The conversation around preserving classic video games from older consoles is becoming increasingly prominent within the gaming community. Enthusiasts are eager to access their cherished titles from previous generations, while the developers behind these games often face challenges in making them available once more.
This predicament is particularly disheartening as many exceptional games remain confined to their original platforms, gathering dust. Due to the absence of legal means to access these titles, the only existing option for players is to possess the original consoles in working condition, along with either a physical or a functional digital copy of the game.
These titles cannot be accurately categorized as “abandonware”because the affiliated companies are still active, continuing to operate their franchises. It feels more like these games have been forgotten, left stranded as they grapple with irrelevance over the years.
The following list features games that are currently unavailable for standard purchase or play on modern consoles and have not received remasters, remakes, or ports, leaving fans yearning for their return.
1 Custom Robo
One of Nintendo’s Underrepresented Franchises
The first time I encountered the world of Custom Robo was through trophies hidden in Super Smash Bros. Melee. As a child who loved robots and toys, I found the concept captivating. My fervor peaked when the GameCube finally released “Custom Robo, ”known in Japan as “Custom Robo: Battle Revolution.”
This game masterfully combines an expansive fighting experience with an engaging story reminiscent of beloved toy-related anime. The extensive customization options allow players to build their own robots, selecting frames, weapons, and movement capabilities to suit their strategies.
Throughout the single-player campaign, players assume the role of a mercenary in a domed city, confronting adversaries while uncovering the mysteries of a long-lost world outside the dome. The game’s lighthearted humor and memorable characters further enhance the experience. With the gradual resurgence of GameCube titles on the Switch, there’s a glimmer of hope for this beloved game’s revival, even if Nintendo seems indifferent.
2 Mega Man Powered Up
Remaking the Original Mega Man with Charm
While the Mega Man franchise holds a special place in my heart, the first game had its shortcomings as an entry point. Fortunately, in 2006, Mega Man received a much-needed remake on the PSP titled “Mega Man Powered Up.”
This creative reimagining preserved the original levels and bosses while injecting fresh mechanics and introducing new characters, such as Oilman and Timeman. Players could unlock the Robot Masters as playable characters by defeating them with just the Mega Buster, providing a unique campaign experience.
Moreover, the built-in level editor allowed users to create and share custom stages long before similar mechanics appeared in later titles like Super Mario Maker. Unfortunately, its current unavailability on modern consoles prevents it from reaching a broader audience, despite the enduring popularity of the Mega Man series.
3 Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Unexpected Crossover Success
|
Developer |
Eighting |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Wii, Arcade |
|
Release Date |
December 2008 |
Crossover games often carry a certain mystique, especially regarding their western releases. My skepticism was palpable when I first learned about Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, a fighting game combining iconic Capcom characters with heroes from Tatsunoko Production’s beloved anime catalog.
To my surprise, the game made its way to western shores, albeit two years after its arcade debut in Japan. The game featured a two-on-two format with unique mechanics, including Baroque Combos and Mega Crashes, making for an innovative fighting experience on the Wii.
While it offered exciting gameplay, the Wii’s online matchmaking left much to be desired, leading many to question its fit within the console’s ecosystem.
4 Metroid Prime Hunters
Reviving Forgotten Bounty Hunters
Following the excitement surrounding the trailer for Metroid Prime 4, I couldn’t help but wonder if fans remembered Syllux and other bounty hunters from Metroid Prime Hunters on Nintendo DS—an experience now largely inaccessible.
This ambitious title effectively brought the 3D exploration of the Prime series to the less robust DS hardware while introducing intuitive touch-screen controls. The game featured a rich single-player campaign complemented by a robust multiplayer mode, allowing players to embody various bounty hunters, showcasing distinct abilities and weapons.
Reintroducing these characters and gameplay mechanics could be a goldmine for the franchise, especially appealing in conjunction with the upcoming Metroid Prime 4.
5 The Typing of the Dead
Blending Education with Eerie Entertainment
The House of the Dead has long been celebrated for its over-the-top style and impressive gameplay. In a surprising twist, Sega allied those components with educational objectives and spawned The Typing of the Dead, a whimsical yet effective typing tutor.
Utilizing the same levels and setting as House of the Dead 2, this innovative title requires players to type words and sentences to combat advancing zombies. It entertained while promoting keyboard mastery, and unique challenges enhanced the gaming experience.
Although it retains a dedicated fanbase, The Typing of the Dead remains locked away from modern play possibilities, despite the clear appreciation for its unique contribution to gaming and education alike.
6 MadWorld
A Unique Experience on the Wii
Despite the Wii’s reputation for family-friendly titles, MadWorld emerged as a stark contrast—an unapologetically violent hack-and-slash game characterized by its striking color palette of black, white, red, and yellow.
Players were tasked with achieving high scores through creatively violent encounters, showcasing a narrative steeped in chaos and mayhem. Sadly, MadWorld struggled commercially, and its fate has left it imprisoned on the Wii ever since.
A spiritual successor released in 2012—Anarchy Reigns—failed to rekindle the original’s spirit, sealing MadWorld’s status in video game obscurity as enthusiasts continue to hope for a revival.
7 Super Paper Mario
The Last Great Entry in the Series?
Many gamers regard Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as the pinnacle of the series, yet I firmly believe Super Paper Mario deserves similar recognition as the final high watermark before the series strayed from its roots.
Departing from traditional turn-based gameplay, Super Paper Mario embraced an action RPG format, allowing players to engage in battles seamlessly. The unique Flip mechanic, which allowed players to shift perspectives between 2D and 3D, introduced an element of puzzle-solving that invigorated the gameplay.
With an emotionally resonant narrative and rich character development, it remains a title ripe for revival on platforms like the Switch, especially after the positive reception of the Thousand-Year Door remaster.
8 X-Men Origins: Wolverine
A Rare Gem Among Licensed Titles
Licensed video games often struggle with quality, usually tied to their respective intellectual properties, which makes it difficult for good titles to thrive. X-Men Origins: Wolverine stands out as an exception, delivering an engaging action-brawler experience blending film elements with original content.
The game allows players to unleash Wolverine’s devastating abilities while navigating through memorable battles. While different versions were available across multiple platforms, including PC, the game was delisted from digital libraries following Activision’s expired license with Marvel.
Pursuing a copy now often means facing exorbitant prices for physical versions, underscoring the need for a potential re-release that would allow a new generation of players to appreciate its qualities.
9 Kid Icarus: Uprising
Are Revivals Worthwhile If Unplayable?
The return of Kid Icarus through Super Smash Bros. Brawl left players wondering if Nintendo would revive the franchise. Thankfully, that question was answered with the release of Kid Icarus: Uprising on the 3DS in 2012, a title marked by unique gameplay combining rail shooter mechanics with brawling.
Boasting a varied arsenal of weapons and an engaging storyline filled with memorable characters and witty dialogue, Uprising showcased what the series could achieve. However, the complicated control system posed challenges for players’ comfort.
A remaster or port to modern consoles could rectify these issues, allowing a fresh audience to experience this charming entry while reigniting interest in the Kid Icarus franchise.
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