The 1990s were a…weird time. The Hackers movie had convinced the world that the Internet was a dangerous new frontier that was populated by an anarcho-syndicalist commune of teenagers on rollerblades. Coolio’s Gangster’s Paradise was the album to listen to while wearing a massively puffy bomber jacket with orange lining, the most amazing gadget one could own was a CD-Writer that you could throw shareware games onto and The Simpsons was still a surprisingly good TV show to watch.
The decade that gave us Friends was also when video games went properly mainstream. It was the start of the console wars, a period of time where games underwent a massive transition in terms of visuals and gameplay. The PlayStation was a runaway success, Nintendo stubbornly held onto their cartridges with the N64 and the SEGA would close out the decade with the underrated DreamCast console.
Sweet Shiggy, was this a great decade for games as well. Games which have managed to maintain a foothold in our hearts over the years, and have even been given a shot at redemption lately. You’ve probably seen a few of them lately: Last year’s Crash Bandicoot collection was a gorgeous blast from the past, this month sees the return of Spyro the Dragon and just this week we got confirmation that MediEvil is making a comeback.
That got me thinking: Which games from the era of Spice Girls would you like to see remastered? Which games have stood the test of time in the gameplay department, and would truly shine if a new 4K coat of paint was applied to them? There’s so many to choose from. Metal Gear Solid may have gotten a higher definition makeover in the Twin Snakes on the Nintendo GameCube back in 2004, but I’d kill to see back and running under the Fox Engine.
Whether you’re a fan of Kain or Raziel, any of the Soul Reaver games would make for some great remasters. Hell, forget about the Final Fantasy VII remake and start a petition for Final Fantasy VIII instead so that people can see the genius of the Junction system dammit. There’s more to choose from (BRING BACK EARTHWORM JIM!), but let us know below.
From the decade that defined many of us and got us hooked on video games, who deserves a second chance…dude?
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Critical Hit as an organisation.
Last Updated: November 2, 2018
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 11:28
And Toxic Bunny!
And yes I know there’s an HD version. But I want a proper 2018 overhaul. Not just new HD textures.
Skittle
November 2, 2018 at 11:36
Crash Team Racing! and all the PS1 Final Fantasy Games (year 2000 Honorable mention, Dino Crisis 2)
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 11:50
THE GOD DAMN DIG PLEASE
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ec78cc7fb7e8caa8ae0879d7cc88f2bd10fa76ade3a6248658d47073d32e1fb5.jpg
Guz
November 2, 2018 at 12:20
Baldurs gate!
GooseZA
November 2, 2018 at 12:36
Desert / Jungle Strike. Doesn’t even have to be an isometric remake. Could do it as a Heli flight sim + FPS for when you have to rescue hostages
Edit: Also the Wing Commander games
Conan the Barbarian
November 2, 2018 at 13:30
Syndicate wars! I need it!
janpampoen
November 2, 2018 at 15:17
Commander Keen. Those original 2D Duke Nukems. Hocus Pocus. Abuse. LOST bloody VIKINGS.
janpampoen
November 2, 2018 at 15:17
Commander Keen. Those original 2D Duke Nukems. Hocus Pocus. Abuse. LOST bloody VIKINGS.
Deon Du Plessis
November 2, 2018 at 11:12
I nominate The Terminator: Future Shock.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Terminator:_Future_Shock
Admiral Chief
November 2, 2018 at 11:17
Blackthorne as side scroller
Blackthorne as FPS
Blackthorne as ANYTHING
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 11:50
This thing was amazing.
GooseZA
November 2, 2018 at 12:36
*walks past target
*no look shoots them behind his back
*reloads shotty
Admiral Chief
November 5, 2018 at 10:57
^THIS^
Craig "Crios" Boonzaier
November 2, 2018 at 15:00
YES!
Blackthorne was amazing.
Unfortunately “Blackthorne as ANYTHING” has already been achieved.
https://us.diablo3.com/en/item/blackthornes-jousting-mail-Unique_Pants_013_x1
Original Heretic
November 2, 2018 at 11:22
Soul Reaver!
Skitchin’!
Ghosts n Goblins!
Gawd, so many more …
McGafter
November 2, 2018 at 11:22
X-Wing vs. Tie Fighter
Star Wars Dark Forces 1 and 2
Diablo 1
HvR
November 2, 2018 at 11:45
YES YES YES on the SW games
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 12:50
STRIKE COMMANDER
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 12:50
WING COMMANDER
R1ker
November 2, 2018 at 12:58
Its called Squadron 42 🙁
Edit – supposedly the single player version of Star Citizen that we are never going to get.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 14:22
No ways. Really?
