgotten Konami Games That Deserve A Remake

It’s well-known that Konami’s standing in the contemporary world is quite polarizing. Yet, a significant factor contributing to this state of affairs is the fact that Konami was among the pioneering titans in the video game industry.

Since 1969, the company has existed, but it truly gained momentum during the 1980s due to its popular arcade games. Beyond the arcades, numerous home console games that followed also contributed significantly to its unique legacy.

Regrettably, Konami isn’t consistently leveraging its extensive library of past games, leading many overlooked titles they’ve created or published to be neglected.

These games could benefit from updated versions, whether created by Konami directly or the company that now holds their rights.

9. Parodius

Embrace The Silly

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say Parodius is a fun and quirky offshoot of Konami’s legendary Gradius series, where the first installment dropped back in 1988 on MSX computers.

The style of play shares resemblance with Gradius, yet the weaponry and overall appearance are utterly outrageous. As its title suggests, it’s an affectionate spoof of not only Gradius but also various franchises from Konami.

It’s been over two decades since a fresh Parodius game was released, excluding any reference to the pachislot machines, which we firmly deny as part of that series.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m eagerly anticipating the remake of this classic game, which could potentially incorporate references from more contemporary Konami titles, giving it a fresh, modern twist. Plus, it might just retain that unique, quirky charm that made the original so intriguing and memorable.

8. Double Dribble

Leave It All On The Court

Double Dribble was the second basketball-themed video game produced by Konami following their 1984 release, Super Basketball. Originally designed for arcade machines, it also boasted a top-notch version for the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System).

This is an exciting five-on-five basketball match, but what really caught people’s attention was the spectacular show put on. Every point scored or dunk made was followed by visually stunning animated displays.

In essence, Double Dribble received an update in 2010, but it was designed solely for Apple devices (iOS) and resembled a rather simplistic web game. So, if we were to speak candidly, it could benefit from a refurbished remake, if you catch my drift.

7. Ganbare Goemon

Ninjas And Giant Robots

The Ganbare Goemon series, initially launched in arcades back in 1986, is a collection of action games. You may recognize this franchise under its western title, Mystical Ninja. For a while, Goemon served as one of Konami’s unofficial emblems.

In the role of the title ninja, I dart through an expansive Edo-era city, taking down thugs, exorcising ghostly apparitions, and amassing coin. Later installments introduced epic showdowns against colossal clockwork robot bosses.

Due to Konami’s worry that Goemon might be excessively Japanese for international audiences, only a few installments from the series were given Western releases.

Instead of just redoing one game in the series, let’s give it all a new beginning, maybe as an open-world brawler akin to River City Girls. But remember, keep the giant robot, and most importantly, don’t lose sight of its iconic theme song.

6. Snatcher

Kojima’s First Magnum Opus

In 1988, Snatcher made its debut as a graphic adventure game for Japanese computers. Later on, it found its way onto home consoles such as the Sega CD and PlayStation in the early 1990s. Notably, this was Hideo Kojima’s significant endeavor following the launch of the original Metal Gear.

In this immersive experience, you delve into the intricacies of a sprawling cyberpunk metropolis, where your mission is to unravel the enigma behind robots known as Snatchers. The narrative and design draw significant influence from cinematic classics such as Blade Runner and Akira.

Despite not receiving a contemporary update, Snatcher remains close to Kojima’s heart. In 2011, he crafted a radio drama adaptation of it. A remake that maintains the original storyline while enhancing graphics and controls could be an ideal choice for those seeking a rich narrative experience.

5. Sunset Riders

The Forgotten Quarter-Muncher

In the ’90s, particularly during the early part, Konami ruled the arcade scene when it came to side-scrolling beat ’em ups, with popular titles like Turtles in Time and X-Men. However, a game that’s equally action-packed but sometimes overlooked is Sunset Riders, which was released in 1991.

Instead of hand-to-hand fighting, this game primarily focuses on gunplay using revolvers and shotguns. The era was chaotic, particularly during the intense boss battles.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve dabbled in emulated versions of Sunset Riders across various platforms, but what truly excites me is the prospect of a full remake. A revamp with a balanced difficulty level would be just fantastic! It could even transform into a thrilling third-person shooter, reimagined for modern gaming standards.

4. Azure Dreams

A Hybrid Roguelike Monster-Catcher

Azure Dreams, created and distributed by Konami, initially came out on PlayStation in 1997. This title stands as one of the pioneering games in the modern roguelike genre, a concept that would gain significant popularity much later.

In this adventure, you traverse expansive, randomly constructed labyrinths, gaining power and wealth. The unique feature is that you can breed a diverse array of pet monsters for assistance during your journey. Additionally, the cash you acquire from each expedition can be used to develop your home village.

As a dedicated gamer, it’s been a while since Azure Dreams made waves among the gaming community, but with the surge of popularity in the roguelike genre lately, I can’t help but feel that now is the perfect moment for a revamp. If a remake was ever needed, it’s now.

3. Policenauts

Kojima’s Second Magnum Opus

Policenauts, a visual novel of significant scale, is the second creation from Hideo Kojima that saw light in 1994, primarily on Japanese PCs. It seems that the concept for this work originated during his time engaged with Snatcher.

Policenauts is a mix of storytelling and interactive exploration set on a colossal space colony. As a player, you’ll encounter puzzles to solve and mysteries to unravel while navigating this vast cityscape. In some instances, there are action sequences that can be experienced with a light gun, specifically in the Sega Saturn version of the game.

Unlike Snatcher, the game Policenauts hasn’t been officially released in the West. Instead, players have primarily used a fan-made translation from 2009. Creator Hideo Kojima expressed interest in creating a sequel, but it didn’t come to fruition. This makes it a compelling choice for a remake, as it would likely be many Western fans’ initial encounter with the game.

2. Kid Dracula

Castlevania’s Adorable Little Brother

In 1990, the game titled Akumajō Special: Boku Dracula-kun, later known as Kid Dracula, was launched for the Famicom. Interestingly, it seems that Dracula had a knack for causing mischief long before his encounters with the Belmont family.

This game combines the simplicity of an action platformer with a playful tribute to Castlevania, offering numerous adversaries and settings inspired by the originals. Additionally, it features various amusing side games, which gives it a lighter, child-oriented tone compared to its predecessors.

For quite some time, Kid Dracula was only available in Japan. When it finally made its way westward with the launch of the Castlevania Anniversary Collection in 2019, it received minimal English localization. Instead of a simple port of a game that’s been around for three decades, fans are yearning for a full-fledged remake featuring references to the newer installments within the Castlevania series.

1. NeverDead

An Action Game With An Interesting Hook

In 2012, I had the thrill of diving into NeverDead, an exhilarating third-person action game that graced both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. This electrifying experience was brought to life by the brilliant minds at Rebellion Developments and published generously by Konami.

A captivating aspect of the game lies in the invincibility of its lead character, Bryce. Unlike ordinary characters who can die, he’s immortal. Instead of being killed, he can only be dismembered. This means that when he takes significant damage, you have to maneuver him by rolling on his head and limbs to reassemble himself again.

As a gamer, I found it an intriguing premise, but the gameplay fell short. With such an enticing hook, NeverDead would have greatly benefited from a second chance at life with a more robust exploration of its immortality theme. Perhaps Rebellion Developments could be approached again by Konami for a reboot, to give this concept the development it truly deserves.

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2025-01-18 17:09