Is it a possible to revive a dead franchise without legal repercussions? For example something like Musashi: Samurai Legend, released in 2005 with no trace of anything else from Square Enix since. Is there a limit before a trademark on something like this would expire or would it be best off just avoiding the name entirely?
Also, to what point would it be acceptable to remake something such as this?
- Copying level layouts
- Copying characters (not ripping assets)
- Copying the story
- Using the name of the title or as part of the title (appending it with Fan HD or something).
Would it be best off making something else like a sequel and calling it a spiritual successor?