Best Game Franchises That Are Never Coming Back

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Summary

  • Manhunt’s controversial themes hinder a potential sequel due to graphic violence and potential bans.
  • Pro Evolution Soccer’s shift to eFootball signals the end of the beloved series, disappointing fans.
  • Kane & Lynch’s niche appeal and polarizing gameplay prevent any new entries, as developers show no interest.

Sometimes, fans eagerly anticipate a continuation or new installment of a cherished series, but such developments often fail to materialize due to various factors. Poor sales, limited appeal, and excessive controversy are some primary reasons that lead to a franchise’s premature demise. Over time, as these franchises remain inactive, fan enthusiasm appears to wane.

In many instances, developers might step into the vacancy created by launching a sequel in spirit, yet infused with innovative concepts and a fresh intellectual property. It’s seldom accurate to claim that a franchise is completely extinct and won’t resurface, but it appears extremely improbable that these video game series will experience a revival anytime soon.

Manhunt

Boundary-Pushing Ultra-Violence

Over the course of its lengthy history, Rockstar Games has frequently ventured into questionable territory, consistently testing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable to their maximum extent. The game Manhunt, for instance, was notorious for causing a stir among certain media outlets and politicians due to its graphic content. In this game, players assume the role of a prisoner who is compelled to commit gruesome murders on camera, contributing to a snuff film.

Since Rockstar is currently aiming for less extreme content, the development of a third Manhunt game seems unlikely. Although a new installment could potentially sell well, there’s a strong possibility that it would be prohibited in several countries once more, particularly if its graphics are as advanced and realistic as contemporary titles often are.

Pro Evolution Soccer

One Of Many Challengers To EA

Over time, numerous games have been created to replicate the thrill of football, yet many failed to leave a lasting impression, fading away like “This is Football” and “Adidas Power Soccer”. Konami made the most significant attempt to contest EA’s reign with “Pro Evolution Soccer”, offering a greater emphasis on unpredictable and authentic gameplay, with a stronger tactical dimension.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve noticed since 2021, Konami has been putting more emphasis on eFootball – a free-to-play online football game sans the Pro Evo name. The launch wasn’t smooth sailing, but they’re pressing on. With competitors like Rematch, EA FC, and even 2K allegedly working on FIFA-branded games, it seems like our beloved PES series might be taking a backseat for now.

Kane & Lynch

Poor Sales & Reception, But A Dedicated Following

In more conversational terms: Although Kane & Lynch features unpopular anti-heroes that many gamers are glad to see the end of, it still boasts a loyal fanbase who look back on its games with affection. These two unsavory characters are intentionally hard to like and inhabit a grimy world, but there’s something ineffable about them that keeps players coming back for more.

Beyond the style potentially being outdated for contemporary tastes, there are also gameplay problems that would be magnified now. Originally developed by IO Interactive, the rights to the series were later lost, and as of now, the current owners at Embracer Group seem uninterested in reviving it. The series was divisive and underperformed commercially during its original release.

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing

Fast-Paced & Humorous Boxing Action

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing stands out with its exceptional cartoonish graphics that become more worn as battles ensue, making it one of the top picks for boxing enthusiasts worldwide. The gameplay may seem straightforward, but for those seeking a deeper experience, the mechanics prove to be surprisingly complex. The character roster is vibrant and larger-than-life, featuring a former U.S. president among its ranks.

The latest installment, “Ready 2 Rumble: Revolution” for Wii, was met with negative feedback and appears to have ended the series. Additionally, there are complications regarding the trademark of Michael Buffer’s famous phrase “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble,” which could lead to additional costs and risks in any future projects.

Tenchu

Stealth Games Now Overshadowed By Sekiro

Among the top-notch franchises created by Acquire Corp., the stealth game series called Tenchu was initially a hit with its debut title, “Tenchu: Stealth Assassins.” However, as time passed, it started to lose momentum. Following the release of “Tenchu: Shadow Assassins” in 2008, which received mixed feedback, the series has been in a hiatus and appears unlikely to resurface.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is often compared to a new addition to the Tenchu series, but in reality, it ventured off in a distinct direction while maintaining a similar premise. Regrettably, the creator of the original series has expressed a desire for a revival or reboot of Tenchu, but FromSoftware, who currently holds the rights, appears to be focusing on leveraging the popularity of their more acclaimed and financially successful titles, such as Elden Ring, in the future.

Red Steel

Wii Exclusives With Innovative Motion Controls

Ubisoft incorporated the motion sensors from the Nintendo Wii into the Red Steel series, merging swordplay with aspects of first-person shooter games. The initial game faced some challenges, particularly in terms of control complications during sword fighting, but the subsequent release saw significant advancements. It offered a blend of Wild West ambiance and samurai combat.

It’s unlikely that these Wii exclusive titles will ever form a trilogy or be ported to contemporary gaming platforms, given that Ubisoft already has thriving franchises on current-generation hardware. Sales figures for these two games were not high enough to encourage Ubisoft to revisit the franchise in the future.

SingStar

The Age Of Peripherals

In the 2000s, games that involved rhythm using peripherals, such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band, were some of the top-selling titles on the market. Recently, it appears that these rhythm games are experiencing a resurgence, while karaoke-style games like SingStar and Lips, which sold millions of microphones and numerous versions across different console generations, seem to have lost their popularity.

Although the game started off strong, its quality seemed to wane over time as fresh tracks were added. Eventually, the series switched to a free-to-play format where players could buy songs from an online store. Unfortunately, the servers for this version ceased operation in 2020, and Sony has given no hint that they plan on reviving SingStar again.

Wii Series

Nostalgic Players Should Try Spiritual Successors

To demonstrate the advanced motion controls on the Nintendo Wii and Wii U, a series of games called the Wii collection was developed, focusing on user-friendly and precise gameplay that appeals to everyone. The standout title in this series was Wii Sports, which achieved massive success as a launch game packaged with the console, and received widespread critical acclaim.

Titles such as Wii Play and Wii Fit offer enjoyable mini-games, with the former using the balance board accessory. Modern games like Nintendo Switch Sports and Ring Fit Adventure share a similar essence, incorporating basic gameplay mechanics, customizable Miis made by users, and motion controls. They can be considered spiritual successors to the widely popular series.

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2025-08-09 21:39