Sharpen Up: 15 Video Games From the 90's and 00's That Deserve an HD Reboot

HD remakes have become an essential, if somewhat annoying, part of the video game landscape. Initially, they seemed useless to us. After all, why would you want to buy a game that you had already played before and probably still owned when the only difference between the old version and the new was some slightly sharper graphics? However, as time has gone on, HD reboots have actually proved themselves to be much more useful than that. More than anything, HD titles can help gamers resurrect lost favorites that they've since discarded or sold, and as the gap gets wider and wider between the fifth and sixth generations of consoles and those of today, a graphic makeover actually becomes noticeable.

With a reboot of Square Enix's classic Playstation 2 title, Final Fantasy X, on the way, we started to wonder what other titles are due for a new paint job. What other games are deserving of another chance to shine? Are there games that could find a completely new audience if they were re-released? With those questions in mind, take a look at the 15 Games That Deserve an HD Reboot. Are there any you would add? Any you think should be kept on the shelf? Read through the list and share your thoughts in the comments section.

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Original console(s): Windows, Mac OS
Year released: 2000

Highly regarded as one of the greatest PC games ever made, it's a wonder that the original version of Deus Ex still has yet to receive a modern makeover. Sure, the game was made available for the PSN (only in Europe, of course) and Deus Ex: Human Revolution gave the series a worthy seventh-gen presence, but it's still a tad baffling that Eidos' landmark title hasn't been given a fresh new look. The cyberpunk dystopia that Warren Spector imagined back in 2000 would translate nicely to today's invigorating visual capabilities.

Original console(s): Gamecube
Year released: 2003

Many didn't quite know what to make of Viewtiful Joe when it was first released, as its colorful, excessively loud artwork was initially both off-putting and confusing. However, after sitting down to play the game, many realized that Capcom's cult hit was well-worth their time, as it combined 2D and 3D beat 'em up side-scrolling to create an addictive and overwhelming experience. Now, it's time to make Joe even more viewtiful, and to make his adventures louder and brighter than ever before. Capcom needs to give its fans the deluxe re-up on this title.

Original console(s): Playstation 2
Year released: 2001

Who didn't pretend that they were a samurai at some point when they were a kid? It was the best, wasn't it? That being said, running around with a cardboard tube was fun and all, but Onimusha: Warlords took the samurai lstory to a whole new level of interaction when it was released in 2001. Pitting you against demons, dopplegangers, and more, Onimusha took all the legends of ancient Japan and made them into a beautiful and inspired hack and slash adventure. If you don't think that would be fun to play on a new console, then you don't know a single thing about fun.

Original console(s): Playstation 2, Xbox, Windows, PSP
Year released: 2005

Star Wars Battlefront II was a fun, remarkably addictive shooter that has unfortunately gotten lost in the shuffle over the years. Think back to the game though. Was there anything better than running around as a clone and wrecking havoc against the Separatists? How awesome was it when you finally got to play as a Jedi or a Sith Lord like Yoda or Count Dooku? Battlefront was every Star Wars fan's dream, and remains one of the best adapations that the series has seen in a videogame format. It's time to resurrect this sixth-gen essential.

Original console(s): Playstation 2, Gamecube, Xbox
Year released: 2002

It's unsurprising that TimeSplitters 2 still hasn't been repurposed for the current generation of gaming, but disappointing, nonetheless. Why is it unsurprising? Because TimeSplitters 2 never got its proper recognition for the hugely enjoyable and original FPS that it was. What other games were letting you hop around from the Wild West to the distant future with a full arsenal of weapony to match? Unfortunately, none, and it's still true to this day. The title deserves a shot on current consoles in order to make up for its underwhelming success of yesteryear.

Original console(s): Xbox
Year released: 2004

As far as sequels go, Halo 2 is one of the best around, as the revolutionary FPS helped to strengthen the Xbox's dominance in online and multiplayer gaming. Yes, the mission mode has always left something to be desired, but complaining about that aspect of the game is like driving a Ferrari and wishing that you could go off-roading in it. You're completely missing out on an incredible experience because you want something else altogether. Halo 2 is perhaps the most beloved title in the series, as it represented the peak for a franchise that has consistently gotten it right. It's time for Bungie to clean it up a bit, and take it out of the garage.

