Ever since the rumour that several 3D Super Mario remasters may be coming to Switch, we've been champing at the bit to experience those classics again on Switch. Say what you like about Switch ports but if they're treated with the care and respect they deserve, we're all for bringing everything--past and present-- to Switch. We'll take the lot.
However, there's an argument to be made that recycling the same classic games time and time again is a bit of a waste, especially when we've played them to death already. How about spending that development time sprucing up games that fell short of greatness, or games we haven't had easy access to since they originally released? Rather than gilding the lily over and over, why not put that effort into remaking games that didn't live up to their potential the first time around?
Remakes provide a solid blueprint for developers to work from and come with an existing fanbase, so it's no wonder they're attractive to big companies. Still, it would be nice to see more risks taken in this area. Master System classic Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap was given a fresh lick of paint and polished up beautifully for modern consoles, and although the source material for the recently-announced Alex Kidd in Miracle World remake isn't as revered, the developers will be hoping to pull off a similar trick.
Of course, Nintendo puts out remakes on a semi-regular basis, and we recently enjoyed Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. However, that's not the sort of HD upgrade and spit-polish we have in mind for the games below. We're talking fundamental overhauls along the lines of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening or, better yet, the mighty Metroid: Zero Mission for GBA, the latter of which took the ageing shell of the original Metroid and gave it a startling refurbishment. In fact, the Metroid series got another excellent remake in the form of Metroid: Samus Returns on 3DS.
So, let's take a look at a handful of games from various developers that we believe had a promising, tasty kernel within but could have benefited from more time in the oven...
Super Mario Land (GB)
Controversial! Well, not really. The fact is that while we adore the spirit, quirkiness and legacy of the Game Boy's Super Mario Land, the actual gameplay doesn't live up to the potential of the system or the series and, as such, it's one of the lesser games in the Mario canon. Sure, at the time it felt like a minor miracle--and the game isn't without its own brand of magic--but the stellar Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins trumped it in every department and proved what could be achieved on Nintendo's most modest of consoles.
An expanded, reimagined remake of Super Mario Land, though? That could be a spicy little meatball.
Disney Epic Mickey (Wii)
Rumours that a remaster of this 3D platformer might be in the works have popped up recently, and Epic Mickey is certainly a brilliant concept which arguably didn't quite live up to its potential. It's gorgeous game which gave Mickey Mouse a little of his bite back and ushered in Disney's more modern, less reverant (and infinitely more fun) approach to its mascot these days.
We've spoken to veteran designer Warren Spector in the past and he's quite rightly proud of the game, but it would be fascinating to see how a remake could buff out the imperfections a decade later on modern systems.
Sonic Spinball (MD)
We've got a special place in our heart for Sonic Spinball, and we won't hear a word said against its soundtrack, bonus stages or overall premise. Still, even for we young Sonic fans back in the day, the stuttering gameplay and odd physics didn't feel quite right back in the day, especially after coming from the silky smooth Sonic 2. And the less said about the hedgehog's sprite here, the better.
Oh, but imagine a remake using the Sonic Mania engine and sprites which would marry the winning concept with the 'proper' movement and inertia of his 16-bit platformers! It could turn a flawed game into an instant classic.
Resident Evil Gaiden (GBC)
Capcom are no strangers to remaking (sorry, REmaking) the Resident Evil franchise and the success of the recent RE2 and RE3 releases (sorry, REleases) means Capcom will be recycling (sorry, REcyc—okay we'll stop now) the lot of them, no doubt. It started back on the GameCube, and although the original PlayStation game is a kitsch gem, REmake transformed it into a modern classic in keeping with the tone established by later instalments. We're still sore that Capcom hasn't brought the remake of the second game to Switch.
While the upcoming RE4 remake has fans divided, there are few gamers who would argue that Resident Evil Gaiden on Game Boy Color couldn't be improved with a reimagined version for modern systems. It wasn't well received and it came last in our reader poll of the best Resident Evil games ever, but it features the dream team of Leon S. Kennedy and Barry Burton. Tell us that there's not gold to be mined from that pairing!
Nuts to RE4 - that's already a classic. Why not take another crack at REG, Capcom? And please, please, keep that abreviation; it'd be tagline gold.
Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)
One of Nintendo's dormant franchises, the plain fact is that the awkward control scheme of this 3DS entry split player opinion (and a few ulnar nerves, too). It has its defenders--we very much enjoyed the game--but a remaster with a completely reworked control scheme might give more people the chance to appreciate Kid Icarus: Uprising. Perhaps once Masahiro Sakurai is finished with Smash Bros.? Then again, perhaps it would be simpler to create a new entry from scratch. We'd take that, too.
