As a gamer who’s seen it all, from the dawn of pixelated glory to the age of hyper-realistic graphics, I can’t help but reminisce about some long-lost gaming franchises that once graced our PlayStations. One such series that deserves a comeback is Syphon Filter, developed by Bend Studio in 1999. It was a third-person shooter that offered a unique blend of action and strategy, with its protagonist, Gabe Logan, being the epitome of a tough guy.
History has swallowed up plenty of franchises – or in some cases, it has devoured games that had just one outing before being shelved by developers. In this list, we’re taking a look at the forgotten game franchises that deserve another chance. From classic first-person shooters to spy thrillers fuelled by subterfuge and sabotage, these forgotten franchises need another blast of the limelight.
Let’s consider dusting off some old, overlooked franchise series and decide if they’re worth reviving or giving another chance.
What Gaming Franchises Need To Come Back?
Here are our two cents regarding the top titles forgotten by gamers that need to resurface.
1. Black – 2006
The game “Black,” initially launched on PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles, was created by Criterion. This game stood out with its intense combat scenes, often compared to ‘gun porn.’ It also featured destructible surroundings, stunning graphics, and gunplay that was incredibly engaging and satisfying for shooter enthusiasts.
2011’s Bodycount wasn’t continued or developed further, but it’s often seen as a spiritual sequel to the original game.
2. Killzone – 2004
For quite some time, Killzone served as Sony’s premier shooting game series, beginning in 2004 and lasting until 2013. However, since then it seems to have vanished without a trace. Upon initial release, it was an exceptional shooter that ruled the PlayStation platforms for years, available on systems like PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PSP, and PS Vita.
Although it achieved significant success, Killzone Shadow Fall, the latest installment in the series, unfortunately didn’t perform well commercially. It seems that Guerrilla Games, the developers of the franchise, have chosen to discontinue the series and focus on new projects instead.
RELATED: It Has Been Ten Years Since Killzone Died. What’s Next?
3. The Getaway – 2002
Without a doubt, The Getaway and its sequel ‘Black Monday’, released in 2004, were games that were ahead of their time. In the world of The Getaway, London serves as a backdrop for ruthless criminal gangs. At the heart of this underworld is a man who has been wronged by everyone around him and is determined to seek redemption and retribution through a path of vengeance.
The game was remarkably advanced, showcasing state-of-the-art visuals, an innovative user interface (which was quite unique due to its absence), authentic vehicles licensed for use, and a storyline that was almost unmatched by any other dramatic game during its era or since. There were whispers of a sequel set in Amsterdam, but these ideas eventually faded with the passage of time.
Growing up, I really enjoyed playing this game. It’s a shame to see it among the overlooked series now.
4. Mercenaries – 2005
The video game series titled “Mercenaries,” developed by Pandemic, had a brief run from 2005 to 2008, ending after its second release. In this game, players adopt the character of a mercenary, carrying out missions targeting oppressive leaders or influential figures. However, they achieve these objectives in the most devastating manner imaginable.
It’s widely believed that Mercenaries faded away due to its main rival, Just Cause, consistently outperforming it in terms of gameplay and duration. Nonetheless, the Mercenaries series was a high-octane franchise that would thrive in today’s gaming landscape, considering the growing popularity of open-world, sandbox games.
5. Syphon Filter – 1999
Initially introduced on the PlayStation in 1999 by Bend Studio, who would later create Days Gone, Syphon Filter didn’t have a brief run. The series expanded with six games over an eight-year span, but it never moved beyond the PlayStation 2 platform.
As a gamer, I’d say that in Syphon Filter, I find myself taking on the role of Gabe Logan, a special agent who shares similarities with characters like Sam Fisher. At first glance, it seems like your typical third-person shooter, but for its time, it was groundbreaking and played exceptionally well. With no Splinter Cell game to keep me entertained, a fresh installment of Syphon Filter might be exactly what I’m craving.
6. Sly Cooper – 2002
In the realm of video games, Sly Cooper was one of Sucker Punch’s most beloved series during its active period. The story revolved around Sly, a cunning raccoon who transformed into a master thief, and his band of criminal associates. Together, they undertook various daring heists while navigating the risks and perils that came with such activities.
From 2002 onwards, the initial game was launched, followed by two more – one in 2004 and another in 2005. After that, there were no new additions to the series until 2013 when Thieves in Time was released. Since then, the Sly Cooper franchise has been quiet and seemingly forgotten.
7. SOCOM – 2002
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs was an action-packed tactical shooter game, where players commanded highly skilled operatives, battling various opponents and navigating through challenging missions with meticulous accuracy. It was a groundbreaking game, featuring innovative hardware integrations and being among the pioneers to utilize the PlayStation 2’s online multiplayer service in North America.
Initially, the SOCOM series began quite powerfully, but over time, it lost steam and received generally poor reviews. Eventually, after a decade and the release of ten games (including spin-offs), the series came to an end with its final game appearing on PlayStation 3 in 2011.
In today’s tactical shooter scene, bringing back the SOCOM series could be an excellent revival for a once-forgotten franchise.
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2024-10-02 01:49