The Sega Master System holds a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. While it may have been overshadowed by its rival, the NES, the Master System boasted a treasure trove of forgotten games that deserve a chance to shine once again.
These hidden gems delivered unique gameplay experiences and captivating narratives that remain largely overlooked. From action adventures to shooters, these titles offer untapped potential and could be completely remade to captivate a new generation of gamers.
10 Golvellius (1988)
Golvellius, developed by Compile, was an action-adventure game that transported players to a fantasy world filled with perilous dungeons and fierce enemies. Players controlled Kelesis, a warrior tasked with rescuing Princess Rena from the clutches of the evil demon, Golvellius. The game featured non-linear exploration, intense combat, and memorable boss battles.
A remake of Golvellius could expand upon its immersive world, introduce improved graphics, and refine the gameplay mechanics. Picture a modern reimagining that blends the exploration of The Legend of Zelda series with the challenging combat of Dark Souls.
9 Master Of Darkness (1993)
Master of Darkness, developed by SIMS, was a horror-themed action-adventure game heavily inspired by the gameplay mechanics of the popular Castlevania series. Players assumed the role of Dr. Ferdinand Social, a psychologist and expert in the occult, as he battled supernatural creatures in Victorian-era London. The game featured atmospheric levels, diverse enemies, and challenging platforming segments.
While Master of Darkness is yet to be remade, a modern version of the game could draw inspiration from the gothic horror aesthetics and world-building of games such as Bloodborne and offer an immersive narrative experience like the recent Resident Evil titles. Just avoid the pitfalls and failings of the 3D Castlevania remakes and all will be good!
8 Submarine Attack (1990)
Submarine Attack, developed by Sega, offered a unique underwater shooter experience. Players commanded a submarine and embarked on missions to destroy enemy fleets and underwater installations. The game featured strategic combat, intense submarine battles, and challenging navigation through hazardous underwater terrain.
A Submarine Attack remake could be very well received in today's gaming landscape, with the popularity of highly in-depth simulation games, and could take cues from the XCOM series and offer dynamic multiplayer engagements in vast underwater environments, combining tactical gameplay with stunning visuals.
7 Miracle Warriors (1988)
Miracle Warriors, developed by Kogado Studio, was an ambitious role-playing game that thrust players into a vast and dangerous world. Players formed a party of adventurers and embarked on an epic quest to defeat the evil ruler and save the land. The game featured open-world exploration, turn-based combat, and a richly detailed fantasy setting.
A remake of Miracle Warriors has yet to materialize, but envision a modern rendition that takes inspiration from open-world RPGs like The Elder Scrolls series, offering immersive storytelling, expansive exploration across a huge open world, and intricate questlines that differ from the usual generic fetch quests.
6 Rampart (1991)
Rampart, developed by Atari, was a unique combination of strategy and action. Players had to defend their castles from enemy attacks by strategically placing cannons and walls, all while engaging in real-time battles. The game featured addictive gameplay, fast-paced action, and multiplayer modes.
While Rampart has received various adaptations and sequels over the years, a modern remake could further enhance the strategic elements, offer improved visuals, and introduce online multiplayer functionality for epic castle sieges, taking inspiration from games like Clash of Clans and the Total War series.
5 Gain Ground (1991)
Gain Ground, a captivating arcade-style action game from Sega, presented players with the mission of rescuing hostages from levels overrun by enemies. The top-down gameplay, diverse characters with distinct abilities, and cooperative multiplayer modes were highlights of the game.
A Gain Ground remake could preserve its cooperative gameplay while introducing improved visuals, a wider array of characters, and online multiplayer features. Imagine a modern remake that flawlessly blends the cooperative chaos reminiscent of Overcooked with the fast-paced action found in the Left 4 Dead series, resulting in an exhilarating gaming experience that emphasizes teamwork and fun.
4 Cyborg Hunter (1988)
Cyborg Hunter, developed by Rieko Kodama, was an action-platformer that followed the adventure of a cyborg warrior battling against an evil organization. The game featured side-scrolling levels, intense combat, and a variety of highly destructive power-ups.
A remake of Cyborg Hunter should bring the game's futuristic world to life with updated graphics, refined controls, and more intricate level design. Imagine a modern remake that blends the fast-paced action of games like the Mega Man series with the stylish dystopian neon-drenched cyberpunk aesthetics of Cyberpunk 2077.
3 Rastan (1988)
Rastan, developed by Taito, was a fantasy-themed side-scrolling action game that allowed players to step into the boots of a barbarian warrior. Players battled through hordes of mythical creatures using a sword and various power-ups.
A modern Rastan could introduce improved visuals, dynamic combat mechanics, and a deeper storyline, while also adding in elements of survival such as food and water, sleep, and equipment condition. Picture a game that combines the intense hack-and-slash action of God of War with the open-world survival of Conan: Exiles.
2 Alien Syndrome (1988)
Alien Syndrome, developed by Sega, was a sci-fi action game that pitted players against hordes of extraterrestrial enemies in a race against time to save captured comrades. The game offered top-down shooting, cooperative multiplayer, and a variety of weapons to utilize.
Alien Syndrome's modern retelling should retain the game's intense action while introducing updated graphics, expanded enemy variety, and online cooperative modes. Imagine a modern remake that blends the cooperative alien-slaying fun of games like Back 4 Blood with the fast-paced shooting mechanics of Doom.
1 Forgotten Worlds (1988)
Forgotten Worlds, developed by Capcom, was a unique shoot 'em up game that incorporated elements of RPGs. Players controlled characters equipped with powerful weapons as they battled through a post-apocalyptic world. The game featured 360-degree shooting, upgradeable weapons, and cooperative multiplayer modes.
A remake of Forgotten Worlds can bring the game's immersive world to life with updated visuals, expanded RPG mechanics, and online cooperative gameplay. A modern remake could potentially combine the intense shooting action of games like the Halo series with the immersive RPG elements and post-apocalyptic setting of Fallout: New Vegas.