Also, Sakurai will never be finished with Smash, ever. Nintendo won't allow it. Poor chap.
Metal Gear Solid (GBC)
Possibly the most highly regarded entry here in its original form, the game known as Metal Gear: Ghost Babel in Japan was actually an excellent entry for the series on Game Boy Color. However, much like Link's Awakening, reimagining this classic would bring it to the attention of a wider audience over two decades on from release, and a remake could alleviate some of the control design choices necessary to get the game working on GBC.
Plus, who wouldn't jump at the chance to play a Solid Snake adventure on Switch? We'll take the rest of his back catalogue while you're at it, Konami. Much obliged.
Ice Climber (NES)
Some NES games hold up very well indeed, while others haven't aged so gracefully. In the case of 'black box' vertical platformer Ice Climber, it hardly set the world alight back in the day, and Popo and Nana would probably be consigned to the annals of Nintendo history (on the same pile as Stanley the Bugman) were it not for the aforementioned Masahiro Sakurai sending them an invitation to join the Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Being a distinctly average game, there's ample scope to improve upon the original's awkward controls and give this game a 21st century makeover. A task for a talented Nindie dev, perhaps? Popo and Nana deserve better.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES)
With so many games to its name, the Zelda franchise is bound to elicit a variety of opinions as to the best or worst game in the series. We find that one good way to gauge someone's Zelda fandom is whether or not they've played through Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. The first sequel in the long-running series, it's very different from the original and has enjoyed a critical reappraisal over the past decade, fuelled largely by the success of Dark Souls and similar games which refuse to hold your hand.
Viewed in the context of the entries that followed, Zelda II is the most obtuse Zelda, with mistranslations adding to its general inscutability. 8-bit games of all genres are routinely more challenging than modern equivalents, but you should feel zero compunction using save states and a walkthrough to complete Zelda II if you're determined to tick it off your list.
However, its way of doing things came back into vogue and a sensitive remake could bring back one of the oft-ignored and most unusual Zelda games for a new audience. Cadence of Hyrule proved that indie developers have the potential to breathe new life into the old formula (and Zelda II didn't follow the template soon cemented in A Link to the Past anyway). The developers of the Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap remake expressed a desire to tackle Zelda II a couple of years ago, and we'd still be fascinated to see what they could make of it.
So what are your thoughts on our picks above? Let us know below by voting for the two games you'd most like to see given some special remake attention.
Obviously, there are dozens of decent games that fell short of classic status despite having potential, so feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below.
Comments 150
Mario land trilogy remake now
Mario Land and Kid Icarus (I would even include the original Kid Icarus tbh) for me.
I agree with this list for the most part, but Kid Icarus Uprising should get more of an enhanced port over a remake.
MGS (GBC) and RE: Gaiden would certainly be interesting to see done, especially if they do it similar to how Konami did Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth on WiiWare to maybe spruce it up and homage its more traditional predecessors. Capcom could remake it but it's a tough sell when it isn't a super-popular RE game and especially with Code Veronica X seeming like the more likely choice to do if RE4 is really getting remade, at least from an investor standpoint.
Zelda 2 is probably the game on this list I'd want to see get a pure and proper remake from the ground up the most. I liked Link's Awakening (Switch) but it meddled with a lot of what made the original great by leaving so little for the imagination and being so much higher budget and bigger, almost losing a lot of charm. Zelda 2 has a lot of potential for being a unique game in the 2D series and I'd love to see Nintendo take a crack at it again.
Yes, definitely Epic Mickey. It’s super fun, but now that I have the Switch, I don’t like the Wii U’s controls anymore. Please!
@dartmonkey P.S. You forgot to add Zelda 2 to the poll. 😉
The classic game most worthy of a remake is Speedball 2. Keep the gameplay as it is,flesh out the career mode, add an HD shine and online play and you'd have one of the best multiplayer games on Switch.
Or how about an all new 3D Speedball, similar in style to Rocket League? That would be phenomenal if done right. Psyonix would probably be the best developer for it too.
@BabyYoshi12 Don't know what you're talking about. It's there, see? Always been there, from the beginning. Yep, definitely.
Cheers.
If nintendo wants to I can improve Ice Climber as a NES ROM. They know my e-mail, just contact me.
Wonder why Zelda is at zero percent.....I would've picked it but not because it was a bad game. More because I would like to see it updated.
