Retro games and the world of sports have always gone hand in hand. In fact, the first-ever commercial retro sports game, Pong, was also the first commercially successful arcade game. From Arch Rivals to Double Dribble, we all have our favourites, and in this list, we’ll explore which games might benefit from a remake or remodelling for the modern day.
Number one: Gallop Racer Series
Gallop Racer was a phenomenal horse racing series that took the world by storm between the years 1996 and 2011. It was especially loved because it came out on both PlayStation One and PlayStation Two after already gaining popularity within the arcade setting. A revival of this game, which allowed players to experience both owning and racing a horse, would likely do well in a modern setting. Not only would improved graphics make a game like Gallop Racer much more visually appealing, but recent technological developments such as virtual reality (VR) would also add an additional layer of realism, and therefore enjoyment, to the game. Not only that, but the revival of Gallop Racer would likely have a positive ripple effect on several other industries. For example, the guys at Bettingsitesnotongamstop.com says that their favourite betting site for ‘most rewarding betting’ is a website that facilitates horse racing, and they’re not alone. If these sites were able to incorporate a game like Gallop Racer, the industry would surely grow in both fun and overall popularity. For now, though, betting sites are proving to be a very popular niche for sports fans to up the ante and take advantage of a host of sign up offers and free bonuses.
Number Two: Pong
It’s an oldie but a goodie, and we couldn’t not include it in this list. If you’re on this site, you’ve probably played pong before or at least heard about it. This simple ping-pong game that includes two vertical lines and a dot opened up thousands of opportunities for the gaming world. Pong flooded arcades and family homes and has been the inspiration for countless other games, art installations, and thought experiments since. Pong is now over fifty years old, and a revitalisation that still honours the original would surely bring people together in nostalgia for the game that potentially began gaming as we know it. Additionally, VR and AR technologies could enable movement to be incorporated into a modern version of pong, with haptic sensors adding a layer of realism that prior technology couldn’t allow. Not only would this be incredibly fun, but it would also get people moving and be good for our fitness and well-being.
Number Three: Punch Out
This much-loved boxing game, where you played as fictional underdog little Mac, absolutely deserves a comeback. The game was widely popular when it first came out, perhaps in part due to the character’s likeness to famous boxer Mike Tyson. A modern adaption of the game could see virtual reality and augmented reality incorporated so that punches could be judged and rewarded on their efficiency. A two-player option within this VR setting would also help revolutionise the game, enabling friends and family to ‘box’ against one another in a safe environment. Such a modern game would be incredibly beneficial for the player’s fitness and overall well-being and would likely make an incredibly fun party game for all ages. Additionally, perhaps a game like Punch-out could also incorporate music, with hits having to land on a beat, which would also be good news for the music industry.
Number Four: Excitebike
Excitebike was one of the earliest motocross games and was incredibly well-loved. In this simple but exhilarating game, a player needed to traverse a circuit, by landing jumps and avoiding obstacles, all while managing the temperature of the engine. This game could be revitalised for the modern player in a variety of different ways. The sense of community that came with the game could be replicated on a bigger scale, for example, within gyms. A traditional spin class would be made much more exhilarating if the bikes were connected to a remade Excitebike game. Players could win only by peddling faster than their opponents, and their overall health would thank them for it.