Nintendo’s Old Games That Should Be Made Again

In late June 2023, Nintendo held one of its popular events called Nintendo Direct. During this event, the company usually shares news about upcoming developments from the Japanese maker and seller. These events often include first looks at new videos, announcements, happenings, and in this case, news about beloved old games being remade entirely.

Specifically, they talked about remaking the classic game Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. This game is highly respected but not as well-known as it should be, and it’s from Nintendo’s history of the past decades. This announcement has made people think about other lesser-known games in Nintendo’s collection that might also get remade, and not just from Nintendo’s own history.

Enter The Matrix (Nintendo GameCube)

During the early 2000s, alongside the release of The Matrix Reloaded movie, the video game Enter the Matrix also emerged and enjoyed impressive sales. In this game, players had the option to play as either Niobe (Morpheus’ former love) or her quiet companion Ghost. Although the two characters’ gameplay wasn’t drastically different, each had their own special skills.

At the time of its initial launch, the game’s gameplay was quite distinctive. It featured high-quality graphics, a decent storyline, and the famous bullet time effect. Additionally, the game’s menu and cheat code system, designed like the DOS interface, further immersed players into the Matrix universe that Morpheus always talks about. However, to be relevant in today’s gaming landscape, the game would certainly benefit from a visual update and a revamped storyline.

The Simpsons: Hit And Run (Nintendo GameCube)

In this era of remakes, numerous fans have expressed a strong desire for a particular guilty pleasure. Specifically, they’ve been hoping for a revamped version of The Simpsons: Hit and Run—a game that provided a more family-friendly and enjoyable alternative to titles like GTA 5 and Saints Row 3, which are known for their third-person, car-based action. Many still regard The Simpsons: Hit and Run as the ultimate Simpsons game. Its missions were well-crafted, featuring nearly the entire original voice cast, and the storylines perfectly captured the essence of what fans expect from the beloved characters on Evergreen Terrace.

While fans have created unofficial remakes over time, an official remake of Hit and Run has yet to materialize. Moreover, the prospect of introducing an online mode is tantalizing, especially given the immense popularity of GTA 5‘s online component. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to escape into the fictional town of Springfield, joining Bart, Lisa, Homer, and the gang, whenever life gets a bit too serious?

Banjo-Kazooie (Nintendo 64)

The renowned British video game developer, Rare, is perhaps most renowned for creating Nintendo 64 shooters like Perfect Dark and Goldeneye (007). However, in 1997, they decided to take a creative leap by introducing a platformer called Banjo-Kazooie, featuring a bear and a bird as its main characters. This move was aimed at achieving a similar level of success as seen with Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot, both of which had been released the previous year. Banjo-Kazooie quickly gained popularity and is still regarded as one of the top-notch games available on the N64, prompting fans to eagerly request a sequel or continuation in some form.

Considering the dated graphics of the original game, a remake seems like a highly promising endeavor, similar to the success of the N. Sane Trilogy for Crash Bandicoot. Presently, the only way to experience Banjo-Kazooie beyond its original Nintendo 64 release is through the version available on Switch Online. However, the passage of time has not been kind to many of the game’s earlier polygonal models, irrespective of their nostalgic value.

Def Jam: Fight For NY (Nintendo Gamecube)

EA’s game “Def Jam: Fight For NY” presents an outrageously entertaining plot for a fighting game. Following the footsteps of its predecessor “Def Jam: Vendetta,” players are thrust into a turf war in the streets of NYC, with Crow (portrayed by Snoop Dogg) and D-Mob (voiced by Christopher Judge of God of War fame) at the center of the conflict. The voice cast also boasts impressive talent, featuring several real-life artists from Def Jam Record’s roster at that time.

Considering the strong affinity gamers have for intense combat, the idea of remaking “Fight For NY” holds significant promise. If EA were to replace a few outdated rappers with fresher talent, like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Cardi B, Post Malone, and A$AP Rocky, the game could gain even more traction and excitement among players.

