Top 10 Retro Remakes for PSP
From Vampires to Mavericks to Blinky, Inky, Pinky and Clyde
Written by A.J. Maciejewski for PSP on
Sony's PSP had a vast library of titles targeted towards retro gamers. Here, I take a look at ten fantastic remakes of classic games. Keep in mind that in order to be applicable for this list, the original games must have been released during the 16-bit era or earlier. Anyway, let's start this look back at some of the best retro remakes ever produced for portable play.
10 Atari Classics Evolved
A great way to begin this countdown is by looking at three arcade compilations that contain more than just ports. Atari Classics Evolved features eleven arcade titles in both their original and remade forms. After you're done blasting at Asteroids, smashing up Super Breakout, and strategising your way through Missile Command, you'll unlock 50 additional Atari 2600 games. What a great deal!
9 Namco Museum Battle Collection
Next up is a Namco Museum with four PSP-exclusive "Arrangements" allowing you to play Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Galaga, and New Rally-X like you never have before. Although these arcade hits were available in arranged form at arcades, these versions were made just for this compilation and feature full multiplayer support. Talk about a great way to reinvigorate some old-school arcade gems.
8 Taito Legends Power-Up
As a highly underrated arcade developer, Taito compiled games from both Taito Legends and its sequel for this PSP collection. To top off this Space Invaders-filled retrospective, four remade games were also included; Balloon Bomber, Cameltry, Crazy Balloon, and The Legend of Kage. Whether you're trying to pop balloons or avoid having your balloon pop, you're in for a retro treat!
7 Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins
Ghosts 'n Goblins first appeared in arcades and on NES consoles a whole two decades before this complete reimagining came out. As the first game in the series to feature 3D graphics, it's even more embarrassing for poor little Arthur to run around in his boxers.
6 Star Ocean: First Departure
North American Star Ocean fans never had the privilege to enjoy the original back in the day since it was only released in Japan for Super Famicom. Over a dozen years later, tri-Ace's action RPG hit finally emerged as a completely new experience. Who knew an insignificant villager could end up leaving Earth and travelling beyond the stars to seek help for his doomed township?
5 Mega Man Powered Up / Maverick Hunter X
These two titles are entire reworks of the original Mega Man and Mega Man X games. Have you ever wanted to play Mega Man as any of the Robot Masters? How about play Mega Man X as the sinister Vile? If so then these celebrations of all things Mega Man allow you to within advanced 3D worlds. Even though these versions are fantastic, I still wonder... how does Mega Man's giant head stay up?
4 Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
After its initial release on Super Famicom, Tactics Ogre was remade for PlayStation where North American audiences finally had the opportunity to play it. Fast-forward thirteen years and now we have the ultimate version of this strategy RPG masterpiece available on the go. With the newly introduced WORLD system, how will your decisions affect the fate of Valeria?
3 Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
Here we have yet another classic that never saw light in North America when it was first released. Being available only for PC Engine CD in Japan, Castlevania: Rondo of Blood was initially remade as Super Nintendo's Castlevania: Dracula X. Many gamers disliked that version although some welcomed it as a worthy old-school challenge (like me). It wasn't until 2007 that it had another remake in the form of The Dracula X Chronicles. The version here features full 3D graphics and also includes the original Rondo of Blood and one of the greatest video games ever created; Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. This package is a definite must-buy for any vampire hunter.
2 Ys: The Oath in Felghana
Very few game series feature as many remakes as Ys. The Oath in Felghana is a 3D overhaul of the third title (Wanderers from Ys) which found its way to PSP after five years of being exclusive to PC in Japan. With a similar feel to The Ark of Napishtim, this action RPG gem would continue to pave the way for future installments such as Ys Seven and Memories of Celceta.
1 Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection
Remakes don't get much more massive than Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection. It's not only a compilation of the original game and every episode of The After Years, it also features a new connecting story interlude and some spiffy enhanced graphics. Now you can guide Cecil on his quest to become a Paladin and ride the Lunar Whale to the Red Moon in more style than ever before.
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