Even though the gaming industry often reboots or remakes certain franchises, some gems remain buried in the sands of time.

Let’s take a look at eight retro games that left a lasting impression among players and why they deserve a second chance.

1. Viewtiful Joe: Stylish Beat-’Em-Up

Flashy visuals, interesting gameplay, and a comic book aesthetic made Viewtiful Joe an instant hit during the GameCube era. The game’s beat-’em-up mechanics remain unmatched, combining simple controls with advanced gameplay.

With the genre getting more popular today, a modern version could easily catch new and old-school players. It’s baffling that this fan-favorite hasn’t been brought back yet.

2. Parasite Eve: Horror RPG Experience

Parasite Eve remains one of the most specific titles of the PS1 era. A cool mix of survival horror and RPG elements, scary creatures, and the intriguing Aya Brea made an impression that’ll last for decades.

A reboot could follow in the footsteps of successful horror revivals like Resident Evil – all fans of dark, story-based games would likely embrace a new entry with open arms.

3. Marvel vs. Capcom: Superhero Brawls We Need

Fans are still clamoring for a new Marvel vs. Capcom title – the combo made of Marvel’s superheroes and Capcom’s iconic roster created some of the best fighting games ever.

While Infinite was disappointing, a polished sequel with dynamic gameplay could win over audiences. Considering Marvel’s cinematic universe and Capcom’s resurgence – the timing couldn’t be better.

Retro revivals and modern innovations sometimes go hand in hand, much like the recent growth of crypto casinos in the gaming industry.

These platforms can create a perfect atmosphere, mixing some of the most popular retro casino games with the latest blockchain technologies, making them an exciting new sphere that players can explore; think a Spiderman retro slot on a blockchain iGaming platform. 

4. Banjo-Kazooie: Retro Gaming at Its Best

So many players were amazed with the charm and creativity of Banjo-Kazooie. Popular Nintendo 64 classics delivered unforgettable moments and a lot of humor to its players, setting a standard in the genre.

While Nuts & Bolts polarized fans, a proper sequel could reignite the old hype. With the right balance of nostalgia and modern ideas – Banjo-Kazooie could explode once again.

5. Deus Ex: Cyberpunk Story Left Unfinished

Before Cyberpunk 2077, Deus Ex made a path for the cyberpunk gaming genre. The franchise has built futuristic settings, so games such as Human Revolution introduced players to a whole new world of conspiracy and intrigue.

However, the story of Adam Jensen still hasn’t finished yet – and a proper conclusion could support its legacy as one of gaming’s best sci-fi franchises.

6. Thief: Stealth Done Right

Thief is still considered a masterclass in stealth gameplay – putting focus on audio cues over visual aids makes a tense experience. While the 2014 reboot fell flat, a new installment could bring the franchise back to its roots, giving fans another chance to sneak through.

7. Punch-Out!!: Boxing That Brings Back the Memories

Punch-Out!! proved that great gameplay doesn’t need to be complicated – the series’ simple mechanics paired with challenging opponents made it a timeless hit.

A modern reboot could bring new characters and keep the old-school gameplay that fans love, keeping the iconic game available to new generations.

8. Jak and Daxter: PlayStation’s Lost Treasure

Naughty Dog’s Jak and Daxter brought so much humor, adventure, and fantastic moments to numerous families.

Despite being one of PlayStation’s favorite franchises, it hasn’t seen a new entry in years. Handing the series to a modern studio could bring this dynamic duo back, filling an empty hole in Sony’s exclusive lineup.