5 Games I Wish Were Remade for Younger Gamers, Instead of Being Lazy Remasters
Growing up, some games really meant something, and left you feeling impacted in some way, becoming integral building blocks as we learned the language of games. Now, there are plenty of reasons why gamers at large don’t like the fact that we’ve entered an era of modern remasters and remakes — and one of them is the lack of new IPs, sure — but at the same time, there are classic games that deserve a second chance.
The Problem with Remakes
A remake isn't just about reliving the past; it's about making sure it lives on. A thoughtful recreation of a classic can bring new life to a game that once felt dated or forgotten. It's an opportunity for developers to respect the original while also embracing the future, and giving younger players a chance to experience something truly special.
1. L.A. Noire
L.A. Noire launched in 2011 with its groundbreaking facial animation tech, which made every twitch of the eye and tremble of the lip a clue — or a trap. However, despite its ambition, the gameplay didn't always live up to its promise. A remake could change all that.
A modern version of L.A. Noire would be an opportunity to double down on its exploration of post-war trauma, racial injustice, and systemic rot — subjects that hit just as hard today, if not harder. Younger players deserve a version of L.A. Noire that trusts them not just to solve a case, but to wrestle with what justice really looks like.
2. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 launched in 2019 to both critical acclaim and commercial disappointment. Despite its rough start, the game has evolved into an absolute masterpiece that demands multiple playthroughs. A remake could preserve that player's freedom and give younger audiences a lens into how far and deep games can go when they trust the player.
With today’s tech, those interrogation sequences could evolve into something far more immersive and reactive. But more than anything, a remake could double down on the game’s exploration of what it means to be human in a world that's both gleaming high-tech and deeply flawed.
3. Cyberpunk 2077: A Second Chance
Cyberpunk 2077 definitely got off to a rough start, but after four years, it is an absolute masterpiece that demands multiple playthroughs. But what if the game had been given the chance to grow and evolve alongside its developer? What if the constant bugs, glitches, and delays had been avoided?
4. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is one of the last racing games where style, stakes, and storytelling somehow blended into an unforgettable coming-of-age experience. It's a game that screams at you in screeching tire sounds and angsty guitar riffs.
A remake of Most Wanted could deliver that perfect blend of arcade racing and edgy narrative that newer racers have forgotten. Younger gamers need this one, not just for nostalgia’s sake, but to remember when racing games weren’t trying to be Forza, they were trying to be cool.
5. L.A. Noire: A New Chapter
What came before deserves more than a texture pack. These aren’t just “old games.” They’re defining moments in gaming history — stories that pushed boundaries, mechanics that influenced generations, and experiences that still resonate if given the right coat of paint.
The Future of Remakes
A remake isn't just about nostalgia; it's about making sure a game lives on. It's an opportunity for developers to respect the original while also embracing the future. And when it comes to classic games, we believe that with a little bit of creativity and a lot of love, anything can be remade into something truly special.
The Barriers to Remakes
Of course, there are barriers to remakes. There's the issue of dated visuals, clunky menus, and stiff voice acting. But these aren't insurmountable obstacles. With a little bit of creativity and a lot of love, even the most dated games can be brought back to life.
The Power of Remakes
A remake isn't just about fixing old problems; it's about creating new ones. It's about giving younger players a chance to experience something truly special. And when it comes to classic games, we believe that with the right approach, even the most forgotten titles can be remade into something truly timeless.