Most Anticipated 2016 Video Game Re-releases!

At Emuparadise we understand all-too-well the burning desire to experience the rush of adrenaline, the sense of adventure, and the breadth of emotions that come from playing old favorites and gone-by classics alike. Over the last few years the gaming industry has been in the midst of a revolution of reboots, remakes, and remasters, and 2016 has been no different. So in light of this trend we wanted to take some time to showcase some of the original versions of the games that inspired a few of these re-releases that have come out recently, and some that are set to come out in the near future.

A real "Retro"spective, if you will.

Final Fantasy VII

Systems: Sony Playstation

Year: 1997

One of the most highly regarded video games of all time, and arguably the most requested remake ever, Final Fantasy VII is often seen as the 'killer app' for the Sony Playstation. With its intense battles, gripping story, and even some tear-jerking moments, this game took an entire generation by storm and never let go. Indeed this is one of the greatest showcases in retro video games regarding how the medium evolved to become far more than just the electronic toys they were once marketed as. Sony and Square Enix hope to re-capture our hearts and our zeni when the new episodic remake of the game releases on PS4; but if you want to relive that classic and timeless adventure before the updated re-telling, come on over to Emuparadise and join the fight against Shinra!

Resident Evil 2

Systems: Sony Playstation, Nintendo 64, Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo Gamecube

Year: 1998

If you were a gamer and a horror fan in the 90's, chances are you are very familiar with the Resident Evil series. The second entry in this long line of games is, for many, the definitive survival horror experience. On top of the excellent sense of fear and suspense this title built upon from the first game, it boasted an incredible amount of replayability. In fact the main game was so extensive that to truly see it all you need to play through the game no less than 4 times! This is to say nothing of the various extra modes the game offered. When the original Resident Evil received the updated "RE-make" in 2002, fans were devastated this beloved 2nd entry did not receive the same treatment as its predecessor and have been begging Capcom for an update for the last 14 years. Recently, Capcom has confirmed that the remake we've been asking for is finally being developed; but without a firm release date, now is as good a time as any to RE-live the horrors of Raccoon City's Police Department.

Shadow of the Beast

Systems: Commodore Amiga, Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Atari Lynx, TurboGrafx-CD

Year: 1989

At the end of the 1980's Shadow of the Beast was released on the Commodore Amiga and spent the next several years popping up on a myriad of platforms and even getting 2 sequels. While somewhat of an obscure title today, the game was praised for its artistry and sense of environment, as well as a great showcase of how effective parallax scrolling could be at instilling a sense of depth. Indeed the whole game is one big level, similar to a 'metroidvania' title, but unique enough from them to be its own thing. While the remake boasts increased levels of gore and action, nothing beats the classic adventure of man-turned-beast exacting his vengeance upon the demon that wronged him. For the pinnacle experience, be sure to try this on the TurboGrafx-CD where it received updated visuals and a CD quality soundtrack!

DOOM

Systems: MS-DOS, Sega 32X, Atari Jaguar, Super Nintendo, Sony Playstation, Sega Saturn, Game Boy Advance

Year: 1993

DOOM is one of those games that just stands the test of time. In the early 90's it helped pioneer the FPS genre, as well as the concept of online deathmatch. It also stirred up a great deal of controversy about the validity and impact of video game violence with its (at the time) obscene amount of gore and violence. In addition it is considered by many to be a master-class in level design with its intricate mazes and puzzle-like structure. Most importantly though, it still has a massive base of fans who play and create content for it to this day. With a game so popular so praised and so infamous, it's not at all surprising that after over a decade of it being ported to various systems, and receiving a number of sequels/expansions that in mid-2016 ID software and Bethesda released an all new remake of the beloved shooter. If you're wanting to experience this classic, keep in mind that each of DOOM's home console ports have a variety of changes from one-another, ranging from level designs to unique soundtracks.

Goldeneye - 007

Systems: Nintendo 64

Year: 1997

While this game did receive a full remake back in 2010, a lot of fans were disappointed and felt that it simply didn't live up to the original. However, just recently a bunch of footage leaked online that showed a fully remastered version of the game was once set to be released on Xbox Live; with a fully functional Multiplayer mode, and all the Single Player greatness that paved the way for console FPS games at the end of the 90's. Sadly due to licensing concerns, this remastered release never occurred and we may never get the chance to play this updated version of the game… but if you've got an itchy trigger finger, you can still snag yourself a golden gun in the original version over at Emuparadise.

Shenmue 1 & 2

Systems: Sega Dreamcast

Year: 1999 & 2001, respectively

Shenmue is easily one of the most divisive games of all time. You either adored it or you just didn't get it. No matter where you fall in that divide, there is no denying that this bizarre amalgamation of RPG, Fighting, Life-Sim, and various other genres has garnered one of the most dedicated cult followings in video game history. Originally set to be a quadrilogy of games, the incredibly engaging story of Ryo's journey to avenge the death of his father was cut dramatically short at the end of the 2nd game in 2001. Fast forward to today and Shenmue 3 is finally in the works thanks to a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. In light of this, Sega has just recently announced that they are heavily invested in releasing HD remasters of the original 2 titles, if they can sort out the licensing. However, if you can't wait that long to practice your fight moves, drive a forklift, and waste money at the arcade... then you can find the sailors you're looking for over at Emuparadise. Over the years, countless titles have been re-released, re-mastered, re-booted, and re-made to bring them into the hands of newer audiences. While these games are often great tributes to the originals, there's simply nothing like playing those classics in all their retro glory. So if you're feeling lost in this modern trend of re-do's and yearn for the versions of yesteryear, come join us over at Emuparadise where the TV is always on channel 3.