I voted for Epic Mickey and Super Mario Land. I remember playing those games a long time ago, and never got into them. A remake would be awesome!
Man... Super Mario Land was MY Mario game of my childhood. I love how weird and wacky it compared to other Mario titles as they deviated away from Bowser's minions. I would love to see Land return!
Zelda 2 tbh, it’s a great game hampered by the technical capabilities of the day and general lax attitude towards translations. Epic Mickey is one of my favourite Wii games and all it needs is a better camera and there we go, sorted.
@OorWullie I would be very happy with a straight Amiga port of Speedball 2.
With Gods already available on Switch, I was hoping more Bitmap Bros games would follow
I personally would want the Professor Layton Series ported to the Switch. Casual switch users can enjoy the series excellent puzzles as well as hardcore fans. It’s easy interface and simple concept would work especially well in handheld mode. On the list, I’d say Kid Icarus, the series needs to come back!
Out of this list I'd pick Kid Icarus: Uprising 1000% over the rest.
The rest are fine as they are, but Kid Icarus: Uprising needs the dual analogs and HD upgrade. The world doesn't have enough On-rails 3D Shooters.
Disney Epic Mickey would be a distant second choice.
A Switch port for Kid Icarus: Uprising updated with dual analog support would be amazing.
Pffffff, Mario Land? Zelda II Babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Throw Earthbound up there, while you're at it!!
I played and completed Zelda 2 on the Wii having never completed the original on the NES due to the difficulty. It’s a good entry in the series and would benefit from a Wonder Boy style remaster.
It feels like Kid Icarus Uprising only just recently came out.
@OorWullie
Completely agree. Speedball 2 was the first game that sprang to mind for me when I read this article.
Long overdue a proper remake/remaster.
Ice cream! Ice cream!
MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA! MOLE MANIA!
(just to be clear... Mole Mania is the game Nintendo most needs to revisit; for emphasis: MOLE MANIA!)
Kid Icarus Uprising and Zelda II remasters would be awesome please.
TBH, having played all of them, I'd take all of those remade (as well as many of the games mentioned in the replies in all probability)
Megaman Starforce Trilogy please.
Dang! I’ve been calling a Super Mario Land remake for ages.
They did Metroid 2, and Links Awakening, it only makes sense.
I’d prefer 6 Gold Coins though
@Magician The game would absolutely need to be rebuilt top to bottom as swipes and spins with the stylus were crucial to combat throughout. I would just add that for all the kvetching about the 3DS control scheme, it never bothered me in the slightest (play while seated, pillow/cushion on my lap for the right side of the 3DS to rest on, control the d-pad with my left hand, stylus with my right... no stress or hand cramps at all).
RE:Gaiden would be a great game to be remade as a 2.5D/Fixed camera RE game. Something closer to the originals than anything else. And could be a spin off series that keeps the classic gameplay alive.
If you wanted to see a RE2 style remake set on a boat, I'd go with Dead Aim.
How about remaking Super Mario Land and Super Mario Land 2 into one game? Even combined I don't think their amount of stages comes up to the rough standard amount of levels in more modern Mario titles so it would be nice to see this I'd say.
Every time I boot up Sonic Spinball, I'm reminded both of how much I loved it as a kid, and how much it would benefit from physics that aren't so wonky.
The only thing Zelda II needs is save states, which it has with Switch Online.
I just played Super Mario Land all the way through for the first time via 3DS Virtual Console and it is still a great game. I don’t really think a remake would add much to it. That it doesn’t measure up to the routinely outstanding quality of Mario platformers is not to say it isn’t highly enjoyable in its own right.
Pokemon platinum
Virtual Boy Wario Land.
Did Ice Climbers really not come out in Europe until March 16, 2007?!?! Was Virtual Console the first time it was ever released there?
That being said, I would really love to see a Sonic Spinball remake from the people who did Mania. With the advances pinball games have taken over the past decade I think that could be something special
All solid picks. I also think Zelda Oracle of Ages and Seasons getting a remake ala Links Awakening would be great.
I always thought the story mode in Smash Bros Wii was the PERFECT template for remakes of Kid Icarus, Metroid, Zelda II, heck even Ice Climber could be a perfect fit inside that engine.
It always made me sad they didn't.
Zelda II is my second fave Zelda after Link to the Past. It just had this awesome vibe.
But hey, if those guys can't remake Zelda II, maybe they can take a stab at Battle of Olympus? Another fave of mine.
Oh and Nintendo Life, you really should've ended that last sentence with "to see what they could remake of it." Haha.
