Reviving Timeless Classics: Forever Entertainment's Approach to Game Remakes

Revamping classic games is a complex task that requires careful consideration of how retro titles will be received by modern audiences and function on contemporary consoles. It also entails meticulous attention to detail, including refining dialogue clarity, gameplay balance, and quality-of-life enhancements. However, when remakes become an integral part of a company's business strategy, the process becomes more streamlined. Forever Entertainment has established itself as a prominent player in this field, with successful remakes of Panzer Dragoon, The House of The Dead, Front Mission 1st, and Front Mission 2, as well as the upcoming Panzer Dragoon 2: Zwei remake. According to communications and marketing manager Monika Ginter, the team's focus on retro titles stems from a genuine passion for classic games. Ginter notes that the company aims to release an increasing number of remakes annually, with both announced and unannounced titles currently in development. Remakes are a crucial aspect of Forever Entertainment's operations, and the company is committed to delivering high-quality releases that not only revive classic games but also elevate them to new heights. A key distinction that Ginter highlights is the difference between remastering and remaking a game, with the latter involving a complete overhaul from scratch. This process demands significant effort, as the team must meticulously analyze the original game to rebuild it from the ground up. Ginter emphasizes that gaming classics deserve more than just a straightforward port, and the company's past remakes have demonstrated a growing support for this niche among gamers. When creating remakes, finding a balance between preserving the original spirit and incorporating modern improvements is essential. Forever Entertainment's past successes have paved the way for the company to focus on its remake output, including its collaboration with Square Enix to remake the first three Front Mission titles. The company's approach to remakes is centered around working on projects that the team is passionate about, with a focus on turn-based strategy games. The recent release of Front Mission 2 Remake on additional platforms is a testament to the company's commitment to its business model. The game's localization in multiple languages and balance of gameplay were crucial aspects of the remake process, with Ginter noting that the company relied on its previous experience to take on the task. The project involved translating nearly 140,000 words of English script for Front Mission 1 and Front Mission 2, ensuring that the narrative, dialogue, and text remained faithful to the original scripts. Throughout the development process, Forever Entertainment maintained close contact with Square Enix to ensure a balance between introducing quality-of-life changes and preserving the essential elements of the original game. The company also consulted various Japanese-language sources to ensure consistency with the franchise's lore. Ginter acknowledges that meeting the expectations of both long-time fans and new players is a significant challenge, but the company strives for continuous improvement with each new remake. The company is receptive to user feedback, with Ginter noting that Forever Entertainment is committed to balancing games based on player input. The introduction of new game modes, such as Horde mode in The House of The Dead: Remake, and the addition of features like a gallery with achievements and unlockable weapons, demonstrate the company's dedication to enhancing the gaming experience. In terms of target audience, Ginter identifies the Nintendo Switch as the ideal platform for Forever Entertainment's remakes, citing the console's accessibility and diverse user base as key factors in reaching a broad audience.