Unveiling the PS5's Lazy Trophy Lists: A Disappointing Turn for Console Classics
Are the days of meaningful trophy lists on PS5 numbered? Here's a look at why some of the most beloved console classics are falling short.
Trophies have long been a beloved feature of PlayStation gaming, offering players a sense of accomplishment and a fun challenge. But what happens when a classic game, beloved by many, is re-released with a trophy list that feels like an afterthought? That's the case with Hamster's new Console Archives collection, which includes titles like Cool Boarders and Ninja Gaiden 2. These games, while still enjoyable, come with trophy lists that are shockingly bare, offering only a handful of trophies for completing relatively simple tasks.
The issue is particularly glaring when compared to the original PS5 release of Cool Boarders, which included 40 trophies and a platinum. The new version, however, only offers four trophies, all of which can be unlocked by playing the game for ten minutes on three different days. This lack of effort is all the more disappointing when you consider that the original game already had a trophy list, courtesy of Sony's PS Plus Premium emulation program.
It's not just the trophy lists that are disappointing, but also the fact that these games are being re-released at all. The rights to the Japanese version of Cool Boarders were maintained by UEP Systems, and the Console Archives option is based on that build of the game. While it's great to see classic games making their way to the PS Store, it's hard not to feel like the effort put into these re-releases could have been better.
The controversy lies in the fact that these games are being re-released with trophy lists that feel like an afterthought, while the original versions already had more meaningful lists. It's a reminder that sometimes, less is not more.
So, what's the solution? It's clear that Hamster needs to reconsider its approach to trophy lists for these classic games. While it's understandable that they want to make the trophies easy to achieve, more thoughtful lists would be appreciated. Perhaps they could offer a mix of easy and challenging trophies, or even include some hidden secrets or easter eggs that players can discover. Whatever the solution, it's clear that the days of meaningful trophy lists on PS5 are numbered, and it's up to developers like Hamster to step up and deliver the kind of experiences that players have come to expect.
