No matter how hard I try to move on, I can't help but remember the 90's as the best time for gaming. Back then we had the 3D revolution, and just about every major release was groundbreaking.
That's not to say we can't relive these experiences, though. Below are some remasters we hope to see.
1. Banjo Kazooie
Release: 1998
Platform: N64
Score: 92%
In the 90's no developer was more prolific than Rare. It was behind many of the era's greatest hits, one of which was Banjo-Kazooie.
Banjo-Kazooie was one of the best platformers of the 90's, merging an engrossing world with mechanics that rivaled Super Mario 64. Its open level design in a 3D environment was a new take on the genre at the time, eating up dozens of hours from millions of kids who should have been doing their homework.
While we can't remember what kind of bad grades we got back then, we can definitely remember the good times in Banjo Kazooie.
2. Earthbound
Release: 1994
Platform: SNES
Score: 88%
Many of the best JRPGs in gaming history released around 1994, none more unique than Earthbound.
Earthbound was noteworthy for its humor-prone personality and real-world setting that drew us away from the fantasy archetypes of the period. It's bewildering that a game in the same style hasn't been made since then, or at least not by a AAA developer. Come on, someone do it.
3. Final Fantasy VI
Release: 1994
Platform: SNES
Score: 94%
Final Fantasy VI is yet another example of how loaded 1994 was with blockbuster games, Final Fantasy VI just being one of its stellar offerings.
Final Fantasy VII might be the kind of remaster requests (and it's finally happening), but most people who played Final Fantasy VI when it first came out say it's the better of the two. That's saying something. Unfortunately, most gamers never had the chance to enjoy Terra's magical adventure, and so we have no idea why it's considered the best Final Fantasy by the generation that came before us. A remaster could help change that.
4. Metal Gear Solid
Release: 1998
Platform: PS1
Score: 93%
Back in 1998 stealth games were seldom seen, and rarely good. So, when Metal Gear Solid blew the doors right open with a compelling story and strong stealth gameplay the video game industry would never be the same.
But if you go back and play Metal Gear Solid you may be disappointed to find that its pacing is unbearably slow, and its controls are clunky. These issues were addressed in the GameCube remake titled Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, but it introduced some shortcomings of its own. Updating and re-releasing that remake on current hardware would be a dream come true.
5. Silent Hill
Release: 1999
Platform: PS1
Score: 86%
During a time when horror games were still stuck on delivering jump scares, Silent Hill showed the world that a game can be much more frightening if it uses atmosphere as its weapon.
Silent Hill gained a reputation for being a horrifying game, one that made you feel uncomfortable at all times. But what many don't talk about was how great its story was. It was one that you needed to follow and pay attention to, but paid off with riveting moments.
6. Super Mario 64
Release: 1996
Platform: N64
Score: 96%
Super Mario 64 is considered by many to be the greatest Mario game in history. While this year's Super Mario Odyssey played to the same heart strings, it just didn't capture the magic of the original 3D Mario game.
It's ridiculous to think that this game was a launch title for the Nintendo 64. It just doesn't get any better than that.
7. System Shock 2
Release: 1999
Platform: PC
Score: 92%
System Shock 2 debuted just at the tail end of the decade, and helped cement those 10 years as the best that gaming has ever offered.
System Shock 2 might be the only PC exclusive on this list, but it's deserving. It earned overwhelming accolade in 1999, leading to more than 10 Game of the Year Awards.
Although System Shock 2 was ahead of its time, it hasn't aged well. Its menus are painful to navigate, and it's difficult to discern what some character models are supposed to represent. Reviving the game with a new graphics engine would do it wonders.
8. The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past
Release: 1991
Platform: SNES
Score: 93%
Before the age of 3D Zelda there was The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It was so good that some still argue that it's better than Ocarina of Time and the best that 3D Zelda has to offer.
Whatever the case may be, A Link to the Past was an absolutely stellar game, one that unlike others on this list hasn't shown its age much. Though A Link Between Worlds would offer some nostalgia for classic Zelda fans, it was no substitute. Reliving this experience with modern amenities would be a classic gamer's dream.
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