Over the past few decades, reboots have become popular across various types of media. In the realm of video games, both established and emerging developers are frequently trying to breathe new life into their older intellectual properties for today’s generation.
The outcomes of these efforts… fluctuate, to put it delicately. Occasionally, things worked out well initially and didn’t require a total overhaul. Regardless, if certain reboots don’t achieve the same level of success as their original versions, it doesn’t automatically mean they are poor games.
Some reboots, despite not receiving overwhelming enthusiasm from audiences or production houses, can offer enjoyable experiences on their own merit.
9. Blaster Master Zero
Compact Vania
Back in the days of Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Blaster Master – unrelated to the Mad Max character – was a popular side-scrolling shooter developed by Sunsoft. Over time and with subsequent sequels, this game became less prominent in the gaming world.
In 2010, it had a single reboot for WiiWare, which didn’t help its situation, but then in 2017, it was revived again with the release of Blaster Master Zero.
The revamped edition of this game has a contemporary feel to it. In this updated version, you have the liberty to traverse expansive, hollow spaces within your tank, annihilating creatures along the way, and also disembark to examine narrow corridors on foot.
The gameplay style is a blend, leaning slightly towards the structure of an action game and a Metroidvania, offering a degree of freedom for non-sequential exploration within each level or area.
The response was favorable yet subdued. So far, only three Blaster Master Zero games have been released, with none of them garnering more than 1,000 user reviews on Steam at the moment. While it’s recognized as a quality game, its recognition among the gaming community is limited, as not enough people are aware of its excellence yet.
8. Double Dragon Neon
Brawlin’ In The 80s
Among classic beat-’em-up games, Double Dragon has frequently resurfaced and disappeared throughout the years, often being revamped whenever it returns. However, it was arguably Double Dragon Neon that rescued the entire series from the edge of irrelevance.
As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but express how refreshingly hilarious it was that this game wasn’t just a top-notch throwback to the old-school brawler genre, but also cleverly poked fun at the iconic Double Dragon series and the classic arcade gaming experience we all know and love.
The presentation has an ’80s-themed retro flair, complete with iconic hairstyles, synthesized tunes, and vivid neon effects. However, enhancing your combat skills grants access to enhanced special attacks and abilities.
Since Double Dragon: Neon, no other Double Dragon game has been quite as humorous. However, the essence of that humor is carried forward in the River City Girls series, where you’ll find characters like the Lee brothers and Skullmageddon, but it doesn’t quite capture the original charm.
7. King’s Quest (2015)
The Graham We Never Knew
For a number of years following the release of its eighth installment in 1998, Sierra’s much-adored King’s Quest series lay fallow. Occasionally, new projects were proposed, but it wasn’t until 2015 that anything tangible came to fruition.
2015’s King’s Quest is a five-part adventure game that chronicles the story of Graham before he ascended to the throne of Daventry. The narrative begins with him as a rebellious young man and progresses, episode by episode, as he moves towards his destiny.
The game isn’t exactly like the original versions, as it doesn’t have the constant threat of danger – one notable difference is that you’re not always under attack. However, it retains an appealing narrative quality.
Similar to Telltale’s games, this game also adopts a branching narrative approach, where the choices you make for Graham have far-reaching impacts on future episodes. It’s intriguing to delve deeper into Graham’s character beyond his mere image as a good-looking problem solver or king.
6. Kao The Kangaroo (2022)
The Lost Mascot Platformer
Back in the 2000s, Kao the Kangaroo was an overlooked 3D platformer character, but his second installment managed to carve out a modest and thriving niche fanbase.
In the later part of the 2010s, it attracted renewed interest thanks to refreshed Steam versions, each priced affordably at around two dollars. This seems to have been sufficient to justify a completely new game being developed.
In a modernized revamp for 2022, Kao the Kangaroo aims to align the game’s feel closer to contemporary standards, leaning more towards the style of Crash Bandicoot 4 rather than its original version.
Apart from the standard actions like running and leaping, Kao’s gloves offer additional magical capabilities, thereby altering his combat style and movement patterns.
Although it might be considered low-budget, much like the initial games, it’s unlikely to overthrow the top-tier platforming legends anytime soon. However, if you’re a fan of mascot platformers and can handle a bit of rough edges here and there, it offers an enjoyable experience.