@LEGEND_MARIOID I was imagining a Zelda 2 remake with more levels and better graphics and some 3D parts to make it more interesting.
Chop, Chop, Nintendo!
Imho Marioland 2 ist such a slowdown fest that the tight gameplay of marioland is favourable.
@nesrocks what game is your avatar from?
I'm ok with any of the Nintendo IPs. The rest could be done better elsewhere, unhindered by factoring in Switch hardware at all.
@nessisonett Very much agreed.
@Spoony_Tech you might want to check the poll again.
@Gofixmeaplate It's from my fix to Super Pitfall!
I'd so love to see a Zelda II remake. It's merciless, but I loved it. I lost track on how many times I played through it.
I also voted for Super Mario Land and as much as I would love to see it get remade, there needs to be plenty more content than just 12 levels (24, if you include the game's Hard Mode) and even then, I'd rather see Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins get remade.
On a related note, I'd like to see Wario Land 2 get remade. Oh, and For the Frog The Bell Tolls.
@Muddy_4_Ever I always found the stylus hurt my hand more than just using my finger with Uprising. Something about the hand position made it cramp.
@Spanjard Sucks it was added right after I voted.
Really, really wanted a Luigi/Daisy and Sarasaland segment in Odyssey. I feel like BotW is a 3D execution of how LoZ2 tried to expand the gameplay's scope, anyway.
I'd like to see Tails' Adventure and Megaman Battle Network get some sequels on the Switch. The latter would be an excellent fit for the console — shoring up where Sword/Shield fell short.
I'm still a bit giddy that I no longer have to say "Sure would be nice if we could get more Pokémon Snap!", because it's happening!
I voted for Zelda II. But, I don't want a full remake of it. Personally, I think it's a great game, just suffering from some (pretty big) flaws that hinder the entire game for a lot of people. I just want to see it remade in a slightly prettier package, with these big flaws fixed up.
On a different note, Kid Icarus: Uprising doesn't need a remake, it just needs an HD release with normal controls that aren't seemingly made to cramp your hand as much as possible.
Oh man, a fully 3D Zelda II Remake would be amazing and probably the closest that Nintendo themselves could get to capturing the same sort of magic that From Software did with Dark Souls.
I could see them creating a vast mythology for Hyrule, and I can almost picture the entire game fleshed out in three dimensions! I know it’ll never happen, but Zelda II was a great game held back by limitations.
@dartmonkey I think the Chinese have already made Better Ice Climber (not that that was a high bar to clear ). I want to say it was an Urban Oufitters-branded console (which was probably just a rebranded Vii) I watched a streamer play, though admittedly repackaged Vii consoles are probably in the tons. One of the many "new" games on it was recognizable as updated clone of IC.
Mario Land "Remake" would have a play lenght of an hour or an half. Mario Land 2 or a trilogy should be the way to go.
Some good game on the list but I would definitely say Kid Icarus and Epic Mickey. Taking about Disney, I still don’t understand why we never revived “ Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse” for the Wii U or even now on the Switch.
No chrono trigger? Come on.,,,
@Scrubicius Beyond the 2013 version?
https://delistedgames.com/castle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mouse/
I feel like the "wow" factor of remakes of 3d games is kinda lost thanks to emulation. Like, see Twilight Princess HD, it added nothing over just playing the GC version in HD.
So, for Epic Mickey they'd would have to do some serious work, make the hub choices permanent, add the best levels from Epic Mickey 2 (if there are any), 60fps, the works.
Sonic Spinball LMAO, this game, I still see it as 'merch' from its time, no amount of polish will make it worth playing again.
In fact I think the only reason to play it now is to hear the nostalgic sounds and that great Options Menu music that sounds like blackboard scraping.
I think there are more interesting Sonic games that would benefit from a remake.
The Sonic Advance series, Sonic Battle, 3D Blast, heck Pinball Party is a lot better than Spinball even.
Castlevania 2 Simons Quest could make use of a remake. The addition of a map and a better translation could easily fix it.
No more remakes!
Not real big on any of the ones featured, but I'd definitely open my wallet for a Path of Radiance/Radiant Dawn remake where the models are less... garbagey. That and Chrono Trigger.
@KingBowser86 yes sir! Would have been nice to see it on a Nintendo platform
RE: SML1:
SML1 has a stellar remake on SNES, it runs beautifully on the SFC Mini.
I know the original Zelda hasn’t aged nearly as bad as the second but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a remake.
