Some days in gaming history just go bigger than others. March 24 stands out as one of those pivotal dates, a day that gave us both a groundbreaking console launch and a collection of unforgettable titles that (in a few cases) redefined their respective genres. From the cinematic storytelling of The Godfather: The Game to the sheer graphical might of Crysis 2, today’s retrospective is a reminder of how far we’ve come (and how old I am).
And, of course, it’s impossible to ignore the monumental launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017—an event that reshaped the industry and arrived alongside what many still argue is the greatest Zelda game ever made, Breath of the Wild. Let’s dive into the significance of these releases and explore why they still matter today and how best to reexperience them.
Colony Wars: Red Sun (2000) – A Stellar Space Combat Cult Hit
By the time Colony Wars: Red Sun launched on PlayStation in 2000, the golden age of space combat games was already on the wane. Wing Commander had faded into the background, and Freelancer was still years away. But Psygnosis—one of the most technically impressive developers of the 32-bit era—wasn’t ready to let the genre die quietly.
A Bold Departure from the Original Formula
Unlike its predecessors, Red Sun traded military storytelling for a more personal, open-ended adventure. You weren’t a faceless pilot in a grand intergalactic war—you were Alexander Lyron Valdemar, a miner/merc carving out a living in a universe headed for collapse. The RPG-lite elements allowed for ship upgrades, faction choices, and multiple mission paths, giving Red Sun a level of depth that was pretty rare for space shooters at the time.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Red Sun was one of the last major releases from Psygnosis before Sony fully absorbed the studio and rebranded it as Studio Liverpool.
- The game’s voice acting was a cut above most PS1 titles, featuring talent like Clive Mantle, known for his work in Robin of Sherwood and Casualty.
- Red Sun introduced nonlinear storytelling to the Colony Wars series.
- Its flight mechanics influenced later space sims like EVE: Valkyrie.
Where to Play It Today
Colony Wars: Red Sun was never ported beyond the PlayStation, and it isn’t available on modern digital storefronts. Your best bet is grabbing an original disc on eBay Australia.
Street Racing Syndicate (2005) – Underground’s Forgotten Risqué Rival
2005 was the height of the tuner scene in gaming, and Street Racing Syndicate (SRS) aimed to cash in on the Fast & Furious craze. Developed by Eutechnyx, this street racing title was positioned as a grittier alternative to Need for Speed Underground, blending realistic car physics with a more risqué presentation—think street races, pink slips, and “girlfriend unlocks.”
What Made It Special?
While SRS never reached the polish of Need for Speed, it did have a few standout features. It was one of the first street racing games to incorporate real-world car damage that impacted performance. It also allowed for actual betting on races, meaning you could walk away with extra cash—or lose your ride altogether.
Where to Play It Today
Though it never became a classic, SRS is available on GOG for PC players looking to relive the mid-2000s tuner era.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- One of the first 3D racers to feature fully destructible licensed cars.
- Introduced betting mechanics later seen in Forza Horizon’s street races.
The Godfather: The Game (2006) – Open-World Crime Done Right
EA’s The Godfather was an ambitious attempt to turn one of cinema’s greatest achievements into a compelling open-world experience. Against all odds, it actually worked.
A Smart Blend of Movie and Original Content
Unlike other licensed games, The Godfather didn’t just rehash the film—it let players rise through the ranks of the Corleone family, with their own unique story unfolding alongside the events of the movie. The blend of Grand Theft Auto-style sandbox action and mobster power plays made it a standout.
Where to Play It Today
Unfortunately, licensing issues mean The Godfather is no longer available digitally. Your best bet is hunting down a physical copy on eBay Australia.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- The game featured Marlon Brando’s final performance before his passing.
- Inspired elements of Mafia II, particularly the hand-to-hand combat.
Crysis 2 (2011) – Graphics Worth Suiting Up For
By 2011, Crysis was synonymous with bleeding-edge visuals, and Crysis 2 proved that Crytek’s magic wasn’t limited to PC hardware. It delivered a stunning, surprisingly-destructible New York City, running on CryEngine 3.
Why It Still Holds Up
The game introduced a more refined, vertical level design compared to its predecessor. The nanosuit’s expanded abilities also gave players more tactical options, blending stealth and action in ways that still feel fresh today.
Where to Play It Today
Crysis 2 is available in remastered form on modern platforms, including the PlayStation Store AU and Microsoft Store AU.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- First Crysis game designed for consoles.
- Pioneered real-time global illumination techniques now standard in AAA gaming.
Nintendo Switch & The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) – A New Era Begins
The launch of the Nintendo Switch wasn’t just a console release—it was a paradigm shift. And Breath of the Wild wasn’t just a launch title—it was an instant masterpiece.
How It Redefined Open-World Games
With a physics-driven sandbox, systemic interactions, and an unprecedented sense of freedom, Breath of the Wild shattered conventions. Instead of following traditional quest markers, players truly explored, leading to discoveries that felt personal.
Where to Play It Today
No surprises here: Breath of the Wild is readily available on the Nintendo eShop AU.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Pioneered “climb anything” mechanics, later seen in Genshin Impact.
- The minimalist UI design became a staple for modern open-world games.
