Sega Video Games: 10 Vintage Titles Perfect for Remakes

Vintage Sega video games are often key pieces in gamers' retro collections, but several of the best titles are perfect for remakes; updated graphics, new consoles and better audio could propel many of them into top 10 new release charts. The following list includes the 10 Sega video games I would recommend for remake, both based on personal enjoyment and the success of the original release.

Vintage Sega Video Game:Shining Force - This epic role-playing game (RPG) remains a cult classic, and countless fans followed the series through numerous sequels on multiple platforms. With a strategic, turn-based combat system and a fantastic cast of characters, a graphics overhaul and top-notch voice acting could convert this vintage Sega video game into a wonderful remake. If the designers remained true to the original formula, new characters and makeovers for the original cast could introduce Shining Force to a whole new generation of gamers.

Vintage Sega Video Game: Zombies Ate My Neighbors - With a hilarious cast of Hollywood-inspired monsters, Zombies Ate My Neighbors is another cult classic vintage Sega video game. Featuring two player co-op mode and a surprisingly amount of difficulty, Zombies Ate My Neighbors could be hysterical if remade in a blend of Left 4 Dead and Resident Evil 5. With an assortment of crazy weapons, such as popsicles versus blobs and a weed whacker to combat evil foliage, designers should remaining those gimmicky roots and the original cast of characters. Adding voice-over acting, cut scenes in the style of the storyline and better graphics could project this retro title into a whole new fan-base.

Vintage Sega Video Game: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - This title remains one of the most popular Sonic the Hedgehog titles of all time. While losing the 2D style of play would be unfortunate, the advancements in gaming technology could certainly do wonders for this classic retro title. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced side-kick Tails, one of the most popular accomplices in video game history. Remaking this title in a similar fashion of New Super Mario Bros. Wii would allow for up to 4-players to work cooperatively-and often to the detriment of each other-and allow a larger cast of characters. Knuckles, Rose and Tails would be a wonderful set of options with the infamous Sonic, and fans could play a remake-inspired new chapter or revisit the nostalgic 2D world of vintage Sega video games.

Vintage Sega Video Game: Phantasy Star IV - Another legendary series of RPG vintage Sega video games, Phantasy Star IV was the most popular of the chapters released on the Sega Genesis system. Although the franchise as seen numerous later sequels, a remake of the original four games-especially IV-would be a welcomed delight to many Phantasy Star fans. Designers should stick to the original cast of characters, and either offer alternate stories or keep as true to the originals as possible. But with shiny new graphics, voice actors and an updated soundtrack, Phantasy Star IV and its predecessors could be a wonderful trek back into the Sci-Fi worlds of vintage Sega video games.

Vintage Sega Video Game: Streets of Rage 2 - This side-scrolling combat title offered 2-player co-op play, complete with combo moves and the ability to smash your partner's face into the pavement just as easily as your enemies. The soundtrack was impressive for the 90s, and the characters were genuinely cool, making this vintage Sega video game perfect for remakes onto new platforms with updated everything. The storyline was a weaker part of the Streets of Rage series, so a whole new chapter with the original cast of characters could easily be done. Switching from 2D side-scrolling to First-Person Shooter or the over-the-shoulder technique used in Resident Evil 5 and Silent Hill could allow impressive potential for competitive graphics.

Vintage Sega Video Game: Road Rash III - An easy remake into a competitive modern version would be the classic racing vintage Sega video game. Road Rash and its sequels combined decent graphics, a catchy soundtrack, and the allure of raw motorcycle carnage and violence to hook gamers in the early 90s. With the amazing capabilities of modern racing video games, designers could resurrect this series and immediately have a fanatical following of former Road Rash gamers placing preorders. New tracks, more weapons and fasters speeds would surely introduce Road Rash to new fans, too.

Vintage Sega Video Game: Jurassic Park - Based off the incredibly popular book and movie franchise, Jurassic Park had the distinct option of allowing gamers to choose between Dr. Grant, the human, and a Raptor. Each choice had a unique set of pros and cons, but the lure of playing as a dinosaur and senselessly maiming innocent scientists held strong appeal for many gamers. Jurassic Park remains as popular today as it was in the early 90s and a fresh remake would spark attention from both fans of the previous title and newcomers interested in anything associated with the franchise. Updated graphics, audio and co-op mode between cast members and raptors could further entice hordes of gamers into testing the Jurassic waters.

Vintage Sega Video Game: Disney's Aladdin - One of the most popular vintage Sega video games featuring a movie adaptation, Disney's Aladdin is a prime example of a video game with a huge fan base perfect for remaking. The movie soundtrack added an authentic feel, and today's gaming capabilities could expand upon a strong original score. As always, I would recommend added 2-player co-op modes to the title, and the introduction of Jasmine or Genie to game play could be a huge lure for Aladdin fans. As an added bonus, remaking this incredibly popular Sega video game could lead to an entire line-up of remakes for Disney video games, drawing-in both gamers and fans of the movies.

Vintage Sega Video Game: X-Men - Few gamers can argue the longevity and success of X-Men titles, and the vintage Sega video game released in 1993 is no exception to that rule. Featuring a solid cast of the popular characters, with Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Cyclops and Gambit available for play, X-Men is has the 2D side-scrolling mechanics popular in older Sega titles. Perfect for remaking, this video game would be phenomenal with updated graphics and audio, and voice-over acting from celebrities who have portrayed the characters on the big screen would be epic-who can resist anything with Patrick Stewart?

Vintage Sega Video Game: Golden Axe - This vintage Sega video game was even more popular in the arcade version, but the subsequent sequels helped to solidify its place as a top Sega title. This title is available in the Wii marketplace, but a remake with impressive graphics-especially the spells-could reunite this Sega video game with its original fan-base. The 2-player co-op mode could easily be expanded to 3 or 4-player, allowing greater versatility. Whether game designers kept the 2D side-scrolling graphics or changed the system to a 3^rd person over-the-shoulder view, revisiting Golden Axe would be like a remake of the core, fundamental success of the Sega Genesis legacy.