Original console(s): N64
Year released: 1996

Yes, the N64's flagship title already enjoyed a reboot of sorts when it was transferred to the Nintendo DS at the handheld's launch, but the original Super Mario 64 would be gorgeous if it were given an eighth-gen revamp and properly stylized for the Wii U. Who wouldn't want the chance to replay this canonical Nintendo classic in its first form? Super Mario 64 HD could be the shot to the arm that Nintendo needs in order to generate excitement for their flagging console.

Original console(s): N64
Year released: 2000

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask has been criminally overlooked since the day it was released on the N64. Why? Well, for one thing, it had to deal with Ocarina of Time's shadow looming overhead at all times. How do you follow-up one of the greatest Zelda titles ever? As Majora's Mask proved, you don't. Instead, you just have to deal with the fact of being second best. However, by writing the game off as no. 2, people totally neglected to see the game's unique flair and quirky edge. An HD remake would give the game the critical re-evaluation it deserves.

Original console(s): Playstation
Year released: 1998

Starring Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy, Resident Evil 2 is a benchmark title for the series, with many critics praising its haunting atmosphere and chilling world design. From the music to the script, Resident Evil 2 managed to create a cinematic experience, making for a survival horror title like nothing else before it. However, with all that said, it's time for this unforgettable PSOne and N64 title to make its way up to 2014. Who doesn't want to see this game with a new coat of paint and ready to play on the PS4, Wii U, or Xbox One? Anyone? Didn't think so.

Original console(s): Playstation
Year released: 1997

Despite its release on Steam last year, Final Fantasy VII still has yet to receive the digital touch-up that it deserves. The title still plays like a classic, but it's hard to argue that it couldn't benefit from a few sanded edges. The blocky characters are cringe-worthy, and the inconsistent style in the cutscenes is frustrating and strange. With Advent Children, we saw what the Final Fantasy VII universe could look like with a polished, contemporary finish. Why can't we get a full game's worth of that material?

Original console(s): DOS, Windows, Amiga
Year released: 1992

An early point-and-click adventure from LucasArts, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is a vintage experience, well-worthy of getting the same treatment Monkey Island has seen for iOS systems. Fuck Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. A faithful refurbishing of Indy and his whip-cracking adventures in Atlantis should be more than enough to appease fans of the series. Fate of Atlantis is available now in the Steam store, but we'd rather be playing a sleek, new-age version of it on our iPad.

Original console(s): DOS, Macintosh, Windows 9x
Year released: 1994

If you ask any true Star Wars fan which video game is their favorite of the series, TIE Fighter would get more answers than you think. Knights of the Old Republic may be a spectacular title, but TIE Fighter set its roots in the hearts of gamers everywhere all the way back in 1994, when PC gaming was still a niche market. The space combat simulator put you right in the cockpit of an Imperial starfighter, guiding you through the storyline of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Today, the title is still heralded as an all-time great PC game. A reboot is long overdue.

Original console(s): N64
Year released: 1998

I know what you're saying: "Turok was already released for the PS3 and Xbox 360 and the PC and it sucked." Fine, you're right. Can't argue with that. However, it's also a fact that Turok was a completely different animal (dinosaur?) than its N64 predecessors, specifically, the second edition of the series, Seeds of Evil. It's a shame that Acclaim Entertainment fell apart, and Touchstone Games took over the series. A proper remake of Seeds of Evil would do wonders for the dinosaur/alien hunting genre.

Original console(s): Playstation
Year released: 1997

Before Rock Band or DJ Hero, there was PaRappa the Rapper, an underrated rhythm title that is still fighting for its place in video game lore. In terms of soundtrack, storyline and graphics, PaRappa was one of a kind, as you played the role of a dog trying to win the heart of his crush by impressing her with his slick rapping ability. Remembered best for his motto, "I gotta believe!," PaRappa inspired a whole new legion of young pups to test out their skills on the mic. It's time for him to release his comeback album.

Original console(s): Playstation 2
Year released: 2004

The Dragon Quest/Dragon Warrior series has always been swept under the rug compared to its competitors like Final Fantasy, but every time you play the games, it's hard to figure out exactly why that's the case. Dragon Quest is to Final Fantasy what Digimon is to Pokemon. They occupy a similar lane, but are both still fun as hell in their own respects. Dragon Quest VIII is arguably the best title in the entire series, boasting original artwork from the legendary Akira Toriyama, a fully three-dimensional experience, and a killer storyline. Now all it needs is to be reintroduced to the current generation of consoles. The title has seen re-release on Android and iOS in Japan, but American audiences would appreciate an HD rebirth of the legendary RPG ASAP.