Geist for Gamecube! Always wanted to play it back then, but it never happened. Also some unfinished/unreleased games like Winter or Sadness for the Wii.
KI Uprising would be considered a classic of that generation if not for the clumsy and obtuse control scheme. (Seriously, I hadn’t struggled with a control system that much since Virus on the Amiga.)
Ice Climbers in a 3D world would be very interesting and the characters are so fun to use in Smash Bros, they could make a great adventure game
@Scrubicius You know, I completely forgot that they skipped Nintendo on it. Hardware incompatibility, IIRC.
I have to say some odd and limited choices here 🤷♂️
Epic Mickey and Kid Icarus Uprising for me please!
Zelda 2 of course!
Kid Icarus!! Give those fans something new, it's been too long
The only thing wrong with Super Mario Land is that it is way too short. I don’t need Nintendo to remake it, just give us the attributes in Mario Maker and let fans build their own.
Epic Mickey, somebody really didn't think that name through 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I picked Zelda II and Kid Icarus Uprising. They're both good but flawed games that could be great. If I could only have one, it would be Kid Icarus. There's a potential top tier Nintendo series there.
As a lefty, Kid Icarus Uprising was unplayable garbage, and that made me sad.
@BabyYoshi12 I remember playing that game in the Wii 5 years ago. I thought it was okay, but definitely needed some touch-ups. I would rather have a new game then a remake though.
@Maulbert I like you’re profile pic!
Also yeah Kid Icarus is definitely my least favorite Nintendo series.
Crystalis.
Remake followed by sequel. It played well enough as an 8-bit title, but top-down, Zelda-style combat could be enhanced considerably now. Modern audiences deserve to experience this, if "a sensitive remake" (excellent phrase) can hit the same notes.
@embison I wouldn’t fully remake it, I would keep the old style design and black and white but better framerate and controls.
Out of all of those I'll take a Kid Icarus Uprising HD on Switch hands down. The weapons system was super fun and surprisingly deep along with the multiplayer. So much potential just sitting there waiting to be brought to fruition.
@BanjoPickles When playing BOTW, I stared across the strait north of Death Mountain for a long, long time.
Ice Climber is easily #1 for me.
@Apportal_SMM2 I don't hate Kid Icarus as a series, it has potential. However, the person who designed the control scheme for Uprising either didn't give a crap about left-handed players, or worse, is an active sadist against them. It really is frustrating how as a general rule 90% of the population gives little regard for the world being completely bassackwards for the other 10%.
Super mario land with 16 bit graphics would be great with extra levels and bosses of course
I would like to see Mario 64 on Switch. The game itself is great, but it dearly needs a graphical overhaul.
A modern River King would be cool.
So would Archon, and M.U.L.E.
In the spirit of this article I always thought Arch Rivals could use some modern polish. Also what about a realistic Lunar Pool? Klashball needs some better controls to be great.
How bout Pinball Quest? Something always held it back from being amazing.
Valis, Ultraman, Dirty Harry, .
I hate Ice Climber. It's a rote 80s arcade-style platformer, and I find its enduring popularity baffling.
Zelda II remake would be neat, if only because I think the game doesn't deserve its reputation. It's got good bones, and with a fresh coat of paint and some QOL improvements, it would shine.
You know what remake i would love to see? A remake of Wario's Woods
Epic Mickey has the worst camera ever, I don't care what Warren Spector says.
@KingBowser86 I don’t know if it is able to run on a mobile device I think it will run on a Nintendo home console
Maybe Disney isn’t happy that Mario is more popular then Micky.
I would love to see an Epic Mickey remaster or remake. Or if Disney had the desire to invest in one, another sequel. Never played the second. But the first one was mostly fun. I do agree it didn't quite match it's ambition in terms of polished play. And the game kind of meandered off towards the last third. Which wouldn't have been an issue had the gameplay been a bit better and if the Disney properties were used in more creative ways. But when the controls weren't an issue, the painting mechanisms was fun. I love how they used the game to reintroduce Oswald back into the Disney fold (which I wish Disney further capitalized on).
Finally, it's truly the game (in terms of it's lofty goals) that a character like Mickey deserves. And I'll say it again, it's been a real shame that Mickey hasn't been utilized in the way I think a universally recognized character ought to be. Almost 60 main Disney animated features and your iconic mascot has not been the star of anyone? Only relegated to package films and straight to DVD movies? It's criminal. But I digress
Super Mario Land remakes! YES
I want Kid Icarus Uprising from this list. I really wanted to like it on 3DS but I just couldn't get the controls to click. Just not natural for me.
