This year has seen the revival of several classic PlayStation properties, including Lunar, Saga, and Suikoden.
Hello everyone. We’re discussing the current trend of reviving classic games today, but first…
The main gaming news for this week:
Nintendo has yet to announce when it will begin accepting US preorders for the Switch 2, which were postponed because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. However, the firm did reveal more Mario Kart World
Sony’s Bungie debuted Marathon, the game that will be released on September 23.
The Stockholm-based company Hacksaw Gaming Ltd., which creates and distributes online gambling games, is thinking about going public.
Bait for nostalgia
When the original PlayStation from Sony Group Corp. turned 30 in December, it signified two things: 1) that the company was ready to settle down, stop partying so much, and possibly start a family; and 2) that it was the ideal age to appeal to Gen X and millennial nostalgia.
Anyone who played PlayStation games in the 1990s may be missing those good times, particularly during, say, historically high volatility periods, and wish to console themselves by playing games they have pleasant memories of.
The issue is that, unlike re-watching a classic film or re-reading a cherished book, it might be difficult to go back and play old PlayStation games. While certain games from the 1990s aren’t accessible on contemporary systems, others feel dated and unwieldy.
Remasters, which are updated game versions with better graphics and other contemporary features, have grown in popularity as a means for businesses to repackage and market older games as brand-new.
The issue is that, unlike re-watching a classic film or re-reading a cherished book, it might be difficult to go back and play old PlayStation games. While certain games from the 1990s aren’t accessible on contemporary systems, others feel dated and unwieldy.
Remasters, which are updated game versions with better graphics and other contemporary features, have grown in popularity as a means for businesses to repackage and market older games as brand-new.
PlayStation remasters have been more common this year, possibly due to the 30th anniversary. Two endearing role-playing games that were most popular on the original PlayStation, Lunar: Silver Star Story and Lunar: Eternal Blue, were updated and distributed on Thursday by the Japanese game publisher GungHo Online Entertainment Inc.
The two games are brought to contemporary platforms (Switch, PS5, Xbox, PC, etc.) with improved visuals and a few other useful features thanks to this collection. Most significantly, it enables users to play them without the need to search eBay for old disks or download emulators.
The Lunar collection comes after Konami Group Corp.’s recent remasters of Suikoden and Suikoden 2, which were well received by critics and consumers alike when they were published last month. With initiatives like the revolutionary Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy and more modest remasters of classic games like Saga Frontier 2, which was released last month, Square Enix Holdings Co. has also had success reviving classic PlayStation titles.
Although these niche remasters will never be huge hits, the companies involved have found success with them. Even with updated programming and a graphical makeover, repackaging old games is significantly less expensive than creating new ones. Additionally, remasters can help famous classic franchises have a resurgence in popularity, bringing them into the modern era.
Remastering the original two Suikoden games took Konami years to complete. The Japanese business started reviving the long-running series, which had been almost defunct for 20 years, because of the overwhelming response from fans. Konami is currently releasing a mobile game, a manga, an anime, and a theatrical performance. Eventually, the studio wants to release a brand-new game in the franchise.
Although a GungHo representative would not provide me with specifics regarding the Lunar collection, they informed me that they were “on our way to hit our wishlist and sales targets.” Although Square Enix will not comment on sales, the fact that they have been re-releasing PlayStation games on a regular basis for years suggests that they have had some success.
Remasters are a unique trend in the video game industry that benefits all parties involved. In general, businesses may turn a profit with no risk, fans can play or relive classic games, and—perhaps most importantly—these games are kept alive for future generations, which is essential for a sector that frequently overlooks its own past.
It’s good to see you again, PlayStation, and happy 30th birthday.
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Things to do this weekend
After playing the new Lunar remaster for a long time, I can highly suggest it to everyone who played those games back in the 1990s. Here’s what you should know if you didn’t: These are the classic Japanese role-playing games, complete with plot cliches, fantastic music, and turn-based combat. Despite a few jokes that haven’t held up over time, both games are entertaining and endearing.