The Top 8 Games Locked to a Single Console

Welcome all to another edition of The 8 Ball! This week I’m here to talk about video games, specifically, games that are only available on a single console or platform. So, no re-released games, or ported games, these games are just on one console and that is it. With all of this stuff, I wish these games were on current platforms but it hasn’t happened. Let’s begin:

#8: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Metal Gear Solid 4 is comparatively low on this list, but for a simple reason: I think it will actually be re-released at some point. Likely in some form of “Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2” alongside other games like Metal Gear Acid 1 and 2, MGS: Portable Ops, and maybe some of the more ancillary MGS titles out there. It’ll be a day 1 purchase if it includes the “Big Shell” skateboarding level from Evolution Skateboarding. Never the less, I do, eventually, think MGS 4 will be re-released, and then it’ll be another reason not to drag my PS3 out again.

#7: Afrika

If MGS 4, this game, and a game further down my list actually were re-released, I’d likely keep my PS3 in a storage bin forever. Afrika, in basic terms, in a more open version of Pokemon Snap. You take missions to photograph various animals in the African setting, with you getting bonus cash if they were doing something unique like bathing, or drinking water. You use the money to upgrade your camera, lens, lures, etc. It’s not the most unique game in the world, but it is a very interesting game overall due to its graphics, soundtrack and just kind of chill vibe.

#6: Buffy: The Vampire Slayer

I guess it is good timing that I’m writing this as it’s been announced that they are trying to bring back the Buffy TV show. There have been two main Buffy games, this one, and Chaos Bleeds. Chaos Bleeds was a multiplatform game that was “decent”, but was a bit all over the place. The original Buffy game though, was only a Xbox exclusive game and just was a tighter package. You only played as Buffy, as you punch, kick and stake vampires while also saving the world. It’s not the deepest game or anything, but was a very good brawler for its era, and one of the better licensed games back then also.

#5: Vagrant Story

Vagrant Story remains one of the most complicated games I’ve ever played. The actual gameplay is challenging, but the weapon crafting system makes the game really bonkers. The funny thing is, the last boss of the game is fairly cheeseable, especially if you have certain skills. For those that don’t know, Vagrant Story is a PS1 RPG where you are plumbing the depths of a few dungeons to generally save the world. Combat was pretty interesting because it was real time, and had elements of comboing attacks, but it increased your risk factor, which would make you take more damage. So it was a bit of a risk vs. reward concept. While the graphics might have aged somewhat, it’s still a great game to play.

#4: Jet Set Radio Future

The original Jet Grind/Set Radio Future was a Dreamcast game, but eventually got ported over to the Xbox 360, PS3, Steam, even mobile devices. Future, on the other hand? Original Xbox only. It’s actually a bit of a bummer since Future is actually a better game than original Jet Set Radio. It has a boost mechanic that gets you really up to speed, there aren’t any more goofy motions you need to do to tag stuff, and the general parkour/movement is a lot better. If Sega is going to try and make a new Jet Set Radio game, they should finally re-release this game.

#3: Tokyo Jungle

Yes, I actually own a physical copy of this game. It came out on a PSN “Best of” disc, along with a few other PSN games. Tokyo Jungle should obviously be re-released as soon as possible. However, it could also actually work as a live service game, which Sony keeps trying, and failing, at. Imagine a big city map, where you either have to survive by eating plants, or by hunting down the herbivore animals. Or players are randomly assigned to either an herbivore or carnivore team, and have to live as long as possible. Really, that’s just my fantasy game design part coming out, but Sony could easily put this game back out, they just choose not to. And this is the last of the PS3 stuff, at least that I care about.

#2: Amped 3

I’ve talked a lot about Amped 3 in the past and that’s generally because it is damn good. It was the best Xbox 360 launch game, and generally, one of the best launch games for any console, period. The biggest reason it isn’t re-released on current consoles is likely due to the music stuff. This game had a lot of licensed music from, then, unknown bands, who are bigger now. So I imagine trying to re-get all that stuff now would be a big headache. Same goes for why the Project Gotham Racing series has largely remained in the dust as well.

#1: Parasite Eve

More than any other game, I really want a remake of Parasite Eve to happen. Hopefully, if Square can finish out the third Final Fantasy 7 game before this decade closes, they can get to work on something that matters: a Parasite Eve remake. Even without a remake though, just re-releasing the game on current consoles and systems would be welcome. Parasite Eve still has such a unique setting because it basically takes place in the real world, with you using real guns/equipment. Sure, Aya does have magical powers, more or less, but she’s also the only one, and she’s not part of some mystic or secret organization, she’s just a cop that gets drawn into a fairly insane plot. Come on Square, remake/re-release Parasite Eve 1 and 2, but leave The 3rd Birthday in the history books.

*******

For comments, list your favorite games that only appeared on one system and why.

Next Issue
Top 8 Female Game Heroes