The gaming landscape continues to evolve, particularly with the reimagining and remastering of classic titles for modern platforms like the PlayStation 5. Yet, numerous gems from the PlayStation 2 era remain neglected, many of which were never accessible through official channels. This inaccessibility has led many beloved games to be relegated to obsolete consoles, which are both rare and costly to acquire. The discourse surrounding remasters is often divisive, particularly when certain projects do not meet fan expectations.
Several notable remasters have faced criticism despite their popularity in the original run. For instance, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy and the Silent Hill HD Collection fell short of expectations due to technical flaws and issues with archived code. Conversely, successful remasters like Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse and Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age have rekindled hope among gamers. These successes signal a potential future for well-crafted remasters, especially for titles that are not easily accessible today.
10 Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7 (2006)
Published By Square Enix
Dirge of Cerberus shifts focus to Vincent Valentine, an optional character from the iconic Final Fantasy 7. Set in a post-apocalyptic narrative, it explores the consequences following Sephiroth’s destructive path. A mysterious group called Deepground sends genetically-enhanced adversaries after Vincent, seeking the Protomateria, which he holds within him.
This unique installment diverges from the series’ signature turn-based combat, opting instead for a third-person shooting mechanic. Despite its ambition, the game received mixed reviews. As one of the lesser-regarded titles, its significance within the overarching story of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy remains palpable. Should Square Enix hesitate to produce a full remake, a remaster would grant fans a much-needed opportunity to engage with this narrative facet.
9 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
Published By Ubisoft
In Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, players guide an unnamed prince as he navigates a perilous quest triggered by a devastating encounter at the Maharaja’s palace. Discovering the Dagger of Time, the prince inadvertently releases the Sands of Time, transforming the majority of those present into horrific creatures. Together with the resourceful Farah, the prince strives to rectify his calamitous mistake.
This beloved classic stands out as one of the finest entries in the series, yet remains inaccessible on modern consoles. A remake is currently underway but has experienced notable delays after its initial reveal faced criticism. A remaster, or even a straightforward digital release, could renew interest and provide players a chance to experience its captivating mechanics.
8 Fatal Frame (2001)
Published By Koei Tecmo (Tecmo)
Set in 1986, Fatal Frame introduces players to Miku Hinasaki, a young woman in search of her missing brother, Mafuyu. As she explores a haunted mansion, Miku discovers that unverifiable horrors linger within, facing the dark legacy of her brother’s tutor, who has already succumbed to ghostly entities. Armed with her Camera Obscura, Miku can confront and repel these sinister spirits.
Known as Zero in Japan, this franchise recently revived interest with remasters of its newer titles, notably Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water in 2021 and Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse in 2023, leaving the original trilogy still waiting for an update. A remaster of the initial title, perhaps first, would significantly enrich the context for two narratives within the franchise that followed it.
7 SOCOM 2 U.S. Navy SEALs (2003)
Published By Sony Computer Entertainment
SOCOM 2 U.S. Navy SEALs immerses players in the world of elite operatives tasked with dismantling a dangerous weapons trade by the Sesseri Syndicate. As players assume the roles of team members like Specter and Jester, they engage in tactical missions designed for both single-player and cooperative online play, a groundbreaking feature at the time.
Though the original gameplay options provided a compelling offline experience, the online gameplay was an early innovation that allowed for user voice commands, enhancing the tactical team coordination experience. A remaster could reignite interest in this seminal tactical shooter and invite a new generation to appreciate its strategic depth.
6 Clock Tower 3 (2003)
Published By Sony Computer Entertainment
Clock Tower 3 follows Alyssa Hamilton, a girl who, after disobeying her mother’s instructions, finds herself plunged into various timelines, combating relentless serial killers. Celebrated for its cinematic approach and narrative, despite its flaws in gameplay, this title stands as the fourth and final installment of the Clock Tower series.
Despite its commercial reception, Clock Tower 3’s storytelling and atmosphere hold significant potential for enhancement through a remaster. An update to its mechanics, controls, and visuals could transform it into a respectable homage to horror gaming.
5 Shadow Hearts: From the New World (2006)
Published By Xseed Games
In the alternate narrative landscape of Shadow Hearts: From the New World, players join Johnny Garland, a private investigator who teams up with the mysterious Shania to stop a rising dark power threatening to unleash chaos. This entry represents the third continuation of the series and provides standalone gameplay, establishing its distinct charm through humor and engaging character abilities.
Despite being the final chapter in its series, its entertaining mechanics, vibrant cast, and whimsical tone have made it memorable. A remaster would not only breathe new life into its legacy but also invite new players to appreciate its various qualities.
4 Tony Hawk’s Underground (2003)
Published By Activision
Tony Hawk’s Underground allows players to experience the skateboarding world through the eyes of a customizable character who learns from the legendary skater Chad Muska. As players embark on a journey of self-discovery and rivalry in the skateboarding scene, the gameplay retains the series’ spirit while introducing an engaging narrative.
This installment diverges from its predecessors, integrating an elaborate story that enhances the overall experience. Given its standout narrative and gameplay elements, a remaster has the potential to attract both nostalgic players and new enthusiasts, fostering appreciation for its core mechanics.
3 Guitar Hero 2 (2006)
Published By RedOctane
Guitar Hero 2 builds on the foundation set by its predecessor, immersing players in a vibrant musical experience as they perform at various venues with a selection of characters. The gameplay remains consistently engaging while introducing new modes and a refined difficulty curve.
With improvements in multiplayer modes and accessibility features, a remaster could reignite enthusiasm for this genre-bending title, appealing to veteran players and newcomers alike. The revitalization of music games could see a resurgence with modern adaptations of iconic titles like this.
2 SSX (2000)
Published by EA Sports
Snowboarding enthusiasts adore SSX for its exhilarating courses and engaging gameplay. Although lacking a traditional narrative structure, it captivates with its combination of thrilling challenges and trick-based mechanics. Players can unlock various gears and costumes, adding to the experience.
With favorable reception fueling several sequels, a remaster would serve as an opportunity to rekindle interest in extreme sports gaming, particularly for a title that has laid solid groundwork for subsequent iterations.
1 Silent Hill 3 (2003)
Published by Konami
In Silent Hill 3, players follow Heather Mason, navigating a nightmarish encounter that leads her through a mall infested with grotesque entities. Set seventeen years after the first installment, the game explores harrowing themes and narratives.
Of cause I regard SH3’s Otherworld as a gore. In those days SH2’s sales was sluggish. So my boss wished for SH3 was more bloody style horror. However I don’t regret that my art direction.
BTW those bloody walls is a metaphor of Alessa on the bed.
https://t.co/xHry7ATiyk — \u4f0a\u85e4\u66a2\u9054/Masahiro Ito (@adsk4) April 18, 2018
While a remaster of the original Silent Hill trilogy saw a brief revival, technical challenges plagued the attempts. Nonetheless, the PS3 remaster of Silent Hill 3 garnered a more favorable reception. A modern-day remaster for the PlayStation 5 could capture a new audience and strengthen the game’s status within the horror genre, especially in light of the forthcoming projects surrounding the Silent Hill franchise.
Sources: Ubisoft/YouTube , Masahiro Ito/X
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