Action platformers have always been a popular video game genre seeing the likes of Mario, Sonic, Mega Man, and many more. However, some classic platformers have been lost to the obscurity of the ages. Whether it was the evolution of new generation consoles or the release of newer more popular franchises, these platformers were the foundation of the everlasting genre.
Many of these great lost games have interesting mechanics, impressive design, and even some great branding opportunities. With so much going for them, it’s a wonder why these 10 action platformer video games haven’t been the target for a modern reboot.
10 Treasure Island Dizzy (1988)
Treasure Island Dizzy is a classic platformer with seemingly simple gameplay. This classic game sees players fetching and carrying treasure from one side of an island to another. While it seems like a simple premise, the dangerous design of one and done damage sending players back to the beginning of each level gives Dizzy a lot to be worried about. Rebooting this classic video game as a 3D island platforming adventure could turn this game from a simple island adventure to a supple vacation getaway.
9 The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck (1991)
Following the success of the Super Mario Bros. action platformers, everyone wanted to dip their feet into the popular genre, and Disney was no exception. With a fluid and beautifully animated Donald Duck, and intensely ramping story and level design, The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck might be a new rival for Disney's big boy in the video game scene, Kingdom Hearts. Combining this game’s surprisingly good platforming action with today's modern graphics would result in one of the best platforming reboots of current generation gaming consoles.
8 Aladdin(1993)
Another huge success for Disney's video game industry was Aladdin. With sprites designed by actual Disney animators, knives that were able to split apples in mid-air, and beautiful techno-fied midi versions of classic Disney songs, Aladdin was as good as movie video games got back in the day. With Disney returning to and remaking all of their classic movies, why not add a few video game remakes to that list as well? If The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck would be one of the best reboots of today, Aladdin would be another diamond in the rough.
7 Klonoa: Door To Phantomile (1997)
A melding of the rising 3D technologies with the classics side-scrolling of 2D platformers, Klonoa: Door to Phantomile made the old fashioned games look beautiful in a way that few were able to achieve. Now available on the PSN, this game may not have disappeared, but it is certainly due for a reboot and full 3D remake. With a rich dream world and a sinister nightmare phantom as the main villain, this game has plenty of opportunities for a deluxe and dynamic 3D remaster for next-gen consoles.
6 Banjo-Kazooie (1998)
One of the most classic and beloved video games in the history of the N64 was shunted off to the side, destined to spend its remaining days locked away in a closet full of forgotten goodies due to a complicated history in-between video game companies. However, with their DLC inclusion in the Super Smash Bros: Ultimate roster, perhaps there remains a chance for a brand new Banjo-Kazooie game. Fans can only hope. This quirky 3D action platformer hopped its way into the hearts of many players and would certainly make an excellent reboot franchise.
5 Strider (1989)
Strider was an arcade action platformer developed by Capcom and released in 1989. With acrobatic movements, martial arts action, and a story based on the golden age of anime, Strider is a classic platformer of epic proportions.
Inspiring a manga series and several spin-off titles, Strider is a perfect game to be remade and remastered as a 3D martial arts platformer for next-gen consoles. As a major influence for Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and God Of War, Strider holds a special place in the history books of intense action games, as such it could certainly reinvigorate itself with a solid reboot.
4 Ghosts N' Goblins (1985)
Released in 1985, Capcom's arcade-style action platformer Ghosts N' Goblins resembles today's bullet-hell genre. Spawning a series of games that continued to be published through 2006, this is a series that is ready for a major reboot. With Bullet-hell action games more popular than ever, this fantasy-style platformer would feel right at home in today's library of games. The fantasy bullet-hell possibilities of a Ghosts N’ Goblins reboot has the capability to be a totally unique and exciting addition to the libraries of next-gen consoles.
3 Voodoo Vince (2003)
Not many video games have as interesting a hook as the Xbox classic, Voodoo Vince. During the robbery of a magic shop in New Orleans, zombie dust is spilled on the kooky voodoo doll, Vince, resulting in a wacky, wonderful, and wise-cracking adventure.
What makes the game so interesting is that Vince defeats enemies by harming himself in classic voodoo doll fashion, this interesting mechanic is layered on top of a dynamic N’awlins (New Orleans) setting with a great jazz soundtrack to boot. Overall this all makes Voodoo Vince a great contender for a modern reboot.
2 ActRaiser (1990)
Back in 1990, combining the city builder genre with the popular action-platformer gameplay made ActRaiser one of the best games of its day. Largely forgotten now, this game found players rebuilding the world, taming the harsh wilderness, and fighting off monster invaders to protect their homeland. This unique combination makes this game a perfect contender for a modern-day reboot. With new and improved next-gen graphics, an updated survival game resource gathering mechanic, and an idealized city builder system, ActRaiser has the potential to be the next great game of next-gen consoles.
1 Demon's Crest (1994)
Another member of the Ghosts N' Goblins series, developed by Capcom for the Super Nintendo, Demon's Crest, is a side-scrolling action-platformer that had players controlling a demon who sought to conquer Hell. With three different endings based on a player's choices and a secret fourth ending, Demon's Crest brought a lot of ingenuity and story-telling to the action-platformer genre. Demon’s Crest also has a lot of potential due to its interesting gameplay surrounding player choice. With dynamic gameplay that affects what choices players are able to make a la Mass Effect, a Demon’s Crest reboot could be the next moral dilemma gamers need to face.