How Classic Games are Reimagined for the Modern Era

Mar. 13, 2023

The modern era of gaming gives us a rich choice of titles to play, yet still gamers tend to gravitate towards particular franchises time and time again. Old games bring nostalgia and joy, but can’t compete with what’s on offer today in terms of graphics and open-world immersion.

As such, classics are often brought back to life with an update to spec. This satiates the needs of gamers looking for a blast from the past while also offering a new and novel experience that it is line with what is now expected.

Let’s explore how classic games are reimagined for the modern era.

• Bringing Games Online

First of all, let’s consider that the original games weren’t digital. They were mostly board and card games. Certain games have been popular across cultures and time, so it makes perfect sense that developers have sought to bring them to the online sphere.

Slot machines first became popular in casinos in the early 1890s. They were known as “one-armed bandits” because players pulled a lever to spin the reels. Certain combinations of symbols on those reels paid out a prize for the player.

The premise of slots has not changed at all, yet the game is now immensely popular at online casinos. Online, players click a button to spin the reels and the games often have additional bonus features. Bringing slots online has also allowed developers to add stunning graphics and themes.

One of the most popular online slot games is Starburst. It was released in 2014 and is still a favorite for players today. It has 5 reels and 10 paylines. It’s quite low volatility and has plenty of features without being complicated.

Everything from the graphics to the logo design of this slot game have contributed to its success, but, ultimately, it is a shining example of how developers have brought classics into the modern world.

As well as online casino games, classics such as chess, Risk and Monopoly have all made their move to the digital realm with ease. All three are available on PC or console. It’s possible to play online against people from around the world.

• Game Remakes

Another way in which developers reimagine classics for the modern era is by remaking older titles. Sometimes they stick closely to the original, updating only graphics and clunky controls.

Other times, the game takes only certain aspects of the original, such as the characters and world, and changes the plot and gameplay to the point where the remake could be considered a completely new game.

The Resident Evil Remakes, which are known as some of the best remakes of all time, are examples of the former. They stick closely to the formula and plot of their originals. The gameplay feels smoother and the graphics are enhanced, but the overall experience is similar. As such, the nostalgia hits hard.

The Final Fantasy VII Remake takes the opposite approach. The characters are, for the most part, the same and sections of Midgar are reminiscent of the original. Yet the plot has been completely chopped and reformed, the battle system is different, the side quests are new, and the full game delves deeper into what is basically the first disc out of three of the 1997 release.

Arguably, FFVII took the braver approach, but this often divides opinion. Fans of the original can be left feeling disappointed that the new title didn’t capture the essence of the one they knew and loved.

It all depends on what the player is looking for in the remake. Whatever the case, both franchises mentioned have shown incredible success in their leap into the future.

• Keeping a franchise running

The other approach to modernising games is to not let them go stale in the first place. There are now gaming franchises that have been running for decades with consistent success.

Take Mario, for example, everyone’s favorite Italian plumber. The franchise has been running since 1981 and there have been over 450 Mario games released, including 18 original platformers. When Mario 64 was released on the Nintendo 64, the game took a leap from 2D to 3D and never looked back.

A franchise needs incredible success to keep running in that way, with or without remakes!