If we're not gushing over GunValkyrie and Billy Hatcher now, then I'd doubt that in 10+ years we'll deem them future classics. Perhaps cult classics is the proper term for them? Both titles are not supported via backwards compatibility by the current iterations of the consoles they appeared on (Wii U doesn't do Gamecube games and 360 doesn't support GunValkyrie), and neither have a strong chance of being rereleased, so I can't see them being easily accessible in the future.
Not to say that I hate either game! Billy Hatcher is a pretty unique Sonic Team title that plays like a Super Monkey Ball platformer, and GunValkyrie is a fun but flawed action game with a bit of a Panzer Dragoon steampunk thing going on. But I can't see them being classics now or future classics down the road.
Super Monkey Ball 1&2 (Super Monkey Ball Deluxe), however, I'd say are modern SEGA classics. TOtally agree on Valkyria Chronicles, The Yakuza Series, Binary Domain and Crush/Crush 3D.
It depends really, there are games that we are only just now discovering that didn't set the world alight 15 years ago (SEGA wise, I discovered NiGHTS as I wouldn't have touched that franchise 3 years ago for various reasons. Non-SEGA wise, ICO/SotC seems to be doing very well considering being one of those games where gamers knew what it was, but weren't as interested in the game until they played them, and the Mother Series...due to Smash Bros.), what's to say that either of those games see a spike in popularity with a new generation of gamers?
I believe GunValkyrie will be another Panzer Dragoon...people appreciate it but it won't ever be that popular, but Billy Hatcher will probably spike in popularity in 10 years down the line when newer SEGA/Nintendo fans re-discover it.
I think both are in the cult status for now, but both have some potential to be given another chance. In fact, I think the All Stars series are doing well representing it to newer gamers at the moment.
Yeah this Thread is kinda confusing. I see Billy Hatcher in particular as a...obscure game down the road, not even cult classic.
For Crush to be a Classic it NEEDS to be on PSN/XBLA...
lol Sorry about that, I sometimes don't word things properly (brain farts when I type fast).
I already explained my train of thought on Billy, but it can go both ways at this point...being on a Nintendo platform it could get recognition by the Nintendo side as an alternative to Super mario Sunshine (which I personally enjoyed), but it could very well fall into obscurity!
I don't think platform choices make a game a classic or not. Valkyria probably would fall into the same problems if it were on the 360. Crush is fine on the handhelds as I don't like being tethered down on a console for puzzle solving experiences. (No offense, I respect your opinion as to why it should go on XBLA/PSN and I fully endorse that!)