Come on Nintendo, slap a coat of HD paint and let us play with traditional controls!
Ice climbers didn't get my vote, BUT if they reimagined it as a super mario bros vs. style arcade game, only the 'single screen' moves vertically, I'd be in. Think towerfall, but Ice Climbers. Maybe after each 'phase' of a level when enemies are defeated, there's a traditional ice-climbing segment?
Kid Icarus would be my top vote. The risk/reward system was absolutely amazing, and it deserves a second chance. I worry that analog control would be too imprecise to do it justice, though.
As for Epic Mickey....I would want a re-imagining of what it could be. A 3D platformer that ramps up in difficulty but is forgiving about how it handles death, so that there's still challenge there. Maybe permit a 'challenge mode' that gives numbers of lives and save points instead, but leave the easier default mode for accessibility with the license. Even better would be to go Kid Icarus and introduce the betting system. Also maybe use fortnite as an example of building stuff actively with the brush - don't ask the player to stop and paint like the 3DS version. Ask them to platform or fight and wield the brush at the same time.
@dartmonkey Why is Skyward Sword not in this list? It needs an open-world remake.
@Apportal_SMM2 The reason I love it is, I love Oswald. 😉 I love his history, his look and everything about him.
@Dayton311 No. It were a launch game on NES in 1986 and were bundle with the console.
I tried it at launch, and i always liked it. Controls is a bit dated now, so it should have had a remake and remake of the original great music. I did make a tribute to it in Mario Maker on Wii U years ago.
Steamworld devs wanted to remake this as late as 2020. They have what it takes to do it.
I and many others told the developer to make a demo and send it to Nintendo.
Kid Icarus, just to sort out the control problems.
Super Mario Land is perfect already.
Link's Awakening isn't an overhaul, what are you talking about? Aside from a tacked on dungeon maker feature, it feels very much like a GB game with an HD coat of paint. The only remakes that really feel like modern overhauls are Metroid Zero Mission, Metroid: Samus Returns, Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver, and to a lesser degree Pokemon OmegaRuby/Alpha Sapphire (but TBH I find ORAS lacking too).
As for what I'd like to see on Switch, Super Mario Land and Zelda II sound good. What I really want overhauled though, is Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow. IMO, no game has really done Kanto right because they all keep retaining the antiquated design practices of the GB even though games are capable of much, much more now. I like Kanto, but I'm sick of trudging through the same flat, blocky, simplistic landscapes with the same generic environments with the same limited roster of Pokemon playing through the same generic story and having almost nothing to do outside of the main game. And while games like FRLG and GSCHGSS are great, they don't actually fix Kanto's problems, they just tack content onto Kanto's antiquated design instead of actually updating the existing content. Kanto really needs an experience more like BW2, where the region design is actually improved, they expand the Dex with more recent Pokemon (and NOT just cross gen evos or regional variants), a more fleshed out storyline that amounts to more than "Team Rocket is doing bad stuff, go stop them!", and actual side activities. Sadly though, with LGPE being too recent and Game Freak being obsessed with making everything cheap and nostalgia pandering, we probably won't see this on the Switch, and may not even see that ever.
Mercury Steam trought the remake of Metroid 2 Return of Samus showed you can do a remake of a game that many consider inferior to more suceful games of the franchise, Nintendo or one of it subsidiaries or a hired studio can update a game like Super Mario Land and Legend of Zelda 2 Adventure of Link with all enchament you can expect for a modern game, Nintendo have showed trought the remake of Legend of Zelda Link Awekaning, he can do a proper remake of a old game, Kid Icarus Uprising deserve a enchament port of the game to Switch or a sequel.
I would be interested in seeing Super Mario Land get a remake. I enjoyed the original back then, but it could certainly use an update.
Puyo remakes plz.
Ice climbers remake. You mean Celeste?
Kid Icarus Uprising for sure. While I own the physical cart, I've played it on Citra with HD textures enabled and it looks gorgeous
Not on the list, but would really love a return to Golden Sun... whether it got the full Spyro or Mana style remake or just a bit of up-rezzing ,it would be cool to have the first 2 games combined together.
Boom Blox!
These are some good choices. But I want Boom Blox on Switch!
