Syphon Filter
The Syphon Filter games were a big success on the PS1, but ever since the series shifted to new territory, Sony backed down on the releases quite a bit and left us wondering if it would ever come back to PS3, outside of a re-release of the classic games. At this point in time, we think it’s best that, instead of tackling a new project, the team turn its attention to providing some HD love to the original releases. The first three Syphon games were fantastic, and, for that matter, the PSP games were pretty sweet too. Bundle those together with a few extras — including online multiplayer options — and we’ll really be getting somewhere.
Spyro the Dragon
Before Insomniac Games went to work on the Ratchet and Clank games (as well as other projects), they were a smaller team working on a creative platforming series called Spyro the Dragon. Featuring a fire-breathing dragon full of spunk and plenty of exciting situations, the legacy continues to live on today through the Skylanders games, produced by Activision. That said, it wouldn’t hurt for Sony to team up with Activision on re-releasing the original PS1 adventures with a coat of high-definition polish, and maybe a few online leaderboards for good measure. And speaking of forgotten mascots…
Crash Bandicoot
Before he started appearing in a number of overly complicated platformers produced by Sierra, Crash Bandicoot was the darling of Sony’s first PlayStation — thanks to some help from the up-and-comers at Naughty Dog, who have since moved on to greener pastures with Uncharted and The Last of Us. But that doesn’t mean we can’t revisit the past with some of Crash’s better adventures. Re-releasing his first three games, along with Crash Team Racing, would hit the spot for gamers of all ages. And at a decent price, at that.
Jumping Flash!
Last but not least, who are we to forget about the awesome Robbit, the heroic bunny who appeared in not one but two unforgettable Jumping Flash! games? These were big hits on the PS1, featuring innovative first-person shooting action, crazy visuals (for a 90s release) and lots of ridiculous hopping fun. So obviously, Sony bringing these games back for a $10-a-pop re-release, complete with the kind of graphics we could drool over, would be a pretty sweet move. Oh, and don’t forget those Muu Muus!
If there’s one thing PlayStation 3 owners can’t get enough of, it’s high-definition remake packages. Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a number of classics get the HD makeover, including Devil May Cry, God of War, Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper and Tomb Raider. Several more are on the way, including Ratchet and Clank and the Resident Evil Chronicles releases. But with that, we can’t help but think that a few franchises are missing from this high definition resolution.
So with that, we came up with a list of eight franchises that could use some sort of repackaging with classic games touched up for today’s gaming standard. We probably didn’t get all of your favorites, but there are a number of them we think you’ll be pleased with.
Sony, we hope you’re listening. Give us these HD collections now!
Grand Theft Auto
We already know that Rockstar is hard at work on bringing a couple of PS2 favorites to the PlayStation Network, including Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. But why stop there? Why not give a good once-over to the games that have already been released, polishing them in high definition and re-releasing them in a huge compilation that will get people excited for Grand Theft Auto V? We could easily see a package that includes part three, Vice City, San Andreas and the Stories spin-offs, selling for about $40 a pop and intriguing people to run through cities for hours at a time on an unstoppable rampage. Rockstar would definitely make mad bank on it.
Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy VII HD has been teased for years — YEARS — by Square Enix, with nothing official ever coming down the pike. But why not? The original game sold wondrously on the PS One, as did the PSN re-release. And Final Fantasy VIII and IX weren’t too shabby either. So why not rework them for a new release with high definition extras and a number of options to make RPG players fall in love again? And while we’re at it, Square…
Kingdom Hearts
Another franchise that’s been in need of a sequel for a long time (one is coming to 3DS next month, but that’s not the platform fans were looking to get it on), Kingdom Hearts has enchanted millions of gamers, old and young alike, with its mixture of Square and Disney universes. A remake of the original PS2 games definitely wouldn’t be out of the question, with touched-up visuals and plenty of quests to keep players busy until Kingdom Hearts 3 eventually arrives. It’d certainly be a seller, that’s for sure.
Onimusha
Since Devil May Cry got the HD treatment a couple of months back, and Okami HD is getting similar treatment later this year, then why not give some love to a samurai? The Onimusha trilogy was a great one over on the PS2, complete with a third chapter that included a bad-ass Jean Reno-played character. Seeing these games again with beautiful HD visuals and plenty of thrilling gameplay would be a welcome sight. And, oh, the carnage. Gotta love it.