WWF: No Mercy (Nintendo 64)

Speaking of wrestling games, WWF: No Mercy remains unparalleled even in the present day. Whether due to its extensive roster of wrestlers, the nostalgic arcade vibe transported to the Nintendo 64, or its innovative multi-layered camera system, the game was an undeniable success. It’s safe to say that even now, it maintains its quality.

However, much like several titles on the N64, this game suffered from awkward and asymmetrical graphics that could benefit from a substantial overhaul. If a proper remake were executed, it’s reasonable to think that paying $65 per copy would be a bargain to experience that authentic WWF/WWE sensation right from your favorite couch.

Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days (Nintendo DS)

When inquiring about the favorite story arc or game within the Kingdom Hearts series, many fans would frequently point to the Roxas, Xion, and Axel narrative from “Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days.” The challenge, however, lies in the fact that this game was only released on the Nintendo DS, which prevented many fans from experiencing it. Moreover, a significant portion of fans encountered the story through HD cutscenes included in the comprehensive collections.

Nevertheless, a more substantial concern is that “Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days” would likely require substantial reworking, as its storyline feels disjointed and repetitive. This is especially significant given that the game is relatively lengthy for a non-mainline Kingdom Hearts title.

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (Nintendo 64)

The practice of reinventing classic AAA game series is not a new phenomenon in the gaming industry. A prime example is Santa Monica Studios’ treatment of the God of War franchise, where the focus shifted toward storytelling and character development, leading to widespread praise. Now, consider Turok the Dinosaur Hunter.

During its initial release, this game was lauded for its crisp graphics and visceral violence. With a modernized story and approach, it could definitely benefit from a well-deserved remake. Implementing a third-person perspective and potentially incorporating a crafting element akin to what’s seen in reboots like Horizon Zero Dawn or Tomb Raider could breathe new life into Turok and rejuvenate its appeal.

Superman 64 (Nintendo 64)

Throughout the history of video gaming, there have been very few Superman games. Part of the reason could be attributed to the infamous reputation of Superman 64, which is often regarded as one of the worst superhero games ever made. For years, fans have been clamoring for an open-world Superman game that captures the essence of the beloved Arkham series of Batman games developed by Rocksteady. This moment feels like the perfect opportunity to make that happen.

Drawing a parallel, similar to how Insomniac Games delivered a well-received Spider-Man title in 2018 that surpassed the quality of the 2000 Spider-Man game released on Nintendo 64 and PlayStation platforms, there’s a similar potential for a Superman game. Moreover, if a morality system similar to what’s seen in games like Infamous: Second Son or Mass Effect was incorporated, then a remake of Superman 64 could be precisely the exciting experience that fans of the Kryptonian hero have been hoping for.

The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo Gamecube)

In the year 2000, fans were eagerly anticipating the successor to the impactful combination of “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask.” Particularly as the subsequent few games veered toward a more youthful appearance, “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” emerged as a refreshing departure.

As of now, the game remains underappreciated primarily due to its limited accessibility. While fans have been requesting a remake of “Ocarina of Time” for quite some time, the idea of remaking “Twilight Princess” with the visual style of “Breath of the Wild” and incorporating updated mechanics would undoubtedly be a remarkable endeavor.

Star Fox 64 (Nintendo 64)

Similar to how “Super Mario 64” established the realm of Mario in the 3D domain, “Star Fox 64” set the parameters for Fox McCloud’s galactic escapades. The utilization of multiple planets provided a distinct feel, and the incorporation of various story branches added significant replay value. Additionally, the multiplayer mode was a standout feature.

Although a remake of “Star Fox 64” was released in 2011, it was not considered a complete port due to the absence of an online multiplayer component. Given the substantial gap since the last proper Star Fox game, it’s evident that the time is ripe for a new installment in the series. Thus, pursuing a remake of “Star Fox 64” with enhanced features seems like a logical and enticing decision.