Impossible Mission
Staying forever.
An update to a game of such acclaim and standing was always going to be fraught with risk and a chilling worry that it would disappoint. Thankfully that's not the case here - the new DS and PSP versions play a terrific game overall, though are not without flaws. Upon starting the "classic" version it became obvious that despite the original graphics, it was still running via the newly programmed engine as opposed to being an emulation of the C64 original. A touch disappointing, particularly for nostalgic fans.
The choice of three different agents presents no variation either. However, Impossible Mission was never really about its graphics, but its gameplay (although the original "running man" animation was often lauded), and this is where the update still comes through in spades.
It isn't much of a push to suggest these remakes should rank as the second best available after the C64 original itself. They both play exquisitely well, feel and react (for the most part) just like the original and invokes a warm feeling akin to rediscovering a favourite, dust covered toy under the bed. There are some differences of note including the ball being missing in one of the rooms; the checkerboard rooms only hand out snoozes and never lift resets; the speed of searching is slightly quicker (for the better); and the droids occasionally change behaviour mid-screen. These minor tweaks don't detract that much from the experience and, in truth, only obsessive Impossible Mission fans will really care. The behaviour change can be annoying, but it keeps the air a little bluer and gamers on their toes.
Given such an option was available, it's not surprising to find System 3 has implemented some touch screen additions to the DS version's proceedings. Having to access the computer terminals via the lower screen is annoying and, although not particularly intrusive, would have been better to leave how it was. On the other side of the coin, finally being able to drag, drop, twist and combine the puzzle pieces via the stylus is a godsend and makes the whole process feel more natural and intuitive. The PSP version, meanwhile, shades it in terms of providing slightly sharper visuals, but apart from that, the differences are minimal.
System 3 has done nothing at all to re-imagine the concept, instead focusing on updating the graphics which, in all honesty, was probably the best idea. The gameplay ain't broke, so don't fix it. That said, it wouldn't have hurt to provide a little more value for money - for example, including the 1987 sequel, or a director's commentary-style making-of the original, perhaps. This Impossible Mission remake won't set the scene alight as it did during the '80s but it's a solid, faithful rendition of a cherished old classic. Whether you can justify the price tag to yourself - well, that's another matter...