10 Video Game Franchises That Need A Reboot

Regardless of how popular or cherished a series may be, there’s always a risk that it could slip into obscurity, either among fans or its creators. Previously, we’ve witnessed some franchises regain prominence following a successful reboot, such as the Tomb Raider series.

Nevertheless, numerous other titles have slipped into forgetfulness, but devoted fans continue to harbor hopes for their reappearance, regardless of the need to begin anew.

Here are 10 games that would definitely benefit from a reboot to get them back into the public eye.

10. Splinter Cell

Modern Day Ninja

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve always found myself drawn to the intrigue and challenge of stealth games. Among these, there’s no character quite as legendary as Sam Fisher. The Splinter Cell series, for years, stood tall as a pillar within this genre. However, it’s been silent since 2013, leaving fans like me eagerly waiting for its return.

Currently, it’s the perfect moment for the resurgence of Sam Fisher – not just a cosmetic makeover, but an entirely new chapter and a fresh beginning for this iconic character. By doing so, we welcome younger gamers into the rich tapestry of gaming history while staying relevant with contemporary trends.

A while back, Ubisoft unveiled a remake for the initial Splinter Cell game, yet there haven’t been many updates since then. Personally, I believe that a complete reboot rather than just a remake would be more satisfying to quench our thirst for this series.

9. Tenchu

Come Out of the Shadows!

If you enjoy stealth games but find the contemporary spy aspect of Splinter Cell less appealing, there’s an older game series that has been absent for quite some time and could potentially make a strong return.

In Tenchu, you tread silently through the dimly lit passageways of medieval Japan, eliminating corrupt rulers and demented adversaries without making a peep. The art of stealth, deceit, and a touch of the mystical are key to success, and this franchise, along with others such as Thief, has laid the foundation for many modern stealth-based games.

The genre of stealth action games has historically been a small but dedicated following, and over time, the Tenchu series faded into obscurity. I think it’s high time we reintroduce this franchise, incorporating all the latest features and design concepts to breathe new life into it, while staying true to its original essence and bringing it back into prominence.

On second thought, putting it in the spotlight might be less than ideal for a stealth game.

8. F-Zero

Breakneck Anti-Gravity Speed

It’s quite surprising that so many people have come to know Captain Falcon exclusively through Super Smash Bros. However, for those not aware, he is actually a character hailing from Nintendo’s thrilling futuristic racing series, F-Zero – and these games were truly fantastic!

F-Zero emphasized fast-paced action and eye-catching visuals, with a generous helping of humor interspersed. This series found favor among both players and reviewers, despite being consistently overshadowed by the more prominent racing franchise on Nintendo platforms—namely, Mario Kart.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel that the thrilling races of F-Zero are long overdue for a comeback. A brand-new beginning for this series would be a fantastic opportunity to reintroduce this timeless racing gem to a whole new generation of gamers.

7. Legacy of Kain

We Need More Kain and Raziel

The reimagined versions of the two Soul Reaver chapters from the Legacy of Kain saga have been both thrilling and tinged with melancholy. They brought back memories of the entire Legacy of Kain series – a set of games that were captivatingly atmospheric, exceptionally well-crafted, but unfortunately not developed beyond 2003 (excluding Nosgoth, which we might as well consider separate from the main series).

From a passionate fan’s perspective: I can only imagine the excitement of witnessing a revamped saga, delving once more into Kain’s ascent, but this time with contemporary graphics, gameplay mechanics, and design concepts that resonate with today’s gaming community. The thought of Raziel reappearing, shedding new light on the heart-wrenching tale of treachery and conflict between these two enigmatic figures, is simply captivating.

Among the game series that I have a deep connection with, Legend of Kain stands out as one particularly dear to me, and I’m far from being the only one who yearns for it to receive the appreciation it truly merits.

6. TimeSplitters

Time To Go Back (In Time)

The initial TimeSplitters game was well-loved as a top-tier first-person shooter, primarily recognized for its exceptional multiplayer aspect.

Nonetheless, it was really TimeSplitters 2 that solidified the series as a beloved cult favorite. Its swift-moving action, clever wit, and immersive campaign earned it a spot among the most adored first-person shooter games of its time.

Enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the return of this witty, time-traveling action series, and we almost made it happen.

