These Classic RPGs Deserve an Oblivion-Style Remake ASAP!

Summary

Bethesda’s Oblivion remaster is more akin to a remake, combining new visuals with the original engine for a unique experience.
RPG classics like The Legend of Dragoon, Arx Fatalis, and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines are in need of remasters because of their dated visuals and mechanics.
Games like Morrowind, Fallout, and Deus Ex could benefit from the same treatment as Oblivion, combing authenticity and innovation, sparking excitement among fans.

Bethesda’s unexpected take on the “Oblivion” game, far from just being a simple remaster, leans more towards a comprehensive overhaul, showcasing completely revamped graphics constructed within Unreal Engine 5 while running on the core of the original “Oblivion” engine. This distinctive mix of authenticity and modernization has significantly contributed to its popularity among fans.

As players delve back into the realm of Cyrodill, either for the second time or the first, there are others who find themselves pondering which other Role-Playing Games (RPGs) might benefit from a modern refresh. The following list encompasses several timeless RPGs that could greatly benefit from an update as substantial as, or in some cases even surpassing, the overhaul Oblivion has recently undergone.

10. The Legend of Dragoon

Harnessing The Power Of Dragons Once Again

Even though Sony has brought back the classic game The Legend of Dragoon with an upgraded PS5 version, offering improved visuals and mechanics, it remains somewhat outdated compared to today’s modern JRPGs. In this game, you control a group of Dragoon warriors, fighters capable of tapping into the power of dragons. The journey you embark on is to prevent the impending doom of the world itself. Given its unique concept of becoming dragon warriors and the game’s impressive setting, revisiting this often overlooked RPG for a modern update seems like an intuitive choice. This becomes even more appealing given Sony’s recent trend of remasters for games that are less than a decade old.

9. Arx Fatalis

Subterranean RPG Deserves Its Time In The Light

Previously, there were games like Dishonored and Prey; however, Arkane’s first creation, Arx Fatalis, was released before them and was actually more advanced for its era. This game is set in a world where the sun is dying, and players delve into subterranean cities of a medieval era to confront Akbaa, the God of Destruction.

In contrast to contemporary gaming norms, the game “Arx Fatalis” from 2002 can come across as somewhat outdated and rough around the edges. To run smoothly on current hardware, you may need to install additional software. However, when it was first released, “Arx Fatalis” offered a deeply immersive environment and a magic system that remains unique even by today’s standards. Modern gamers should have the opportunity to fully appreciate its charm.

8. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

In Need Of Some Serious Maintenance

Back in 2004, I got this unfinished gem of an RPG, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, dropped off at my gaming doorstep like an abandoned puppy. This game was notorious for the swarm of bugs that it came with, and the developers left us, the players, to squash them on our own. Despite the community’s relentless efforts to iron out the wrinkles, this game still carries a bit of its rough, untamed charm.

I can’t help but express my disappointment because Bloodlines, a remarkable Role Playing Game (RPG) based on the tabletop game Vampire: The Masquerade, is truly exceptional. This game transports you into a gritty, vampire-infested Los Angeles, where you embark on an epic journey transforming into a vampire and honing your dark powers. As we wait anxiously for news about the sequel, an updated, Oblivion-inspired version of the original game would undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms by fans like me.

7. Parasite Eve

Capcom Has Paved The Way For This Survival Horror RPG To Return

Square Enix’s “Parasite Eve” stands out due to its fusion of survival horror and role-playing game elements. In this game, players step into the shoes of Aya Brea, a New York City police officer, who engages in a battle against Eve, a malevolent mitochondrion with the intent of annihilating mankind. The gameplay primarily focuses on survival horror aspects such as problem-solving and supply gathering, while the combat system is influenced by the turn-based mechanics commonly found in Japanese RPGs.

Given Capcom’s triumphs in remaking the Resident Evil series, it seems gamers are hungry for either new or renewed experiences in classic horror genres, featuring modern visuals and gameplay mechanics. Parasite Eve appears to be an ideal choice in this regard.

