By Jake Rock
Classic Frogger vs. Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition
Remakes of our favorite 80s movies and re-masters of our favorite 80s albums have been all the rage for quite some time. The videogame industry has noticed this trend and as a result many reboots of our favorite games have been released. So many, in fact, that it can be confusing for fans looking to get a nostalgic kick along with a new thrill. Don’t fret, I am here to help. Put on your Power Glove with confidence, crank up that Pac-Man Fever album, and enjoy the top 8 retro-game remakes:
8. Mega Man 9 & 10 (Multi-platform- digital download):
Okay, so these are not remakes but entirely new (and gloriously 8-bit) games in the Mega Man series. Everything you remember from the NES days remains intact; steep difficulty (Mega Man 10 added an “easy” option), unique bosses, and great tunes. Mega Man 9 created a huge buzz upon its release and inspired retro cover art (featured on posters and T-shirts) and of course a sequel.
7. Ducktales: Remastered (Multi-platform- disc and digital download):
In the 1980s and 1990s, Capcom created some great games based on the Disney universe. Perhaps, the most beloved was Ducktales for the NES. Ducktales: Remastered features updated graphics and voice acting (featuring original cast members from the cartoon). Like Mega Man, the original Ducktales game was notorious for its brutal difficulty. Thankfully, Ducktales: Remastered has new options to make the game easier.
6. Kid Icarus 3D (Nintendo 3DS eShop- digital download):
Though there are several titles in the “3D Classics” library on the 3DS eShop, Kid Icarus 3D is the best one thus far. The same great gameplay, totally weird enemies, and iconic levels we grew up with are presented with updated graphics and 3D effects (getting turned into an eggplant has never looked better).
5. Super Mario All Stars: Limited Edition (Nintendo Wii- disc only):
How about a great remake of a great remake? First released on the SNES in 1993, Super Mario All Stars is a 16bit update of Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, & 3. Yup, that’s right, all three uber-classic games on one cartridge (to this day many “best of” lists put this title in the #1 position). This game is only available in disc format and is truly a limited edition, so get it while you can.
4. Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition (Multi-platform digital download):
It seems like there have been more attempts to remake Frogger than any other game in history. Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition finally gets it right. Super cool HD graphics compliment classic and new gameplay options (including multiplayer). Although many people love the Contra and Castlevania themed levels, my personal favorite is the neon glory of the Tron-like “hyper” option.
3. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX (Muti-platform digital download and 3DS cartridge*):
Pac-Man Championship Edition DX needs to be played in order to be understood. Anyone watching you navigate the ever changing mazes among hundreds of ghosts will surely think you are an arcade master… And you will feel like one, too. *This game is included on the super cool 3DS cartridge Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions (which also has the original arcade versions of both games).
2. Pinball Arcade (Multi-platform disc and digital download):
Not every table available in Pinball Arcade is from the 1980s but it has enough of them to warrant the #2 spot on this list. Pinbot, Taxi, and Space Shuttle are my three favorites. Pinball Arcade has been around for 3 console generations, making it a bit of a classic itself and an awesome addition to your “virtual arcade.”
1. NES Remix (Nintendo Wii U eShop- digital download):
NES Remix exemplifies what a retro-game remake should be; a perfect combination of nostalgic and new. Ever wanted to play Donkey Kong as Link from Legend of Zelda or run right to left to complete a Super Mario Bros. level… as Luigi? You can in NES Remix (and much, much more). Even more good news- Nintendo recently announced a sequel, NES Remix 2.
About the Author: Jake Rock was born and raised in Minneapolis but does his best to live in the 80’s. He runs the website www.kingofvideogames.com whenever he is not preaching or practicing Indonesian Martial Arts.
