RPGs From Every Nintendo Console That Could Use A Remake

Highlights

RPG genre on Nintendo systems has evolved and gained popularity over time, with iconic games like Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link leading the way.
Lost gems like The Frog For Whom the Bell Tolls and Mother 3 could benefit from modern remakes, appealing to both old and new audiences.
Games like Chrono Trigger and Paper Mario also deserve updated versions, utilizing popular HD-2D aesthetic for a fresh experience.

As a long-time RPG fan and someone who’s spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when thinking about these forgotten gems. Having grown up with consoles like the DS, Wii, and 3DS, I hold a special place in my heart for titles that offered unique multiplayer experiences.

Starting in 1983, Nintendo introduced the NES (originally known as Famicom) in Japan and has since launched numerous successful consoles and handheld devices, expanding their gaming domain. Each platform offers a diverse collection of games spanning genres such as platformers, shooters, RPGs, and more. The role-playing games (RPGs) are particularly intriguing. Initially, RPGs were less mainstream, which might explain why certain titles took longer to reach international markets than others.

As someone who grew up playing classic RPGs like “Final Fantasy” back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I think about those forgotten gems that were initially released on older consoles. These games hold a special place in my heart, shaping my childhood experiences and fueling my lifelong love for role-playing games.

10 Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link (NES)

Link’s First Sequel Was Also His Only RPG

RPGs From Every Nintendo Console That Could Use A Remake

In a departure from other games in the Zelda franchise, The Adventure of Link, or Zelda 2, incorporates the most Role-Playing Game (RPG) features. This sequel showcased an open world map viewed from above and battles against adversaries in a 2D plane, awarding Experience Points for progression. Its unique qualities, though quirky, have endeared it to fans over the years. Previous plans to revamp this title on SNES were discovered but ultimately abandoned, leaving an opportunity for Nintendo to breathe new life into it now.

9 The Frog For Whom the Bell Tolls (Game Boy)

A Lost Nintendo Made Treasure

Platform: Game Boy
Released: September 14, 1992 (Japan)
Developer: Nintendo R&D1, Intelligent Systems

The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls was a Game Boy game that never left Japan. It has been translated by fans though so diehards have been experiencing it for years. It’s a top-down game similar to a Zelda entry and coincidentally, it too shifts into the 2D perspective in dungeons. Remaking it now would be a good way to release it in English officially as well as update it for a modern audience. Nintendo could get Grezzo to remake in the same toy-like aesthetic that the remake for The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening got.

8 Chrono Trigger (SNES)

An RPG Made By The Best Of The Best

Since its last major release on the DS in 2008, the classic RPG game Chrono Trigger has been absent from the market. It has been ported to mobile devices and PCs, as well as released on virtual consoles like Wii. Sadly, it hasn’t made an appearance on the Switch yet. This is unfortunate since it’s a beloved SNES title. Square Enix has recently revamped some of their games using the HD-2D aesthetic, such as Live a Live and the upcoming remake of Dragon Quest 3: The Seeds of Salvation. Employing this artistic approach for Chrono Trigger’s potential remake would be an excellent choice.

7 Paper Mario (N64)

If It Worked For The Thousand-Year Door Then…

I was thrilled when I first played Paper Mario back on the N64. It’s a unique and captivating experience that has remained available through various Virtual Console stores over the years. Yet, despite its enduring popularity, no remake of this classic game has been released as of 2024. In contrast, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, the sequel, has received an impressive remaster.

As a gamer, I find it quite unusual that Nintendo released the second installment of the Paper Mario series before the first one: “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.” However, considering the positive reception and great reviews this game received, it’s an encouraging sign for the future updates of this series.

6 Mother 3 (Game Boy Advance)

Is It Finally Time?

As a long-time Nintendo fan with a deep appreciation for the classic “Mother” series, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and disappointment when it comes to the potential release of “The Frog For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see this game officially localized and made available to a wider audience. But, if I’m being honest, my heart truly lies with the elusive “Mother 3.”

5 Skies Of Arcadia (GameCube)

A High Skies Adventure

As someone who grew up in the golden age of console RPGs, I hold a special place in my heart for games like Skies of Arcadia. I remember eagerly waiting for the release of this epic adventure on the Sega Dreamcast back in the late 90s. The idea of sailing the high seas in an airship, battling sky pirates, and exploring fantastical islands was a dream come true for me and my friends.

4 Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (DS)

A Multiplayer Entry That Lost Its Potential

I fondly remember playing Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days for the first time, which marked a new milestone in the series as it was the initial installment to include multiplayer. In the main storyline, I assumed the character of Roxas, bridging the gap between the first and second games. However, during multiplayer sessions, my friends could pick any Organization 13 member they preferred. Each member brought unique gameplay experiences to the table, which was an exciting addition. Regrettably, the handheld DS controls somewhat limited the potential of this title, preventing it from reaching its full potential as a smash hit among fans. With the recent remastered collections, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days has undergone technical improvements, but only the cutscenes have been enhanced. A complete remake with multiplayer capabilities would undoubtedly bring joy to fans and rekindle our passion for this captivating series.

3 The Last Story (Wii)

One Of The Wii’s Forgotten Games

“One of the latest games for the Wii console was named The Last Story. In this role-playing adventure, players gave orders to their teammates and fought off enemies by using their hero’s attacks.”

Hironobu Sakaguchi, known as the founder of Square Enix’s renowned “Final Fantasy” series, produced “The Last Story” through his company, Mistwalker. This game gained recognition and received positive criticism upon its release in 2012 in North America. Unfortunately, since then, there have been no updates to “The Last Story,” along with most of Mistwalker’s catalog.

2 Final Fantasy Explorers (3DS)

A Monster Clone

Final Fantasy Explorers, developed by Square Enix, is a multiplayer-centric title that could have benefited from a different platform. This game represents Square Enix’s spin on the popular Monster Hunter concept. Players begin by creating their own character and selecting a class based on weapons. Once prepared, they embark on adventures with friends to slay colossal monsters. Gathering materials results in improved equipment, starting a continuous loop of progress. In today’s gaming scene, post-Monster Hunter World, a game like Final Fantasy Explorers might thrive if it was upgraded for a system like the Switch 2 or if a new sequel was released.

1 Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)

The Only Multiplayer Xeno Game

I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge Xenoblade Chronicles X presented as a sequel to the original Wii game, which was focused more on gameplay than story. In this installment, I got to create my own avatar and venture into a vast open world, engaging in turn-based combat similar to what I’ve experienced in MMOs. The major selling point for me was the potential to connect online with other players, although the Wii U’s less-than-stellar internet connection sometimes hindered that experience. A modern port or remake would be a dream come true for me and fellow fans, as it could potentially address the multiplayer issues and enhance our gaming experience.

2024-07-17 06:04