6. Xenogears

The Final Fantasy 7 That Could Have Been

Initially, Xenogears was initially conceived as an idea for Final Fantasy 7, but it eventually evolved into a standalone project of significant ambition. The game’s narrative is challenging to encapsulate due to its multitude of ideas and philosophical themes. It follows Fei as he embarks on a journey to understand the forces controlling the universe and himself, after inadvertently destroying his village while piloting a Gear – Xenogears’ mechanical war machines.

Regardless of its intricate and multilayered narrative, the game Xenogears was often eclipsed by titles like Final Fantasy 7 and didn’t receive the same level of acclaim. To rectify this, it would be great if Xenogears could undergo a similar overhaul as Final Fantasy 7 did in 2020 with its remake.

5. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

Following In The Steps Of Its Successor

Instead of continually producing new games, Bethesda seems stuck in a loop of remasters and re-releases. However, the refreshed version of Oblivion has sparked interest, causing many to look back at its predecessor, Morrowind. Although Morrowind is older and may require more extensive changes to gameplay mechanics due to its age, Bethesda possesses a strong base for potential remake if they choose to do so in the future.

Many players might be delighted if the same authentic style used in Oblivion were maintained, as the intricate exploration and rich atmosphere of Morrowind are admired by many as close to perfection. Making significant changes in that aspect could potentially drive away dedicated fans who appreciate the original’s unique qualities.

4. Fallout

Giving The Wasteland A Face Lift

Despite the fact that it might be logical for Bethesda to remake their in-house games initially, there’s no denying that the original Fallout series deserves some attention. Although these games are playable now, the rough edges of the first release can still be a turnoff for some players. Enthusiasts of the original duology and Bethesda’s initial first-person interpretations would probably seize the chance to enjoy the first game with modern graphics, a more streamlined user interface, and smoother gameplay mechanics.

In a potential remake of Fallout, it might borrow from Capcom’s approach by transitioning the traditional overhead camera to a first-person perspective, similar to its sequels. Yet, such a significant change in gameplay could spark disagreement among dedicated fans.

3. Deus Ex

System Shock Did It

Many devoted fans think that Deus Ex is already flawless, with its imperfections and all, and they feel a remake wouldn’t be beneficial. However, the recent launch of System Shock‘s remake demonstrated, despite originating from more obscure source material, that the charm of an old-school immersive sim can indeed be refreshed for contemporary players.

If Square Enix or another developer were to base a Deus Ex remake on core principles of player freedom and immersive role-playing game (RPG) mechanics, it could offer an engaging experience that appeals to both seasoned players and those new to the series.

2. Planescape Torment

Isometric RPGs Are In

The phenomenal triumph of Baldur’s Gate 3 underscores the fact that isometric role-playing games continue to hold substantial appeal in the video game industry. Therefore, it couldn’t be more opportune for one of the genre’s top-tier contenders to make a comeback with an eye-catching upgrade.

Planescape: Torment from Black Isle, famously known for its exceptional storyline in RPG games, is highly praised. In this game, players step into the shoes of The Nameless One, a disfigured immortal character who’s dealing with the typical video game condition called amnesia. As The Nameless One navigates through the city of Sigil, they start to gather fragments of their past and encounter faces that they can’t recognize. A remake could potentially enhance Planescape’s graphics and sometimes complex gameplay mechanics, similar to Oblivion, allowing it to stand alongside contemporary CRPGs.

1. Chrono Trigger

Adapting Perfection

Revisiting or modifying the beloved game “Chrono Trigger” might seem blasphemous to some hardcore RPG enthusiasts, as they cherish it as one of the best role-playing games ever made. However, a remake similar in scope to “Oblivion,” where graphics could be upgraded to HD-2D while preserving the core gameplay, or even a reimagining akin to “Final Fantasy 7” where mechanics and visuals are significantly altered yet still available alongside the original version, might offer modern gamers (who would otherwise miss out on it) the opportunity to explore “Chrono Trigger’s” world and story for the first time.

Formed by the combined intellects of the renowned “Dream Team,” a development group that featured the late legendary creator of Dragon Ball Akira Toriyama, players embark on an adventure with a band of heroes, guided by the mute protagonist Crono, as they journey through time to avoid catastrophe.

2025-04-28 04:06