Bandai Namco has revealed its intention to relaunch some of Sony’s most nostalgic franchises, starting with the announcement of Patapon 1+2 Replay and Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots. This pair of titles joins the list of remasters that will be released throughout this year for PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Patapon 1+2 Replay, scheduled for July 11, revives the acclaimed original rhythm strategy games from PSP, which were fundamental to the reputation of Japan Studio.
On the other hand, Everybody’s Golf, previously known as Hot Shots Golf in North America, will also return with a new game expected this year. This title, which dates back to the PS1 era, has been adored for its accessibility and charming style. The series has tried to stay alive with releases like Everybody’s Golf VR, launched in 2019.
A rescue of major franchises that might not stop here
The peculiar thing about this collaboration is that there has been no formal announcement of a partnership between Sony and Bandai Namco. However, the recent releases of remasters, such as Freedom Wars Remastered, indicate that both companies have reached an agreement to revitalize lesser-known intellectual properties of Sony. Consumers have expressed a growing interest in this type of revival, suggesting that the market is open to exploring titles that have been forgotten, such as Tokyo Jungle.
Meanwhile, in the realm of Nintendo, the company has introduced a significant novelty: the Virtual Game Cards, which will allow the transfer of games between consoles and lending to friends for up to two weeks, in anticipation of their upcoming console, Switch 2. This feature could change the way users manage their game libraries, offering greater flexibility and socialization in gaming.
