Let’s do it again!

For every gamer born, another gives up the joystick to that ridiculous enterprise known as “real life.” These new gamers are left rudderless, without elders to point them to the classics of yesteryear. Luckily, the magnanimous gaming industry is on task, pumping out remakes faster than you can say “Final Fantasy.”

Reviews

‘Starfox 64 3D’
Console: 3DS
Company: NIntendo
Grade: 4/5
“Do a barrel roll” were the four words sweeping across dorms and bedrooms in 1997. Starfox 64 was an institution, turning the flight sim genre into a bona fide space opera. Fox is back and he’s in 3-D.
This game was built from the ground up, and it shows. It’s the best-looking game on the 3DS. Thanks to the depth perception, the 3-D is a vital part of the gameplay. The only downside? The multiplayer is local only. Yes, it’s 2011, and Nintendo still refuses to put their games online.

The ICO and Shadow of the Colossus Collection
Console: PS3
Company: Sony
Grade: 4/5
The idea that video games can also be art probably wouldn’t even exist without these two games. They are each sad, lonely and beautiful experiences that also work as actual, well, games. “ICO” has you trying to escape a stark and unforgiving castle. “Shadow of Colossus” tasks you with ridding the land of 16 giants that may or may not deserve it. They are both classics.

These updates add HD visuals, the option to play in 3D and tons of trophies and extras. Of the two, only “ICO” seems a bit dated, thanks to some unforgiving controls and rough partner AI. It was 2001 — give them a break.