5 PS2 Classics Begging for a Remake: BLACK, Enter the Matrix, and More!

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If you’re yearning for a nostalgic journey or regret missing out on some Sony classics, there are several PlayStation 2 games that merit a modern revival. While certain games have been conveniently ported to PS5 and PS4, others require significant enhancements in gameplay mechanics and graphics to truly shine again.

I mainly played with the PlayStation consoles and games that belonged to my siblings during my childhood. As new games emerged in the PSP era, I found myself immersed in our family’s PlayStation collection, which contained worn-out discs and the occasional damaged cover. Even today, I often return to some games on the PlayStation 2, appreciating its backward compatibility. Here are five PS2 games that I think deserve a remake, based on my memories of them from my younger years.

BLACK

Playing first-person and third-person shooter games such as Call of Duty, Gears of War, Killzone, Resistance, and Freedom Fighters gave me a glimpse into the turmoil and violence of war. However, it wasn’t until I experienced BLACK that I truly felt the burden of war on my back. BLACK, an engaging first-person shooter, stood out due to its demanding structure, with scarce checkpoints that amplified the pressure to emerge victorious in every firefight. As a solitary soldier, BLACK was a raw and unforgiving game where each bullet and grenade held significance. It was an intense and merciless journey, featuring impressive graphics (for its time) and destructible surroundings that were seldom found in shooter games of the 2000s console era.

Games such as “Ready or Not“, “Six Days in Fallujah“, and “Escape from Tarkov” emphasize creating an authentic battlefield experience that slows down the pace of combat, contrasting heavily with games like Call of Duty. “BLACK” pioneered this approach when many others didn’t, where a single misstep could result in a hail of bullets and imprudence would lead to a chilling demise. The graphics on the original “BLACK” were remarkable, so envision this game running on Unreal Engine 5, preserving its core concept while enhancing aspects like AI and level design. These advancements would transform “BLACK” into a harrowing, indelible shooter experience.

Enter the Matrix

Experiencing “Enter the Matrix” broke down my apprehension towards surveillance and stalking, with Agent Smith’s assimilation leaving a lasting impact on me as a child. However, I continued to rewatch it due to its unique run cycle, walk-running, and slow-motion acrobatics. Just like Alien, it’s astonishing that there aren’t more excellent Matrix games available. A remake or new installment in the franchise with combat as stunning and satisfying as seen in recent titles such as Ghost of Tsushima, Marvel Spider-Man, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Black Myth: Wukong would be a game I’d eagerly play. Sadly, compared to other entries on this list, Enter the Matrix has not aged gracefully.

In a revised version of “Enter the Matrix,” the gameplay might resemble “Mirror’s Edge” more closely, emphasizing streamlined level designs for enhanced combat and movement mechanics. The music in the original 2003 release of “Enter the Matrix” was unsettlingly intense, often making me feel that a catastrophe was imminent. However, the original didn’t have anything particularly remarkable. A ranking system similar to “Devil May Cry 5” or “ULTRAKILL,” combined with third-person slow-motion gunfights like those in “Max Payne” and “The Matrix,” could significantly elevate the superficial design of “Enter the Matrix.

Haunting Ground

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Haunting Ground, despite its age, continues to deliver an unmatched horror experience. If Capcom were to breathe new life into this captivating third-person survival horror game with modern AI and graphics, it would be an absolute dream come true! A remake of this caliber would undoubtedly outshine any upcoming Resident Evil titles for me.

Envisioning a transformation of Belli Castle, I see it adorned with the stunning visuals from the remake of Resident Evil 4. The horror that Fiona endured as she bravely navigated her escape would be further amplified by these upgrades.

While some may argue that the game’s focus on female-centric fears and sexualization of the female body might not align with today’s sensitivities, I believe it effectively captured Fiona’s palpable terror. This timeless classic remains a testament to the genre, and a remake would serve as a tribute to its enduring legacy.

It’s a great idea to revive the beloved team of Fiona and Hewie in a new game, as their dynamic was one of the standout features of Haunting Ground. In this game, Fiona would flee from dangers while Hewie could scout and fight enemies. The strategic element introduced by Hewie, our intelligent German Shepherd, made the game distinctive and would be sorely missed if Haunting Ground adopted a more traditional survival horror format like Outlast or Amnesia: The Dark Descent. While Fiona may not be a combatant herself, having Hewie as her companion adds a unique twist to the survival horror genre.

In stealthy evasion from menacing foes, solving intricate riddles, and commanding Hewie to ‘remain,’ ‘search,’ and ‘assault’ were key elements that solidified Haunting Ground as a top-tier horror game, warranting a remake – all the more so if many gamers missed out on the original experience.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Back in the day, playing “The Return of the King” on my trusty PlayStation 2 was an absolute blast! The combat was engaging, and the challenging setup kept me on my toes. It was a fantastic continuation and worthy successor to “The Two Towers”, perfectly adapting the epic tale of Middle-earth.

Remember how “TimeSplitters” used to get your heart racing just by listening to its music and navigating through menus? Well, this game had that same effect on me! Just choosing a level was rewarding in itself. But my affection for this game goes beyond the veil of nostalgia.

Even after all these years, “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” still holds up and is a game I revisit every year without fail. With a diverse mix of environments, enemies, and gameplay, it’s a hack-and-slash Lord of the Rings adventure that never fails to impress me.

I remember those heart-pounding moments like fleeing from specters in Path of the Dead or knocking enemies off a ladder in Minas Tirith! And let’s not forget about the rating system, which added a friendly competitive edge as my friends and I tried to outdo each other at the end of each level. Truly a classic game that still stands tall in the annals of gaming history!

Refreshing the visuals and battle mechanics (akin to what one might find in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 or as smooth and immersive as Ghost of Tsushima) would significantly boost Hazelight Studios’ endeavor to reinvigorate cooperative gameplay. Although the game remains visually appealing and engaging in combat, a facelift in these aspects, along with the inclusion of both local and online co-op modes, is what Return of the King truly necessitates. With such improvements, it could achieve greatness similar to that of Helldivers 2.

Game over situations occur when you either lose life or fail to achieve the goal, which makes “The Return of the King” an challenging yet captivating game that doesn’t rely on in-app purchases to maintain player interest.

TimeSplitters

For a brief moment, let’s consider that the initial game of the TimeSplitters series never materialized, and focus solely on the second and third installments. The TimeSplitters series was a significant part of my childhood memories. Despite annually revisiting both games on my PS2, I yearn for a modern remake with enhanced graphics and mechanics. TimeSplitters is by no means obsolete; it remains an impressive first-person shooter that continues to be enjoyable today (provided one adjusts to the aiming system). However, there’s potential for improvement in the multiplayer aspect. Imagine a selection of over 100 iconic characters and game modes such as Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Assault. Such an experience would be truly magnificent.

Games such as TimeSplitters stood out remarkably during their release period, sharing similarities with Halo 3 in terms of diverse game modes. One unique feature was the sandbox option that allowed players to design their own maps. The campaigns were not only replayable but also provided endless entertainment through humor. Challenges and arcade mode were engaging enough to keep me glued for hours, from attempting speed runs in Virus, competing to conquer NeoTokyo, to escaping monkeys alongside my sister.

TimeSplitters” is a game known for its lighthearted approach, and it’s probably impossible to recreate the original without losing what made it unique – aspects like its humor, which might be considered inappropriate today.

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2025-04-30 21:50