10 Obvious Video Game Remakes The Industry Is Ignoring

Chrono Trigger needs another shot.

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Crystal Dynamics

In the movie industry, the word "remake" is often met with groans and eyerolls. After all, why retell the same stories over and over when you create something completely new?

But when it comes to video games, remakes don't carry the same stigma. In fact, this practice is encouraged in the gaming industry, since games show their age very quickly. Although Pong, Space Invaders, and Super Mario Bros. were a marvel to play back in their day, you can't deny they look like total crap now.

But because the nostalgia for titles such as these is still strong, developers are eager to overhaul classic games for a modern audience.

Some re-releases, like Metroid Prime, The Last Of Us, Crisis Core, and Crash Bandicoot received a touch-up, with 3D models converted to HD, higher quality background music, and improved textures and lightning. Other games like Dead Space, Final Fantasy VII, and the Resident Evil sequels were redone from the ground up.

Although it's a dream come true to see these beloved titles with top-of-the-line graphics, there are plenty of iconic games that deserve to remade.

10. Chrono Trigger

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Square-Enix

For the longest time, role-players never sold well outside of Japan. But when Final Fantasy VII became a global phenomenon, gamers across the globe found a newfound love for the genre.

Not only did RPGs became more popular than ever, many classic turn-based games were re-released. Over the years, Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana, and various Final Fantasy titles were remastered or remade.

So, when is Chrono Trigger getting its due?

By today's standards, Square's beloved RPG for is still pretty much perfect. After experiencing the game's creative combat, well-written characters, the flawless world-building, and Nobuo Uematsu's gorgeous score, it's impossible not to fall in love with it.

Which brings me back to my original question - Where. Is. The. Chrono. Trigger. Remake?

After its sequel, Chrono Cross, was re-released in 2022, you'd think it would've generated some buzz about redoing its predecessor. Instead, Square Enix put all their chips in and bet on Marvel's Avengers, Babylon's Fall, and Forspoken. (Look how well they turned out?)

The fact the developers have never tried to breathe life back into Chrono Trigger isn't just upsetting - it's an insult.

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James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows