Games The Need to Be Remastered Now

When Grim Fandango Remastered was announced last year I was excited beyond belief for two reasons. First, I would be able to play an updated version of one of my favourite games of all time. Second, I took it as a sign that the industry was willing to take a chance on titles that while critical darlings didn't have to be commercially successful to be given a second chance.

As I played through Grim Fandango again; now with graphical updates, I couldn't help but think to myself of other title that are definitely worth an HD remaster/remake. This would also be keeping with the trend as more and more classics like Homeworld are being given new life for a new generation.

Jet Set Radio Future

While it might just be my opinion, below are the games I'd like to see remastered. Some of the these games are true cult classics, others were popular back in the day and I think could use a fresh coat of paint.

The original Jet Set Radio had an HD release back in 2012 for the PS3 and Xbox 360, so really it should be a no brainer for the sequel to get a similar HD facelift. In addition, the added power of the Ps4 and Xbox One could mean a truly beautiful world for not only fans of the series to explore, but new players who probably over looked this title at the time.

Final Fantasy IX

If you mention the words "Final Fantasy" and "HD remake" in the same breath, chances are the roman numerals for seven are in there as well. Since the "technical demo" back in 2006, fans have begging Square to make an HD remake of the most beloved of all Final Fantasy titles. And now I'm going to be the black chocobo and say that if we were to pick a title to make HD it shouldn't be VII, but IX.

Technically FFIX did get a PSN port back in 2010, but with the updates made to X and X-2 it shows that remasters can be profitable for even the most popular of the Final Fantasy franchise. To me, IX is one the more underated titles in the series. Getting a HD Remaster or Remake would be great.

Psychonauts

Continuing the trend of "Tim Schaffer making games that while critically acclaimed don't sell that well" is Psychonauts. I'm not going to into too much details as anyone who's a fan of the game probably shares my opinion on this. Aesthetically the game has aged very well, and with HD polish it could look amazing on the PS4 or Xbox One. If Grim Fandango was worthy of an HD remaster, then so is Psychonauts.

These are title I'd like to see remastered, what games do you think deserve an update for the next generation?

Rest in Peace Monty Oum

When I was in high school, I came across a video on Game Trailers that was unlike anything else I'd seen before. It was an animation piece called "Dead Fantasy I", an animated fight sequence between the female characters of the Final Fantasy and Dead or Alive franchises. Actually, simply calling it an animated fight sequence doesn't do it enough justice. Rather than try to describe what a masterpiece of choreography it is, you can watch it below.

It was then that I first learned of Monty Oum, an incredibly talented and creative individual who sadly passed away on February 1st, 2015. News that he was in critical condition was announced the Friday before, with a link to a fund to raise money to support his wife and family in this very difficult time. The response was phenomenally supportive with the fund receiving many generous donations. It is a testament to his character and the love that so many people have for him. In addition to donating I thought I would just highlight some of the amazing pieces he worked on and showcase what a true visionary he was.

Haloid (2007)

Perhaps the first video that brought him to the limelight, an epic fight between Samus Aran and Master Chief (or in this case Spartan-458) was our first taste of his amazing ability to seemingly do it all.

Dead Fantasy (2007-2009)

Combining amazing combat choreography, sharp animation, and two of the largest gaming franchises of all time, Monty managed to create series of action-packed and thrilling episodes. The series was put on hold after Monty was hired by Rooster Teeth, but even after all these years the fights are still a pleasure to watch.

Red vs. Blue

Monty was hired by Rooster Teeth in 2009 to work as a character animator and choreographer on the hit online show Red vs. Blue. While for most of us the show is about the comedy rather than the combat, his addition to the studio can be seen in the show from Season 8 onward in the series' leap in animation quality for certain segments.

RWBY

As the show's creator and lead animator, RWBY is in many ways the essence of his style and talents. From the show's anime aesthetic to the awesome weaponry, Monty created a vibrant and exciting universe to explore.

