Remakes of old games became a casual event in the industry. Every now and again different studios announce another title being brought to the modern consoles and systems. However, this fate usually chases popular franchises, belonging to the big companies, or simply those who had more marketing back in the day.
This isn’t a bad course of action, but there are still many games from the era when almost every developer team was an indie one. Here are several titles which only true game veterans remember:
Nox
Nox is an action role-playing game developed and published by Westwood Studios and Electronic Arts in 2000 for Windows. The story follows Jack, a common dude summoned to high fantasy by the strange magic. The events unravel chaotically, and soon he finds himself in the complicated situation. To survive and go home he has to prove his worth and defeat an evil sorceress Hecubah and her army of necromancers.
Back in the day, this RPG had a really strong role-play side, including class choice, the branching narrative and fighting styles. Sadly, due to different restrictions in the old hardware and systems, the developers didn’t manage to execute some of the grand ideas. However, the game still remains a cult RPG, even though covered in dust and aches.
The game can be found on GOG.
Mistmare
Mistmare is a 2003 action role-playing game co-developed by Arxel Tribe and Sinister Systems. The game is set in an alternate medieval Europe, haunted by the strange fog that threatens to consume the cities. The story follows a member of the Inquisition, who tries to stop the deadly magic and the evil behind it.
The game was known as the poor quality, bugs and ruined balance. Moreover, Mistmare managed to receive 0 stars review and really tough critique all around. However, the ideas behind the game and the gameplay features remain interesting and promising. The game experience was probably ruined by the lack of certain skills in the team or lack of investment. Right now, without proper remaster, this RPG can serve as a true challenge for those who don’t like easy games.
Vote to bring Mistmare to GOG and preserve it.
ZanZarah: The Hidden Portal
ZanZarah: The Hidden Portal is an action-adventure video game by the German company Funatics Development, released in 2002 by the publisher THQ. The events of the game happen in two worlds, one of which is ZanZarah. In this fantasy reality many strange creatures live in harmony with nature and magic. Long ago this world was one with our reality, but later separated, yet there is still a way to cross the veil. Amy, a young girl from London finds the entrance to another realm, or rather receives the key rune as a birthday present. From here start her adventure full of mysteries and challenges.
The gameplay of ZanZarah offers a mix of action adventure and creature collecting mechanics. Players discover new areas, inhabited with different kinds of pixies and catch them. At some point the game is reminiscent of the Pokémon series, with the catching balls, element system and battles. However, it still has a unique flavor and charm.
Back in 2015 the game received a Steam version, while console transfers were cancelled long ago.
Zax: The Alien Hunter
Zax: The Alien Hunter is an isometric shooter video game developed by Reflexive Entertainment, released in September 2001 for Windows. The story is set in a distant planet, where evil robots rule over the enslaved tribe. Local people can’t fight back, but they pray to Gods for a savior, who can save them from the cruel fate.
Players take the role of Zax, an intergalaxy headhunter, whose starship crashed on the distant planet. He only wanted to find resources to fix his ship, but soon got dragged into the tempest of events, and became an icon of the rebellion.
The game has a challenging gameplay and maliciously crafted world. The plot progressed linearly, yet kept the tension from start to an end. Moreover, the environmental puzzles and enemies with unique skills can become a nice entertainment for those who seek a tough challenge.
Zax: The Alien Hunter didn’t reach the milestone for GOG preservation, but there is always a chance.
Drakan: Order of the Flame
Drakan: Order of the Flame is an action-adventure developed by Surreal Software and published by Psygnosis in 1999. The game takes players to a cruel fantasy world, where simple peaceful life is a luxury. The story follows Rynn, who lost everything in a sudden enemy attack. Her village burned, brother kidnaped, but resolve and fighting spirit remained, to guide her forward. On her path to revenge, she gains the trust of an ancient dragon Arokh, becoming a legendary dragon rider.
The gameplay mostly consists of exploration and random encounters. However, the dragon riding and the special mount offense abilities brighten the game experience. Moreover, the game is pretty violent, with all the gore, dismembering and animated violence. In 2002 Drakan received a sequel, coming under the title Drakan: The Ancients’ Gates.
