Classics that had a charm modern games haven't recaptured

[nightdreamer]

I like the discussion going on with that other thread even if it's starting to get all hardcore-semantics about hipsters and Mexican dips (and these are delicious dips, btw). I've yet to come up with my own entries there but it inspired me to start a complementary topic: what are classic games that have spawned imitators that did not quite get their appeal?

I've a few:

Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 - To be fair, these aren't emulated by many, but obvious ones are Sonic COLORS (and Sonic Lost World, if word of mouth is to be believed) and some even mentioned Bayonetta, since it took SMG's gravity mechanic. As far as 3d platformers go, I've yet to find one that's as beautifully realised as both these games, not just in terms of game design (which almost perfects the Super Mario 64 formula due to better tech) but the magnificence of space, and the equally magnificent sweeping orchestra. I also thought that part 1 had a surprisingly good story for a platformer, without being very obtrusive about it. I favor 1 over two, but they're close.

Chrono Trigger - Chrono Trigger is JRPG's platonic ideal: fast pace, thrilling story, unforgettable characters, no bloating, not self-important, has strategic combat. So basically, it's traditional JRPG, with Toriyama-esque presentation, and is stripped down to the point of only refining JRPG's core mechanics, which is something you feel OTHER JRPGs (including its sequel) are ashamed to be. Other classic JRPGs are good in their own ways, but everything that tries to be CT's successor (Cross, Radiant Historia, and all those fan made games) just don't quite reach. I'm also quite disappointed that very few games outside of Suikoden have taken CT's 'team attacks', especially because I found thme incredibly cool. As an aside, I know a lot of people swear by Chrono Cross, but I'm one of those who utterly despises that game, sorry!

The Lost Vikings - the very first game is still the most charming puzzle platformer that I've played. Not just because these characters have a very 'dynamic' design, and not just because they have funny back-and-forths before that was a videogame thing to do; the New Jack Swing OST is an absolute delight and really, what other games had a New Jack Swing soundtrack? Not even the sequel, in fact, and I've found its weaker music a crushing disappointment. I liked Trine too, but its generic Warcraft III art direction had nothing for this Nordic comedy!

So these are mine. I could add some more but I don't make a habit of turning the topic starter a TL;DR entry, so... what are yours?

[The Great Klaid]

Apologies in advance, but I think it totally works. Final Fantasy VII. A game a company has been trying to recapture the charm of for over a decade. And the game is full of charm. It tries way too hard to be serious and leave the 16-bit era behind, in reality it still really feels like an overblown SNES game. I've never been able to put my finger on it, but something about it leaves it almost as funny as FFV. Later on they got "better" at doing serious plots and moments. But, it's just not the same anymore.

[moran]

Mega Man 2/3 - Throughout the 2000's, just about all platformers of its ilk have felt like more of the same. Nothing has really topped it or come close. From character design to level design, nothing has really topped MM2 in my eyes. Even Capcom knew they had to revert to the original design since every effort just didn't add up.

[ommadawnyawn2]

You mentioning Lost Vikings made me think of Toejam & Earl 1 and 2. The third game, which I haven't played doesn't seem to have the same vibe at all.

I find the original Double Dragons a lot more charming than the recent Neon one, but I wouldn't want to play either of them, heh.

Obvious example but I'm glad I didn't play Sonic Adventure back when I still cared, because they pretty much ruined the characters and the world there.

[cambertian]

I think we need to re-explore the P.O.P. gimmick in that Jetsons SNES game. It has the right amount of "satisfaction" to me.

Too bad it had to be stuck in a licensed property.

[Deleted]

By what loopy logic is Mario Galaxy a "classic" and not a "modern game?" And don't say something silly like "it has the spirit of the classics!"

[cambertian]

Aug 7, 2014 11:03:15 GMT -5 @felixm said:

By what loopy logic is Mario Galaxy a "classic" and not a "modern game?" And don't say something silly like "it has the spirit of the classics!"

Modern games can't be immediate classics?
When does it stop being a modern game?

[nightdreamer]

Aug 7, 2014 11:03:15 GMT -5 @felixm said:

By what loopy logic is Mario Galaxy a "classic" and not a "modern game?" And don't say something silly like "it has the spirit of the classics!"

By what actual means can you stop being so nitpicky in every damn thread and just post your own entries? You derailed that other thread too because boo-hoo someone picked a game you didn't like the appearance of without first-hand experience of creating such appearance or playing that game!

I used to find you funny but now you're REALLY becoming aggravating. And no, I stand by my placement of SMG as classics. Deal with it.

[Deleted]

I would say that Call of Duty 4 was the beginning of the current modern era of gaming. Galaxy released shortly after it.

I thought HG101 was all for nitpicking, given that this is a site where we will individually dissect every shitty European home computer port of an old game. If it really bothers you that much, don't feel like you're forced to respond to everything.

[Ike]

I do suspect a lot of the 'charm' of old games is seen through a lens of nostalgia. Everything is a lot more engrossing when you're younger, and especially because there was a much smaller pool of things to choose from.

[nightdreamer]

Aug 7, 2014 11:20:05 GMT -5 @felixm said:

I would say that Call of Duty 4 was the beginning of the current modern era of gaming. Galaxy released shortly after it.

So? It changes nothing about what I wrote, that they're games their 'successors' haven't quite done as well. And who says modern can't be classic: there's nothing in dictionary that states that 'classic' has to be from olden days, but that it's 'of lasting significance', which hardly anyone will contest for Super Mario Galaxy, and for the record Call of Duty 4 too. Or Portal, which is already considered such by many.

I thought HG101 was all for nitpicking, given that this is a site where we will individually dissect every shitty European home computer port of an old game. If it really bothers you that much, don't feel like you're forced to respond to everything.

As opposed to feeling like you're forced to have an opinion on everything, even when you're uninformed, and expressing it on a really obnoxious way? HG101 is all for people not being a dick too, and you already have some notoriety.

[nightdreamer]

Aug 7, 2014 11:27:04 GMT -5 Ike said:

I do suspect a lot of the 'charm' of old games is seen through a lens of nostalgia. Everything is a lot more engrossing when you're younger, and especially because there was a much smaller pool of things to choose from.

That's true to an extent, but imo not for any of the games I picked. I sure wouldn't mind to get another game that involves a lovably goofy bunch of Vikings.

[Ike]

No, but I think it's a certain type of mood more than anything rather than a specific setting. It's hard to pinpoint what it is, but there have been a few games that get it right (Shovel Knight is a recent one.)

[wyrdwad]

I sorta think that's the point of this topic, though, right? To identify classic games that are just as charming now as they were way back when.

And I think the list so far has been a pretty accurate one. I mean, a lot of classics are classics for a reason, and still hold up beautifully.

-Tom

[nightdreamer]

People respond to all media in different ways, and to be charmed by something is when they desire closer personal connection to the source of affection. So of course it's VERY subject to personal biases, like in cases of people feeling very enamored by either Tom Hiddleston or Dwayne Johnson. In gaming's case, we respond to different types, and we're not simply charmed by games that are merely 'this game perfected formula x and added y to create the ultimate z experience', but also by its other aspects. What this thread is about is 'This game gave me the frisson, and everything I loved about it I wish I could find in its similar titles but, eh, no dice!' I imagine Earthbound is the prime candidate for you, Ike. (I should play it someday.)