Seriously, though, the original is usually (but not always) better. Even when I think of updates that offer substantial improvements, there are downsides and losses as well. And, as you observe, the temporality of a game–how its technology and presentation situates itself in a particular historical moment–is important to the experience, as well.

This is what passes for ‘game development’ in certain areas today, especially MMOs and these ‘life-sims’ (like Animal Crossing etc). It is not only piss-poor design philosophy, but it is profoundly destructive and unethical as a medium concept.

NES Dragon Warrior games were great; I want them so bad on 3DS. Play DWIII ASAP! You don’t need stats in the weapon and armor stores. More gold = better stats; they’re not trying to trick you.

@Mel – It’s too on the nose! Can’t have the name of the game be too sad! If people see Sad Oliver on their phones, they’ll start weeping.

And I would put Fantasy Life more than one step above the “games” you mention, although the category is probably correct.

And Fantasy Life sounds like it’s maybe one step above something like Clicker Heroes or Cookie Clicker.

Also, don’t you think Sad Oliver would have made a much better title? It’s such a sad name, can’t think of why though…