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How Nintendo could expand on the SEGA 3D Classics

3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has recently been released on the Nintendo 3DS but what other games should make into the Sega 3D Classics list? The range of classic SEGA games on the 3DS console is ever expanding, however some classics have not made the list yet.

desert-strike-return-to-the-gulf-usa-europeDesert Strike’s depiction of the unsettled Middle East and extremist terror threats were kicking around in 1992, and it’s depressing that 23 years on the situation is pretty much the same. Be that as it may, the tight 3DS controls would suit the game, and it would be great to see it made accessible to modern gamers.

The sense of danger right up to the point where the mission is completed is brilliant. Modern technology could add so much to Desert Strike, and taking into consideration its popularity when originally released, it’d be a great title to see added to the SEGA 3D Classic series.

zombies-ate-my-neighborsZombies Ate My Neighbors takes its themes from horror- and zombie-themed B-movies and has become a cult classic among fans of the genre. Since this game’s release in 1993, zombie films have remained popular, with new notable titles including Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later.

It is undeniable that the themes appeal to modern-day gamers as much as they did 20 years ago – this can be seen in the rise of horror games available online too, even featuring in the most modern games like online slots. It would therefore be thrilling to see this game re-introduced to today’s gaming scene, where it would certainly thrive.

In general, too, looking at classic games and themes that have made it to more modern platforms will give a good indication of which games might still be successful and even benefit from a more contemporary makeover. The online platform has long enjoyed popularity that is now being divided between even newer formats – mobile and smartwatch gaming, and even virtual reality gaming.

The huge number of classics that have been incorporated in these developments reflect the constant appeal of retro games and the appeal of familiar characters and themes. Even with games that have already made it to Nintendo 3DS, like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, some features have been taken to the 21st century.

Sonic is only available to buy via a download, and that mere fact would have been largely unheard of just a few years ago. Game downloads are more and more common, yet they have left many to wonder why the cost is the same, if not higher, than the physical game, especially in an era of online gaming when cheaper and free games are available to play whenever and wherever.

Recently online gaming, and especially online casino gaming, have grown in popularity and are one of the fastest-growing sectors at the moment. This shows that many traditional games like poker and roulette still appeal to modern gamers, as do slots like Royal Vegas Casino’s Germinator, Max Damage and Alien Attack – all of which combine classic, retro themes with a familiar gaming process, making the games easy to play on the go without requiring long learning and skill-building times.

Thunderstruck-mobile-slot-now-available-on-Android-Wear-compatible-smart-watches

Moreover, games like Thunderstruck on Royal Vegas Casino are available to play on smartwatches, making it the ultimate portable, easy gaming experience. For Nintendo, this could mean less gamers, however, as the pioneers of portable consoles since the 1989 Game Boy, Nintendo can take advantage of these developments and follow the example of gaming sites by introducing even more classics to Nintendo 3DS, with familiar gaming modes and characters, just with better, higher-end technology than before.

Another development Nintendo could consider when introducing new (and old) titles to 3DS is multiplayer options many online games offer. These games mirror home consoles that offer you the option to play with your friends in the same room, but give you th eoption to play with a stranger on the other side of the world.

While Nintendo has an advantage due to their unique approach and portable consoles, they should follow the example of other gaming companies and introduce more of their older titles to newer platforms for a nostalgic and familiar, yet still brand new gaming experience.

Chris Powell

Chris is the editor-in-chief of Mega Visions Magazine and the co-creator of SEGA Nerds. He was the former managing editor of Airman magazine and has written for publications like Joystiq, PSP Fanboy, RETRO magazine, among others.
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