This week we are sharing favorite titles we would love to see make a triumphant return.
Nostalgia is strong with us this week. Let’s see what the team is still longing for…
The Legend of Dragoon (PlayStation 1999)
With Ubisoft announcing the cancellation of The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake and Capcom bringing back Mega Man: Dual Override, it got me thinking about game series that deserve another chance in today’s gaming world. With Baldur’s Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 winning numerous Game of the Year awards, turn-based RPGs are clearly back, even if they never truly left in the first place. I believe Sony should also bring back a very underrated RPG released in 1999 for the original PlayStation, The Legend of Dragoon.
Like Expedition 33, The Legend of Dragoon built its main combat mechanics around quick-time events during a player’s attack turn. Players needed to successfully execute these QTE prompts to deal maximum damage or continue their attack combos, called “Additions.” Each character had their own unique Additions with various timings, and more became available as the game progressed. Players could choose an easier Addition with simpler QTE timing for consistent damage or attempt more difficult ones that dealt more serious damage but were harder to execute. There were also extra layers of strategy, such as choosing an Addition with many QTE inputs that dealt lower overall damage but built up the super meter faster, allowing players to unleash stronger attacks later on.
At the time, I felt this was a huge step forward for turn-based games, and it was only recently that I saw the game mechanic refined and expanded in Expedition 33. I hope Sony gives this hidden gem another chance, as I have always enjoyed the work of Japan Studio, now Team Asobi, and would love to see them create a modern RPG.
— Andrew S., Asst. Producer
Mega Man X Franchise (SNES 1994)
Among the greatest games of my youth, Mega Man X4 stands out as my absolute favorite in the iconic Mega Man X series. Released in 1997, it revolutionized the franchise as the first to let players fully control two mechanically distinct heroes—X’s versatile arsenal and Zero’s blistering melee combos—while boasting what I (and many fans) consider the series’ pinnacle soundtrack, from the epic “X’s Theme” to unforgettable boss tracks.
It’s been over 21 years since the last mainline entry, Mega Man X8 in 2005 (excluding spin-offs and collections), leaving a gripping story of endless Maverick uprisings and Reploid evolution on a massive cliffhanger. With Capcom revitalizing Mega Man through successes like Mega Man 11 and the upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override in 2027, now’s the perfect time to continue the X saga. Capcom, give us Mega Man X9—the fans demand it!
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES 1996)
Among the games that shaped my love for RPGs, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars reigns supreme—its whimsical story, iconic timed-hit battles, and unforgettable soundtrack (think “Forest Maze”) hooked me back in 1996 and never let go.
The 2023 Switch remake proved its timeless appeal, selling strong and earning critical acclaim. Yet 30 years after the original—and over two years post-remake—there’s still no sequel, despite endless material from Nintendo’s Mario universe: Rosalina, Bowser Jr., Pauline, and worlds from Galaxy to Odyssey begging for RPG treatment.
Nintendo, deliver Super Mario RPG 2! Keep the classic turn-based core with timed hits, but I’d welcome a hybrid action system like FF7 Remake for modern flair. Fans are ready—make it happen!
—Kevin D., Client Success
Growlanser Series (PC 1999)
If I could pick one franchise for a comeback, it’s Growlanser. Same studio behind Langrisser, and it hit during that sweet spot when tactical RPGs were everywhere and console gaming was really taking off. For a lot of people, myself included, it was the game of that era. Still one of my favorites.
I’ve played many strategy RPGs over the years, but Growlanser always felt different. It wasn’t just the tactical battles. What got me was the storytelling, the way you could shape your party through equipment and skill choices, and how your decisions, down to romance options, actually changed things. It made you want to replay it just to see what you missed.
A lot of modern games lean into these massive, sprawling systems. Which is fine, don’t get me wrong. But Growlanser had this balance that’s hard to find now: deep enough to pull you in, but streamlined enough that the story and your choices stayed front and center. The branching paths, the political drama, the emotional weight, it all gave the series something that still feels pretty unique.
I’d love to see it come back with updated visuals and some quality-of-life tweaks, but without losing what made it special. Keep the meaningful choices. Keep those intimate character arcs. Keep that feeling that what you do, in battle or in dialogue, genuinely matters.
Here’s hoping it gets another shot. Not just remasters, though those would be nice. A real new entry that reminds people why Growlanser left such a mark in the first place.
—Justin J., Astt. Project Manager
Genji: Days of the Blade (PlayStation 3 2006)
I’ve always had a soft spot for Genji: Days of the Blade. The visual design was great and its take on Japanese mythology felt more thoughtful than most games at the time. This one felt like a close cousin of the Onimusha series which I also enjoyed. Sure, it got caught up in the PS3’s rocky launch—remember that “giant enemy crab” moment?—but there’s real artistry here. A remake could finally let this game exist on its own terms.
Shadow of Destiny (PlayStation 2)
Shadow of Destiny was unusual for 2001: no combat, just story and time manipulation. The weird thing about this one is you explore a German town trying to prevent your own murder – which already happened!
There’s a genuine mystery here, the kind that asks you to think rather than just react. In an era obsessed with dopamine hits and shooter mechanics, that patient, contemplative approach feels almost radical now.
This is exactly the type of game I’d love to see remade.
Vagrant Story (2000, PlayStation 2000)
Honestly? Top of my remake wishlist. Square took a huge swing with Vagrant Story—the weapon crafting alone was absurdly complex—and it had this dark, oppressive atmosphere that felt nothing like their other RPGs. Matsuno’s fingerprints are everywhere: political intrigue, Shakespeare references, haunting art direction. I’d love a remake that smooths out those systems without dumbing them down. My one gripe was how Ashley felt removed from the plot, like you’re just observing this conspiracy until the very end. A modern version could fix that disconnect.
Mega Man Legends (PlayStation 1997)
If there’s one game that deserves a second chance, it’s this. Mega Man Legends turned a brutal platformer franchise into an open-ended adventure with actual towns and NPCs you cared about. Kicking trash cans for money, chatting with Roll between missions—it made the world feel lived-in. Refreshing to play something that wasn’t chasing white-knuckle intensity. A remake could flesh out Kattelox Island more while keeping that warm, exploratory spirit.
These are the games I keep coming back to. They took risks that didn’t pay off commercially, but the ideas are worth revisiting.
—Mace T., Project Manager
That’s all for now! Thanks for hanging out with us.
We’ll be back next week for more gaming fun.