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 12:50
POLICE QUEST
R1ker
November 2, 2018 at 12:58
They can remake the whole x-wing series. I will totally get it
Conan the Barbarian
November 2, 2018 at 13:30
Diablo 1, definitely. It is still the one I enjoyed the most.
BradeLunner
November 2, 2018 at 14:10
Totally with you on Diablo 1
Jonah Cash
November 2, 2018 at 11:27
Easy: Bring me a new entry into the Syphon Filter franchise or just redo all 3 that was on the Playstation 1. I order the mini console yesterday for literally just that game 🙂
Nikola
November 2, 2018 at 11:33
Damn you beat me to it I was literally going to say the same, Syphon Filter franchise would be amazing to be remastered with new engine and graphics.
Jonah Cash
November 2, 2018 at 11:36
They can even reboot it. I loved those games.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 12:50
Is this game like Splinter Cell?
Jonah Cash
November 6, 2018 at 07:17
Yes. It was great story games. They were probably the first shooter story game I fell in love with. Can’t wait
Viper_ZA
November 2, 2018 at 11:27
DUNE please
HvR
November 2, 2018 at 11:45
Dune and Dune 2, C&C and RA as PROPER remasters
R1ker
November 2, 2018 at 13:10
eish – those remasters will have loot boxes. Considering EA owns all the licenses now. But if they do a remaster properly i will love to see these games again.
HvR
November 2, 2018 at 13:25
That is why I added proper; would prefer EA just sell the rights to 2K but then what IP will they abuse for their next mobile cash grab
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 11:27
Silver
Heart of Darkness
I’d like Black & White 1 to be remastered (or remade) but that’s 2001 so doesn’t count here. Notable mention though.
Guz
November 2, 2018 at 12:24
Yes loved B&W
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 12:50
Heart of Darkness crippled my PC at the time
Conan the Barbarian
November 2, 2018 at 13:30
Silver was great fun. I especially liked the control scheme.
schitsophrenic-toothbrush
November 2, 2018 at 13:40
Loved the game dude
Dresden
November 5, 2018 at 06:22
Heart Of Darkness would do great on Steam!
Weanerdog
November 2, 2018 at 11:28
Mechwarrior!
G8crasha
November 2, 2018 at 11:55
I got this game when I got my first dedicated graphics accelerator: ATi 3D Rage II!
G8crasha
November 2, 2018 at 11:55
I got this game when I got my first dedicated graphics accelerator: ATi 3D Rage II!
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 12:00
So did I! Also Actua Soccer lol
GooseZA
November 2, 2018 at 12:32
Yes please! Isn’t there a new MW game in the works? Or already up? MW Online?
Weanerdog
November 2, 2018 at 13:55
It’s a F2P game. Not really what Is had in mind.
Conan the Barbarian
November 2, 2018 at 13:30
Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries may give us the mech fix we need.
Weanerdog
November 2, 2018 at 13:55
Here’s hoping
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 11:28
And Toxic Bunny!
And yes I know there’s an HD version. But I want a proper 2018 overhaul. Not just new HD textures.
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 11:36
Pokemon Yellow for the Switch.
Yeah I said it.
Skittle
November 2, 2018 at 11:36
Crash Team Racing! and all the PS1 Final Fantasy Games (year 2000 Honorable mention, Dino Crisis 2)
Nikola
November 2, 2018 at 11:41
Yeah CTR would be sooo sick!
Chris
November 2, 2018 at 11:36
Dark Savior on sega saturn! Man that was a game.
justlikemo
November 2, 2018 at 11:45
Donkey Kong, n Metal Slug
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 12:50
Metal Slug is already done
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 11:50
THE GOD DAMN DIG PLEASE
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ec78cc7fb7e8caa8ae0879d7cc88f2bd10fa76ade3a6248658d47073d32e1fb5.jpg
Jiggy
November 2, 2018 at 11:50
Earthbound from the SNES hands down.
justlikemo
November 2, 2018 at 11:50
you can still play some of them online here https://90kids.com/games/
G8crasha
November 2, 2018 at 11:50
There is too many to name!
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 11:55
Dungeon Keeper. The first one. If it could get the same treatment as Two Point Hospital, please?!
R1ker
November 2, 2018 at 13:06
Have you tried war of the overworld? It is on Steam. Its Dungeon Keeper in all but name. The original DK dev team worked on it.
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 13:15
Yes I do have it, played it some. I actually completely forgot about it.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 12:00
RoboCop side scroller!
JacoZAB
November 2, 2018 at 12:10
Legacy of Kain and Soul Reaver please. Then I can die happy
kieker
November 2, 2018 at 12:10
soul reaver
Anon A Mouse
November 2, 2018 at 12:15
Day of the Tentacle, Grim Fandango, Goldeneye with 4 player split screen, Starcraft and so on and so forth.
