Then and Now: How Your Favorite Classics Evolved

October 06, 2008 | By: Chris Buffa

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Years of technology transformed your ancient looking retro game franchises into high definition masterpieces.

Ninja Gaiden (NES, 1988)

Throughout his blood-soaked career, ninja Ryu Hayabusa has saved the world from rival ninjas and demons. He was limited by technology, as the above screen shows, but his sword still found the mark and enabled him to cut through enemies.

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nylilangelny at 5:38 pm on October 7th 2008

Oh, so that's why Link's not on the list? ok, i was ready 2 scream, but what about Kirby? remember how he looked b4? well look at him now! but i gess i'm just glad that Mario and Sonic r on the list. and Sonic Unleashed looks great! Probably 1 of the greatest Sonic games yet! but thats with the info i know about the game, but still...

public012 at 2:21 pm on October 7th 2008

Sega had some classic titles in the NHL and Madden series. I also don't understand the secondary comparison to Metroid. They've thrown up a version of the game that runs on a portable system that is very comparable to the original version. What was trying to be shown here?

rino@aol.it at 1:25 pm on October 7th 2008

public012 is perfectly right, and about missing games, what about Castlevania? And where are the big Sports classics? Play it again, gameDaily...

public012 at 11:23 am on October 7th 2008

These comparisons are complete garbage. On the original side, they provide in game screenshots; on the updated side they provide the concept art for the game. This does not represent a good comparison between the two as the concept art is NEVER the actual in game imagery.

floridaskater07 at 11:01 am on October 7th 2008

Doom was probably one of the best games of all time (along with Duke Nukem 3D). There are "hi res" packs available now for free that will let you play these classic games on todays computers and give you good sharp graphics. Do a google for "ZDoom" and get it. Lots of fun, I just played Doom a couple weeks ago with the Hi-Res pack and it was a lot of fun. Jiff www.Privacy-Center.net

buffdaily247 at 8:15 am on October 7th 2008

Hey! We didn't forget Link. I had him on the list. BUT, I had trouble locating a legal screen shot from the first Zelda video game. Ran into the same problem with Tomb Raider. There are plenty of other characters that belong on this list, BUT, as we all know in the video game world, that's what sequels are for. ;)

ajl11795 at 7:33 am on October 7th 2008

that is starfox:assault

bloodofbelmont at 5:39 am on October 7th 2008

Sonic Unleashed looks great...when not in motion if Sega doesn't fix the horrid framerate Sonic's done.

squirrel3d at 8:17 pm on October 6th 2008

It's not just you. I'm also bitter about Link not being in this article. How can you come up with a list that explains te evolution of videogame characters and completely overlook Link?