- 著者
-
Domini Gee
- 出版者
- Japanese Association for Digital Humanities
- 雑誌
- Journal of the Japanese Association for Digital Humanities (ISSN:21887276)
- 巻号頁・発行日
- vol.4, no.1, pp.54-71, 2019-08-30 (Released:2019-08-29)
- 参考文献数
- 28
Attempts to preserve retro game elements or ‘the classic feeling’ through
remixing retro elements with modern ones are not a new method. However, it is an
effective preservation method. According to Newman, videogame preservation goes
beyond simply preserving hardware. In order to deliver “authentic play (and
aesthetic) experiences”, it also necessary to determine what are the most
significant, qualitative aspects or properties that make a particular videogame
what it is (Newman 2012, 122–23). Part of the success of classic characters like
Mario is how often they are reused and reimagined (Suominen 2012, 8). Even if
you have never played the original Mario games, you have still likely been
exposed to the franchise’s most ‘basic’ elements through their various
iterations. However, while the game industry typically aims for continual
innovation and reinvention (Newman 2012, 9), the changing market and gaming
landscape is allowing for alternative opportunities for remixing retro elements.
One notable example includes Mega Man 9, which garnered praise for their
gorgeous, realistic graphics. While all three games were made for modern
consoles, Mega Man 9 was made in classic retro style, not only to return the
series to its roots but also to give players a new story and “the classical
feel” (Takeshita 2008). By studying the approaches developers have used, it is
possible to study what ‘feeling’ they were attempting to preserve, what elements
were considered most essential, how these elements were translated, and what new
meanings occur.