@Toshiro_Baloney Loved that game, totally underrated, needs a huge come back
I just want Skies of Arcadia from the Dreamcast / Gamecube to get a remake and sequel
Hhmmm not that these games are not worthy but most of them are ported all over and still at least get acknowledged a lot. So for me the list would be some of the more under-dog (at least in Nintendo’s eyes) but nonetheless fantastic games that don’t often get ported or acknowledged:
F-Zero GX
Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door
Sin & Punishment 1&2
Code Name S.T.E.A.M (a rough diamond)
Chibi Robo
Mole Mania
Ever Oasis
Let's finally see the MegaMan Legends series come to modern consoles. It's so overdue.
Epic Mickey is a wonderful idea. Actually enjoyed that game very much.There's a lot of games on the Wii that could use a good ditching of motion controls (Fragile Dreams, MadWorld, Tatsunoko, Skyward Sword, Kirby, DKC Returns, Last Story, etc.).
I'd say Ice Climber is the most overdue for a retelling.
With the Nintendo Switch initially sporting a focus on short-burst two-player experiences anywhere, anytime, Nana and Popo in their blue and pink parkas are kind of a no-brainer.
A new game would have rich opportunity for being both adorable and visually impressive. I know I'd have a ton of fun designing it, at least. ^^
A pinball game isn't supposed to have the same kind of physics as a true platformer! "Sonic Spinball" is already a great game for what it is. There isn't really much you could do to improve it save for HD graphics and being able to save your game and your high scores. I suppose online multiplayer is a possibility, but is it really needed for a turn-based multiplayer game like this?
@Trialus "Golden Sun" needs another sequel to finish the story before they bother with remakes.
I agree, but it seems more likely that we'll get remasters/remakes of the two cult classics rather than a made from scratch sequel to the lowest selling and poorest received entry into the franchise....I been wrong before though.
Xenosaga needs to get ported; even if it isn't fully remastered & just cleaned up a little.
definitely mario land, zelda II and kid icarus uprising .
I'm sorry but I really just don't care enough about epic mickey . . . it had its time.
Why is Zelda Ocarina of Time not listed??!!
Or even majora’s mask.
Look at the success of the Zelda Remake on switch. Links adventure II isn’t as good as Ocarina. I’m sure the majority agrees with me.
Kid Icarus: Uprising had quite the learning curve for its odd control scheme. And if you were a lefty like me, you had to have a Circle Pad Pro in order for it to work. But once I got the controls down, Kid Icarus: Uprising was a blast to play. I'd love to see a remastered version for the Switch with reworked controls.
I will say this every time: Advent Rising.
Zigguart bought the ip and may do something with it. Would love to see it on the Switch.
I wouldn't necessarily want a Zelda 2 remake but I'd love to see Nintendo or someone take a shot in trying to make another game in that style.
Kid Icarus Uprising is the one I'd want to see ported the most, the game is so good but god does it hurt to play with that control scheme. (And I think being on the big screen would also serve it quite well.)
Or better yet, how about this:
Make a new game instead.
I chose Super Mario Land and Ice Climber.
Super Mario Land because as quirky as it is, it's actually one of my most replayed Mario games for since reason and it would be nice to see a return to Sarasaland with Daisy being rescued. Though please do toss Luigi in there so the right plumber can finally have his shot at saving his gal.
And Ice Climber because it would be a potential return of another Nintendo IP which could prove incredibly fun especially if they make it an online coop game. Popo and Nana deserve a return to the big playable screen outside of Smash Bros!
I could definitely see a successful remake of Sonic Spinball, especially since most modern controllers now have triggers and shoulder buttons. I'd even settle for an enhanced port with better frame rate, but HD graphics with more stages and the ability to play as other characters would make a great new edition in my book.
I'm sorta split on Super Mario Land. If there's an option to switch between Mario's voice and some other sound effects, I'd be all on board, but that's not gonna happen. While Mario's voice (first introduced in Mario's Game Gallery or Mario Teaches Typing) doesn't completely ruin the experience for me, it takes away some of my enjoyment.
Zelda 2 was trash. Glad they redeemed themselves cause it could have killed the whole series.
A new art style for 2d Mario is something I've wanted to see for a while, and a Super Mario Land remake would be a good opportunity to experiment with that.
Sonic Spinball by Dinps or Sonic Team imagine that train wreck considering they both failed at pinball physics harder than the worst 8bit pinball game.
I'd love to see a Sonic Spinball remake with modern pinball physics, but keep the sprite artwork.
The Last Story, anyone? its Wii contemporary Xenoblade saw much success with its beautifully upgraded Switch version. I'd say The Last Story deserves a similar treatment.