Conan the Barbarian
November 2, 2018 at 13:35
Dott and starcraft both already have remasters. I think Grim Fandango as well.
Anon A Mouse
November 2, 2018 at 13:55
Faaark. How’d I missed Dott’s remake?!
schitsophrenic-toothbrush
November 2, 2018 at 14:40
Yeah man, not sure if you jam ps4 but it was one of the free games in the PS Plus a couple of months ago. Love the game, I remember jamming maniac mansion in the game. A game within a game
HvR
November 2, 2018 at 14:45
Jip, also Full Throttle
Guz
November 2, 2018 at 12:20
Baldurs gate!
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 2, 2018 at 13:40
There’s already a remastered BG. Icewind Dale too I think.
Guz
November 2, 2018 at 14:26
*Guz rolls for initiative* its a 1.
lol I must have a look for the remaster, will probably work on my work laptop when I’m on the boring weekend shifts XD
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 14:30
BG1 & 2 were both remastered yeah. Icewind Dale indeed as well. They’re on Steam – all with the “Enhanced Edition” tag added onto them.
Guz
November 2, 2018 at 16:35
Awesome!
Viper_ZA
November 2, 2018 at 12:32
How about some Blood Omen?
GooseZA
November 2, 2018 at 12:36
Desert / Jungle Strike. Doesn’t even have to be an isometric remake. Could do it as a Heli flight sim + FPS for when you have to rescue hostages
Edit: Also the Wing Commander games
HvR
November 2, 2018 at 13:20
Wing Commander remaster coming 2025
BradeLunner
November 2, 2018 at 12:50
Never Google Lucy Longhearst
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 14:55
I’m actually going to do that. Not gonna google it
BradeLunner
November 2, 2018 at 16:15
Did you keep your word?
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 16:30
Yes, yes i did. Still didn’t google it. I’m guessing its something disturbing. I don’t feel like being disturbed by internet things
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 16:35
It’s just a bunch of pictures of some Clinical Psychologist. The actual narrator doesn’t really have an internet presence. Even on IMDB, she’s only got 2 credits to her name, and no photos.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 19:43
I’m lost
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 19:48
Lucy Longhearst is the narrator for Cybernet. At least, she was for most of its running time.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
November 2, 2018 at 19:58
Thank you, friend. Haven’t seen that show
HvR
November 2, 2018 at 19:58
Aah Cybernet Friday afternoons, taped each episode to review the tactics and cheats.
Me and friend tried for hours to access the secret C&C Dinosuar missions only to find out years later you needed the one expansion which was not menitoned in the Cybernet episode
Phaezen
November 2, 2018 at 13:02
Pre 90s, but I think a good remake of California Games could be fun
R1ker
November 2, 2018 at 13:02
What about the old Novalogic games – F22 Ligntning, Delta Force, Tachyon the fringe. I still wish i can get Jane’s USAF to work in Windows 10 but finally gave up. Oh I know the USAF not part of Novalogic but loved that game as well.
Conan the Barbarian
November 2, 2018 at 13:30
Syndicate wars! I need it!
Admiral Chief
November 5, 2018 at 10:55
^This guy gets it
Sean Carbutt
November 2, 2018 at 13:35
Legacy of Kain Series
Syphon Filter
Tony Hawks Pro Skater or American wasteland
Descent
Parasite Eve
Plenty more to choose from
Pariah
November 2, 2018 at 14:22
Descent: Underground is well underway. Worth keeping an eye on.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 2, 2018 at 13:35
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e3/TerraNovaStrikeForceCentauribox.jpg/220px-TerraNovaStrikeForceCentauribox.jpg
schitsophrenic-toothbrush
November 2, 2018 at 13:45
Dark Sun: Shattered Lands
Wing Commander: Privateer
BradeLunner
November 2, 2018 at 14:14
I remember spending hours at hyper by the sea browsing the game covers while my parents were doing Sunday shopping. Didn’t have access to reviews easily so it was all too risky making a purchase. Would want half life 1, system shock, carmaggedon
Guz
November 2, 2018 at 14:26
^^system shock one of my all time classics also Shodan rules
Gavin Mannion
November 2, 2018 at 15:08
Not reading all the comments but if no one said California Games you’re all fired
janpampoen
November 2, 2018 at 15:55
Hell, I’d even settle for the original on Switch.
That game taught me how to use MS-DOS.
janpampoen
November 2, 2018 at 15:17
Commander Keen. Those original 2D Duke Nukems. Hocus Pocus. Abuse. LOST bloody VIKINGS.
BradeLunner
November 4, 2018 at 00:55
Arcanum, of steamworks and magic obscura
Magoo
November 5, 2018 at 14:48
Myst
Worms 2
Might & Magic V