In recent years, game reboots have emerged as a tool for developers to breathe new life into beloved franchises that were once thought to be long gone. The gaming industry has seen its fair share of franchises that have fallen into obscurity and lost in the annals of history. These reboots have not only rekindled nostalgia for long-time fans but have also attracted new audiences, revitalizing the franchises and giving them a fresh lease on life.
Game reboots and remakes are not a new concept, but with the advancement of technology, developers are able to provide fans with an experience that is both nostalgic and modern. With updated graphics, modern gameplay mechanics, and revamped storytelling, reboots have successfully brought back franchises from the brink of irrelevance, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the gaming medium.
Here are 5 game reboots and remakes that breathed new life into a dead franchise:
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow was developed by MercurySteam and Kojima Productions and published by Konami for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. The game features an original storyline that takes place in a fantasy world where players control Gabriel Belmont, a member of the Brotherhood of Light, who sets out to defeat evil forces and rescue his wife’s soul.
The game’s combat system combines hack-and-slash mechanics with puzzle-solving elements and includes a variety of weapons, magic spells, and abilities for players to use. The game’s environments are also varied, ranging from forests and caves to Gothic castles and ancient ruins.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow was praised for its engaging storyline, impressive visuals, and solid gameplay mechanics. The game also featured voice acting from prominent actors such as Patrick Stewart, Robert Carlyle, and Jason Isaacs.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a reboot of the classic Crash Bandicoot games that were released on the original PlayStation in the 1990s. The game was developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision in 2017 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The N. Sane Trilogy features updated graphics, improved controls, and new features, but still maintains the classic platforming gameplay that made the original games so popular. The game includes remastered versions of the original three games: Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped.
The game was praised for its faithful recreation of the original games, as well as its updated visuals and improved gameplay mechanics. It also introduced the classic Crash Bandicoot franchise to a new generation of players, who were able to experience the games for the first time.
Following the success of the N. Sane Trilogy, the franchise continued with the release of Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, a remake of the classic kart racing game. Like the N. Sane Trilogy, Nitro-Fueled features updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, while still remaining faithful to the original game. The game received positive reviews from both fans and critics, further cementing the franchise’s place in gaming history.
DOOM
Doom is a first-person shooter game franchise that was originally released in 1993. The franchise has since become known for its intense, fast-paced action and iconic demon-slaying protagonist, Doomguy.
In 2016, the franchise was rebooted with the release of Doom, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game returned to the franchise’s roots by providing players with a visceral and challenging gameplay experience, while also introducing new mechanics such as glory kills and a customizable weapon upgrade system.
Doom was met with critical acclaim and was praised for its single-player campaign, which was seen as a return to form for the franchise. The success of the reboot led to the release of Doom Eternal in 2020, which built upon the gameplay mechanics of the previous game and introduced new features such as grappling hooks and a multiplayer mode.
Doom Eternal was also met with critical acclaim and further solidified the franchise’s place as a beloved and influential part of the first-person shooter genre. The Doom reboot demonstrated the power of returning to a franchise’s roots and delivering a game that is true to its legacy while also introducing new and exciting elements.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a reboot of the classic Legend of Zelda franchise that was released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U consoles. The game was developed and published by Nintendo, and it is widely regarded as one of the best video games of all time.
Breath of the Wild features an open-world setting that allows players to explore a vast and diverse world filled with puzzles, enemies, and secrets. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics such as climbing and gliding, and it also includes a dynamic weather system that affects gameplay.
The game was praised for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and the level of freedom it provided to players. It also received critical acclaim for its innovation in the open-world genre and its ability to redefine the Zelda franchise.
The success of Breath of the Wild led to the announcement of a sequel, tentatively titled The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 or Tears of the Kingdom, which is set to be released by May of this year. The sequel is highly anticipated by fans of the franchise and is expected to build upon the success of its predecessor.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
Mortal Kombat is a long-running fighting game franchise that was originally released in 1992. The franchise has since become known for its brutal and gory gameplay, as well as its iconic characters and over-the-top storyline.
In 2011, the franchise was rebooted with the release of Mortal Kombat, developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game returned to the franchise’s roots by reverting to the 2D fighting style of the original trilogy, while also introducing new mechanics such as X-ray moves and tag team battles.
The game was also praised for its in-depth story mode, which featured well-written and detailed cutscenes that introduced each fight and showcased the series’ melodrama in a new way. The game retold the stories of the first three titles with a unique time travel twist, giving fans a fresh take on the classic storylines.
Mortal Kombat was met with critical acclaim and was seen as a return to form for the franchise. It reinvigorated the franchise and proved that there was still a demand for the classic Mortal Kombat gameplay and characters. The success of the reboot led to the release of several sequels and spin-offs, further cementing the franchise’s place in gaming history.
In conclusion, game reboots have become a popular trend in the video game industry, as developers seek to revitalize classic franchises and introduce them to new generations of players. These reboots often bring updated graphics and gameplay mechanics while still remaining faithful to the original games’ core elements.
Overall, game reboots have proven to be a successful strategy for developers, and it’s exciting to see what new reboots and revitalizations of classic franchises will come in the future.