@noswitchbutidc was gonna mention that excellent fan remake of SML on SNES. Played it over Christmas
Having replayed it recently, I now agree with Matt Bozon that the original Shantae needs a hefty bit more modern QoL than I had anticipated. Its pacing is an absolute crawl due to level layout and enemies.
Resident Evil: Revelations already is a remastered Gaiden and you know it.
Can confirm it was a good idea.
Miitopia should get remake or sequel with controlable all Mii players and Free roaming adventure.
Super Mario Land and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, had 2 of my all time favorite ending songs on the Gameboy. In the modern Link's Awakening, I had fun playing through that again on the Switch, tho, I found that I liked the original Gameboy ending song better on the Gameboy. The Switch remake of the song was good, but not as good. I hope if they do remake Super Mario Land, that they keep the original ending song, or don't change it too much.
For those who haven't heard either, here they are. Enjoy.
Super Mario Land Ending Theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYtBAbqJO9k
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Ending Theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cCf8E5yznI
Ice Climber remake might be interesting, with the characters inheriting their SMBU looks and maybe some story and upgrades on the menu. Sonic Spinball is fine as it is in my book (but a sequel would be neat) and this fandom's control scheme complaints got old way back when we tried to bash Star Fox Zero with them. Go play Dark Castle on SMD, then we'll talk controversial control schemes.
And the rhetoric about Super Mario Land is not even funny anymore. It's been one of my top favourites in the franchise for longer than some folks here are alive - in fact, maybe the most fun I had with the Mario flagships until finally playing Yoshi's Island this year. Not to mention that it introduced Daisy, best Mario character this side of Rosalina, don't @ me.
@Rubbercookie Even though I loved Revelations on 3DS when it first came out, I honestly can't go back to playing it on its original hardware. The controls are too awkward. The console versions (and Switch) are so much better.
Super Mario Land 1 & 2 should be in a remake collection “Super Mario Lands” and reuse the graphics from New Super Mario Bros. U to recreate the stages of the originals. The gameplay would be the same as they were on the Game Boy though.
And a remake of Ice Climbers would also reuse the graphics of the ice tower stage from New Super Mario Bros. U, again with the same gameplay as the original. No “New” controls or physics for any of them.
@doctorhino I didn't think Zelda 2 was trash, but it definitely could have been done better. Having to go through that maze in the overworld was a nightmare.
Kid Icarus: Uprising why it's such a great game already how about a sequel instead ?
A would like to see metal gear hd version of
Mario land please no it's a terrible game ok the second one is great
I would agree with wario land been done in 2d hd just don't make it like new super Mario bros
Give us hotel mario
I'd love to see a remake of Mother 3. But a localization of the game would make me very happy too
@DrDaisy 2d Mario style fighting and platforming was not fun or original for me and never done again. I think the fact that they never went for it again says it all.
Mole Mania in the style of Link’s Awakening. That would be a sight to behold, and get Muddy the recognition to receive that long-overdue Smash Bros. invitation.
@LeighDappa while wario is the protagonist the events of that game directly follows the ending
of the 2 one story wise. The gameplay also sticks close to the mario formula with the powerups unlike the future wario land games. Also the game is literally called wario land super mario land 3. So yeah its a trilogy by definition.
Some good choices, but I think Wario Land is more deserving than Mario Land since Wario has barely gotten any attention over the years.
None of the games mentioned in the article need a remake.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is the one GB game I want most remade.
@doctorhino That's interesting. I don't think I've ever heard anyone compare Zelda 2 to a Mario game before.
Personally, I think a side-scrolling Zelda game could be done effectively, but because of Zelda 2's questionable reputation and the downright dismal reputation of the CDi Zelda games (two of which were side-scrollers), I doubt we'll be seeing another "2D" game in the near future so I guess you have nothing to worry about.
@DrDaisy it appeared to use the Super Mario engine in the 2D sections and much of the graphics were similar. Tell me this doesn't look like a bowser castle?
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfiOg9g_GC8/WTqSTOoFXRI/AAAAAAAAh9E/5j4DskXvbWg7nMYgMbd8wrP0YUdZOUNmwCLcB/s1600/Zelda%2BII%2B-%2BNew%2BAdventure%2Bof%2BLink0.jpg
Eternal Darkness!!!!
@doctorhino Other than the lava, I don't see a resemblance.
@BongoBongo123 Oh those Resi 4 controls are an acquired taste for sure. That said it did support the circle pad pro, for the same controls as on WiiU/Switch
@NinChocolate You on Twitter? Ya seem chill
@noswitchbutidc I am not. I’m pretty much just here
@NinChocolate Ya should join Twitter
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