Any time the topic of a new Xbox game comes up, the discussion usually flows towards bringing back a classic franchise in some form for modern platforms. Considering how long Microsoft has been in the gaming business, the company has no shortage of IPs to draw from if it wanted to revive something dormant.
While not exactly dormant, Xbox brought out Halo: Campaign Evolved just weeks ago. With a new engine powering it and gameplay tweaks to bring the 2001 hit more in line with recent entries, it showed the potential that could be applied to other classic Xbox games.
Here are the games that also deserved the same treatment from Microsoft, all from different eras of Xbox's past.
Fable II
There's a series reboot on the way in 2027, but what about the classics? Fable II is often hailed as the pinnacle of the franchise, but it's also the one that's been almost entirely left behind on the old Xbox 360.
The extremely charming world could be brought back to life with a visual overhaul and a much more fluid and responsive combat system. Seamless cooperative play could return as well, alongside a reduction of all those loading screens that split up Albion so much.
Perfect Dark
Microsoft's plans to bring back Perfect Dark with a full reboot ended up not working out, but that doesn't mean a remake couldn't fill that hole for secret agent-genre/immersive sims enjoyers. The 2000s-era shooting and controls will need a complete redesign, but Joanna Dark's slick gadgets and the espionage atmosphere could easily be kept intact for fans.
Quantum Break
Remedy Entertainment is well known now for its connected universe of supernatural games like Alan Wake and Control. However, one of its games that feels like it should fit right into the group but actually doesn't is Quantum Break.
A remake of this time-travel-heavy action game could elevate the incredible visual effects style for current-generation hardware. This also gives the opportunity to attach the live-action episodes straight into the game, perhaps with in-engine cutscenes. If Remedy itself comes back to work on a project like this with Xbox, it may even be able to attach this storyline to its growing universe.
Ryse Son of Rome
Speaking of partnerships, Crytek and Microsoft could also work together to bring back the Xbox One launch title Ryse: Son of Rome. This was a remarkable visual feast for the console, with a cinematic presentation that rivals movies.
However, the combat was essentially a quick-time-events simulator. A remake could target that area on top of expanded levels to deliver a proper combat system with satisfying and heavy melee gameplay.
Viva Pinata
Taking a break from all the action and considering how big the cozy game space is becoming, Rare's Viva Pinata could be a charming addition to Xbox's remake efforts. Attracting and breeding Pinatas, managing the neglected land, sending friends gifts, and keeping back rivals all sound like the perfect ways to relax after a long day.
Despite its popularity, the Xbox 360 life-sim game had a lot of restrictions when it came to garden size limits. Lifting those hardware-caused troubles and updating the Pinata visuals to make them even more adorable sounds like a good start for a proper remake.
Sunset Overdrive
Insomniac may be known for its Marvel games nowadays under Sony, but way back when, it made an Xbox exclusive named Sunset Overdrive. This 2014-released action game almost feels like a precursor to its Spider-Man games, offering an open city with fast navigation options focused on momentum.
A remade Sunset Overdrive could ramp up the punk rock chaos with visuals that were unheard of 10 years ago. Without the Xbox One's hardware constraints, the city could be larger, and enemy hordes could be denser, while also turning up the speed aspects for even more mayhem. Why not expand the small co-op game mode at the same time too?
Sadly, with Sony's acquisition of Insomniac Games, it sounds like the IP also went with them. Bummer.