Monty had the unique ability to envision the entire film from start to finish, and as you watch his works it becomes all the more clear. Even though he was taken from us far too soon, he managed to create great things and inspire thousands. Obviously everyone is still coming to terms will such a massive loss, and therefore it is all the more important that we remain supportive of his family and friends. The fund is still accepting donations if you're looking for ways to support, you can find that here. As Matt Hullum wrote in his journal on how to honour Monty,

As for honoring Monty, we will do that in our own way. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you simply do something creative. Use your imagination to make the world a better place in any way that you can. If you know Monty like we do, then you know he would certainly be doing that if he were able to.  

Rest in Peace Monty, You Will Be Missed.

Bravely Default and Final Fantasy's Future

While the demo has been out for a few weeks, Bravely Default's upcoming release has generated a lot of positive buzz for the game. But more than anything, what most people are talking about is what a wonderful bit of nostalgia the game is providing to fans; specifically Final Fantasy fans. Besides the wonderfully awful name and a unique battle system, the Bravely Default is basically a Final Fantasy title. Like the 4 Warriors of Light, Bravely Default is another title inspired by Final Fantasy III & V's stellar job system with a unique twist. But since this game is practically another final fantasy title, why isn't it named such. The answer is simple, the name Final Fantasy has a stigma attached to it. As many have pointed out in other blogs, Final Fantasy's recent outings haven't lived up to the reputation that the series tries to associate itself with. But then I thought about the future of the series in general and thought that maybe it isn't as bleak as everyone says it is. With A Realm Reborn doing pretty well considering its terrible start, Bravely Default and Lightning Returns shaping up to be solid games in their own right and Final Fantasy XV looking amazing, Final Fantasy's shine may not be gone yet.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet

Red rose... I mean mage in action

As I mentioned before, Bravely Default is basically a wolf in sheep's clothing (but in a good way). The classes, monsters, themes, and even the spells are of the Final Fantasy universe. And based on the demo that I've become a little obsessed with, I'm looking forward to the finished product. The Brave & Default battle system is an interesting high risk high reward form of combat that adds a lot of strategy to even basic battles. It's vaguely reminiscent of the battle systems implemented in the first two episodes of the Xenosaga games with their stock features. but not just the core gameplay, but the music is fantastic and the art style is amazing, especially if you're like me and loved the art and design of the remade Final Fantasy III. So I'll definitely be picking it up when it comes out on February 7th.

But is the name change necessary even with the clear ties to its parent franchise? Well I think even if it is a simple name change that it's a welcome one. It's wonderfully weird and I think the beginning of what could be a killer franchise in itself. After all, look at how popular Persona has become in comparison to it's main Shin Megami Tensei brothers. Bring on Bravely Default, and if it does well enough in North America its planned sequel Bravely Second (like I said, wonderfully weird)

P.S. I'm unfortunately obsessed with the main battle theme


Lightning strikes thrice

Another demo that was released recently was Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Now the main question is why on earth do we need another Final Fantasy XIII game, especially when for so many people this is the game that they like the least. As someone who thought XIII was ok (only ok, but the music was amazing) and XIII-2 was a big improvement, I'm looking forward to this 'final' (pardon the pun) instalment in the Lightning saga. Playing the demo has definitely strengthened that feeling, although I wish I got more time to play around with the battle system more, as it's definitely shaping up to be the best combat of the three games. But only when the full game comes whether or not this is going to be redemption enough for Lightning's troubled series. Maybe third time's a charm?


Lucky number XV

If there's anything that has me more hopefully in the future of the franchise it's Tetsuya Nomura's opus, or rather what I hope Final Fantasy XV will be. The game was announced 8 years ago, and I believe has been in on and off development for the last 10, though in the last few years it has been worked on heavily.  But even with full action combat, incredibly amazing graphics and what appears to be an incredibly epic and interesting story, who knows if it will actually translate to what the Final Fantasy franchise needs more than anything, an absolutely stellar title to go up their with the other staples in the main numbered series. After all, that's what I thought Final Fantasy XIII was going to do with that amazing, but sadly pre-rendered E3 2006 trailer.

One can dream...

There's only so much rebranding and remaking this franchise can handle, and while it won't be gone for a while, any more problems could be... well, problematic for the franchise's and the studio's continued existence. But here's hoping that with what appears to be a clear and appealing new direction for Square Enix to go, there won't be a "final" Final Fantasy just yet.