5. Punch-Out (2009)
More Mac, Please
Although Punch-Out is one of Nintendo’s long-standing franchises, it has seen relatively few games – specifically, just three (four if you count the initial arcade version). The first home adaptation was on the NES, followed by Super Punch-Out for the SNES. Subsequently, there were quite a few years without any new installments until the franchise was revived in 2009.
2009 saw the launch of a remarkable game on the Wii console, offering an engaging experience that skillfully revived the strategic punching atmosphere of its predecessors while introducing fresh mechanics and surprises. The majority of your adversary boxers are derived from the original home versions. However, upon defeating them all, you’ll encounter reimagined opponents sporting entirely new move sets.
Instead of saying that the game Punch-Out performed well but has not been followed up on for over a decade, it appears as though the creators have overlooked its popularity among gamers.
4. Spec Ops: The Line
You Are Not A Hero
Initially, the Spec Ops series was made up of tactical war shooter games that weren’t especially unique, with the first game, Spec Ops: Rangers Lead the Way, released in 1998. The series wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t bring anything groundbreaking to the table, and it struggled to compete against powerhouses like Call of Duty due to its lack of distinctive features.
2002 marked the halt in the series’ progress, but its 2012 reboot, Spec Ops: The Line, introduced a significant change in tone. At first glance, it might seem like another typical war shooter, which may have led some to dismiss it. However, while the combat is straightforward and functional, there are occasional instances where you can shatter a window to send a sandstorm rushing through, adding a unique touch.
Yet, without revealing too much, let me tell you that this game serves as an intricate critique of first-person shooter games and military valor. It contains certain storylines that could be aptly labeled as deeply affecting or heartrending.
Even if you’re not typically a fan of war-themed action games, this one is worth playing for its exceptional narrative.
3. Splatterhouse (2010)
Gloriously Gory
In the late ’80s, Splatterhouse was introduced as a horror-themed side-scrolling brawler, available in arcades and home consoles such as the Turbografx-16. A few sequels followed in the early ’90s, but it lay dormant until a full reboot and reimagining occurred in 2010.
The reboot maintains its beat ’em up style, now in 3D rather than 2D, yet it places more importance on handling damage. In this version, both you and your adversaries can lose limbs when dealt enough damage.
Apart from wielding your detached arm as a weapon, you also have the ability to release tendrils that draw life force from foes, and amazingly, you can regenerate your own parts!
It wasn’t a perfect game; the difficulty scaling was a bit wacked, and the controls were finicky. It had an excellent presentation, though, thanks in large part to a hilariously irreverent performance from Jim Cummings as the Terror Mask.
2. Return To Castle Wolfenstein
Old-School Nazi-Busting
When considering Wolfenstein and remakes, it’s likely that Wolfenstein: The New Order is the game that instantly springs to mind for most people.
Actually, that movie was a remake of a remake, but it wasn’t underestimated; it performed well enough on its own. Instead, what’s often overlooked is the initial reboot effort by Wolfenstein, released in 2001, titled Return to Castle Wolfenstein.
Instead of adopting the grave tones characteristic of New Order, Return to Castle Wolfenstein maintains the playful spirit of the original series’ somewhat preposterous premise, which depicts World War II Nazis with an added twist: they are not only backed by advanced technology but also ancient, mystical sorcery.
This game offers a lone warrior playstyle, enabling you to employ stealth or go all-out with an assortment of weapons from different eras, as well as futuristic gadgets like Tesla guns. You’ll also encounter supernatural enemies such as ghosts, zombies, and cyborgs, in addition to regular Nazi soldiers.
1. DmC: Devil May Cry
Should’ve Had A Different Name
Ah, unfortunately, DmC: Devil May Cry faced criticism due to its significant shift in tone and narrative compared to the original series. These changes didn’t sit well with long-standing fans.
Compared to other titles in the Devil May Cry series, DmC lacks the unique flavor, an alluring blend of cheesy elements and extreme action that sets it apart.
In an isolated context, DmC stands out as a remarkably enjoyable character-action game. Its battle mechanics are engaging, it offers a variety of weapons for experimentation, boasts impressive boss battles and cinematic moments, and overall delivers everything that makes such games entertaining.
The primary issue it faced was that they titled it “Devil May Cry” and marketed a grittier Dante. If it were called something like “Demon Blaster Guy” and featured a protagonist named “Greg,” it likely would have been better accepted by the audience.
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2025-03-08 19:22