Much like the movie industry adapting classic books or revamping films, the gaming industry often reaches back in their catalogs to games of yore. Developers such as Sega and Capcom are bringing back some games which I remember spending countless hours playing.

Sega, with their acquired developer Secret Level, is bringing back the immensely enjoyable fantasy classic Golden Axe. The newest addition to the franchise titled Golden Axe: Beast Rider looks pretty good. From what I’ve read it focuses around the Amazon character Tyris Flare, which is a fine way to start if you ask me. Though I always liked the dwarf who swung around the disproportionately large axe. Hopefully future titles will bring him back along with the barbarian, just for more character choices if not for multiplayer. Based on many screen shots, the game revolves heavily on riding beasts of varying size….and ugliness. My guess is tons of hacking and slashing, a bit of blood here and there (ok probably lots of blood). Oh and remember those little blue gnomes that used to steal your potions? They’re back too and you’ll have just as much fun kicking the ever loving crap out of them as you did in the original.

Reading some online reviews of the game, it seems like a lot is lacking. The whole multiplayer part is gone, which was basically the bread and butter of the original. There have also been some gripes about the excessive use of the hack and slash battle system. This to some is just “more of the same” with plenty of similar titles like that already in the market. As of now it’s slated for a September 08 release on both the 360 and PS3. Maybe between now and then there’ll be some worthwhile updates.

Up next we have Capcom. Their original tale was about a jumping, shooting and most importantly swinging iconic character. No not that kind of swinging you perverts. I’m talking about the iconic Bionic Commando. This was one of my ultimate favorite classic titles for the NES. When I heard it was getting an update to the next generation systems, I was pretty skeptical. If done poorly all you’re going to have is a cross between Inspector Gadget and Spiderman set in some kind of war zone.

The game is set ten years after the original. Our hero has been locked away in prison awaiting execution when an experimental weapon goes off destroying most of the city. Now he’s out to clear his name and figure out why he was falsely imprisoned. Oh and he’s also going to have to fight terrorists who are trying to take over the newly devastated city. I guess terrorists are “in” these days.

Next is the character himself, which they really did an update on. Gone are the smooth shades, the green fatigues and the spiky hair. Now we’ve got some dude in a green tank top, long dreads, camo pants…….and for the love of all that is holy what did they do to his arm?! It kind of reminds me of the scene from Akira when his body starts freaking out starting with his arm. Alright, many have gone on and mocked the new bionic arm saying that it looks like it’s made of sausages (well, it does), but lets look at the bigger picture here folks.

The clips from gameplay look mighty impressive. Sure you can swing around with the arm, but you can also pick up items such as boulders and cars to launch at enemies. You can even grab the people shooting at you, use them as a weapon against someone else or just send them flying off into the distance. You’ve also got your guns which I’m sure will be interchangeable with other weapons throughout the game.

This new version of Bionic Commando as of now has no release date but is going to be out on pc, 360 and PS3. It seems that Capcom is going to give us something to hold us over for a while. Pretty soon they’re going to release a downloadable version for both 360 and PS3 of the classic Bionic Commando, rendered all 3-D side scrolling like. The game itself will be exactly the same, but look oh so much better on the next gen systems.

Sure there are games like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear, but these have all continued onto other systems. I’m talking games such as Ninja Gaiden (the new one looks incredible) which are a total update from over a decade ago.

My final question is this; seeing how the two that I mentioned are shaping up, what games would you ask to be brought forth as a full fledged remake? Personally, I’ve been itching for a remake on the classic arcade game Altered Beast. I think this game is just oozing with coolness that would have great potential on a next generation system. How about you guys?