Great Ubisoft Franchises That Seem Unlikely To Ever Make A Comeback

As a veteran gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless franchises come and go. Some have stood the test of time while others, unfortunately, have been relegated to gaming’s forgotten annals. The list presented here is a sad reminder of some once-promising series that seem to have lost their way or simply fallen out of favor.

Ubisoft has a knack for popular game series, such as ‘Assassin’s Creed’ and ‘Far Cry’. Many enduring, recognized Ubisoft franchises boast several games each. However, there are some Ubisoft-owned franchises that seem to have slowed down, almost fading from the spotlight with time.

Some of these game titles didn’t quite achieve the commercial success they aimed for, while others excelled but then lost momentum and found themselves in a sort of gaming limbo. No matter how they ended up here, it appears that these upcoming Ubisoft franchises are unlikely to return any time soon.

5 Blazing Angels

A Fun, Arcadey WW2 Flight Combat Game

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PC
Release Date: March 23, 2006
Genre: Flight Combat

The Blazing Angels series had a relatively brief run, spanning only two games which were launched during the seventh generation of consoles. These flight combat games appear to have faded into obscurity over time. Blazing Angels offers an arcade-style gaming experience set in a World War II backdrop. The initial game focused on recreating actual battles that transpired during the war, while the second installment took more liberties with history for the purpose of crafting a more thrilling narrative.

Due to challenging levels and gameplay mechanics that didn’t resonate well with many players, both “Blazing Angels” games initially received a mixed response from critics and struggled to garner a significant fanbase. Consequently, they failed to surpass popular titles like “Ace Combat” and “Crimson Skies,” and the “Blazing Angels” series has been largely inactive since then.

4 Trials

Always Frustratingly Good Fun

Originating from simple online gaming roots and ultimately making its way onto Xbox Live Arcade, the Trials series gained recognition for its engrossing, physics-based gameplay that was both challenging and enjoyable. The series reached its zenith in 2012 with the release of Trials Evolution, but subsequent games didn’t quite match up to this success.

2019 saw the launch of the latest installment in this series titled “Trials Rising”. Unfortunately, it didn’t receive a warm reception from fans. Since then, there’s been no word from developer Redlynx, and the departure of the main developer behind the “Trials” franchise, Antti Ilvessuo, has increased skepticism among fans about potential future releases.

3 Watch Dogs

An Underappreciated Gem

One of the more prominent franchises that faced a bit of neglect, the “Watch Dogs” series, initially made quite an impact in the gaming sphere (putting aside any E3 debates). Its debut was well-received, and the first installment offered a unique experience with its open-world setting where nearly everything could be hacked, creating an enjoyable and immersive gameplay. The sequel, “Watch Dogs 2”, further refined this formula.

With the debut of “Watch Dogs Legion,” the landscape shifted. The game fell short compared to its previous installments, and the response from players was not enthusiastic. Lately, there’s been no word on the franchise, which has fueled speculation that Ubisoft may be planning to abandon “Watch Dogs.” This uncertainty among fans raises questions about whether this troubled yet cherished series will ever regain its footing again.

2 Borthers In Arms

A Tactical, Team-Based WW2 Squad Shooter

Initially, the strategic shooter game “Brothers in Arms: Road To Hill 30” was a refreshing change for players weary of the ongoing flood of World War II shooters. These games were not pushing many boundaries at the time. “Brothers in Arams” offered a more measured pace and demanded players to carefully consider each engagement before firing, which was a departure from the norm. This strategic gameplay remained largely consistent in its sequel, “Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood,” that followed shortly after the first release.

The third and concluding installment of the primary series, known as “Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway“, made use of a fresh game engine and incorporated a cover system to diversify gameplay. While it was a valuable addition to the series, it didn’t receive the same level of acclaim as its predecessors. A fourth game titled “Furious 4” was initially planned; however, development ceased a year after its announcement. As of 2021, there were rumors of another game in the franchise being developed, but no updates have been shared since then.

1 Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X

Another Ubisoft Flight Simulator… This Time Set In The Near Future

The second flight combat series in this list comes from the Tom Clancy’s franchise. Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. was a departure from the usual tactical, team-based shooter games usually seen under the Tom Clancy name. Instead, players took to the sky in a near future conflict where private companies have taken over from government-run militaries. Upon release, the game was praised for its accessible, arcade-style gameplay and its visuals, but was criticized for the repetitive missions and forgettable storyline.

A year after the initial release, the sequel to “Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X 2” hit the market. While it boasted enhancements like realistic take-offs, landings, and midair refueling compared to its predecessor, it failed to enthrall audiences as much as hoped. Unfortunately, both games received mediocre reviews, and they were overshadowed by the highly acclaimed “Ace Combat” series, ultimately leading to the demise of this franchise.

2024-09-09 02:04