Yeah, it's not like WoW Classic could ever happen again
Also, let's take Godfather to the rosy test? Bah, that movie was great in the 70s - because I was different back then.
Well, ok I wasn't born when it was released. So, it can't possibly be one of my favorite movies today. That would sort of disprove this ridiculously simplistic theory of yours.
Nah, gameplay is one of those things that evolve last. Visuals, UI and technology in general? Sure - but game design is slow as hell when it comes to true evolution.
Some game designs have hardly evolved at all over the past 25 years - and X-Com is an excellent example of that. System Shock would be another example.
In fact, I'd argue that the recent modern iterations took a few steps back and perhaps one step forward.
Visually, the original X-Com is extremely rough - but the design is fantastic, and since no other game has been released to really push it forward, it's still pretty much the gold standard.
Phoenix Point wouldn't have to do that much beyond evolve the look of the assets - and it would likely be a hit with fans of the genre.
Based on what I've seen, they go beyond that - and so it's almost certain to be worth checking out.
As for "younger" people. Do you presume to speak for all of them? Because your claim sounds like a convenient assumption.
There are all kinds of younger people - and I'm absolutely convinced a lot of them would love playing X-Com if it got a facelift to modern standards.
In fact, you could sort of argue that's already happened with the modern X-Com games - even if they're somewhat simplified.
I'm afraid your theory doesn't hold water.