For quite some time, there were reports that a reboot was being worked on. Unfortunately, this project was abruptly canceled without much fanfare, leaving behind just a five-minute gameplay video from an early stage of development, which leaked on LinkedIn from the alpha version.

Currently, we’re crossing our fingers that a different production company takes on this project or perhaps purchases the intellectual property and begins anew. It’s all about wishful thinking at this point.

5. Earthworm Jim

Crawling His Way Back

In a time, often referred to by our elders as the ’90s, platforming games dominated the scene while video game characters, or mascots, enjoyed unparalleled fame.

Or, during the 90s, platform games were king and video game mascots reigned supreme in popularity.

As a gamer, stepping into the world of next-gen consoles was like diving headfirst into a breathtaking 3D universe. It was during this transition that iconic mascot platforms thrived, and games such as Spyro and Crash Bandicoot burst onto the scene in all their three-dimensional glory. However, it wasn’t a smooth ride for every classic franchise. The Earthworm Jim series, unfortunately, couldn’t keep up with this 3D leap, marking its eventual end.

The reason Earthworm Jim was so successful lies in the clever visual jokes and top-notch platforming gameplay it offered. Unfortunately, these features didn’t have the same impact on audiences when translated into a 3D environment, compared to how they resonated in its original side-scrolling design.

Even though it’s been a while, the character and the show are still cherished by many. Both old enthusiasts and fresh admirers can’t wait for its comeback. It’s high time we gave it an update similar to Rayman Legends and revive the series once more!

4. Gex

Re-Enter the Gecko

On the subject of mascots, isn’t it fascinating to imagine more unconventional, quick-witted, television-addicted reptile personas that communicate exclusively through witty quips?

Gex is precisely the type of character – one that everyone recognizes, though we might not recall him until someone mentions him. Back in the N64 and PS1 days, Gex was a star, having his shining moment with a series of three games that many of us still hold dear in our memories.

To be honest, back then, those pop culture humor and TV nods were spot-on, but over time, they’ve definitely shown their age. Nowadays, the original series can seem quite outdated. That’s why a fresh take or reboot would really get me pumped!

Picture an updated version of the character Gex, navigating stages inspired by today’s internet and streaming services instead of traditional TV networks. We’ll infuse it with some humor that may feel outdated in just five years, along with exciting web-scaling, tongue-twisting platforming gameplay.

3. Killzone

Go Back to the Zone

Initially, Killzone stood out as the premier shooter game on PlayStation, capturing people’s interest with its striking visual aesthetic and future combat backdrop from the very beginning.

With the passage of time, the series found itself in a lull. The gaming industry transformed, action games advanced, and unfortunately, Killzone struggled to maintain pace with its rivals, particularly given that it was limited to one specific platform. This proved challenging for such a title.

It’s high time I fired up Killzone once more! Let’s bring it to both PlayStation 5 and Steam, with crossplay included, so I can team up with friends in a co-op campaign if I fancy. And while we’re at it, let’s give this classic FPS a modern twist, making sure the gameplay is as exhilarating as ever, keeping us all on the edge of our seats since Killzone: Shadow Fall.

2. Bully

The Only Time We Can Be Pro-Bullying

It’s continually puzzling to me why Rockstar Games only produced one Bully game, given that a sequel was initially in development before it was unfortunately scrapped. I understand their focus on Grand Theft Auto Online, as its success is undeniable from a commercial perspective. However, could we not receive even a hint of another installment?

The game, titled “Bully,” is remarkably memorable. It provided a witty portrayal of schoolyard interactions and introduced an original twist to the open-world gaming format – almost like a miniature version of Grand Theft Auto. Critics adored it and it swiftly gained cult status. However, following its initial launch, it took a back seat in development. Despite being profitable, it simply couldn’t match the astronomical sales figures of Grand Theft Auto or Red Dead Redemption.

Perhaps it’s been too long for another installment in the traditional sense, but a revival or reimagining, featuring a new protagonist and an innovative backdrop, could potentially reignite interest in the franchise and cater to the anticipation of fans yearning for additional content related to Bully.

1. Viewtiful Joe

The Most Stylish Action

In discussions about the “Spectacle Action” genre, popular choices often include games like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. However, for those who played during the GameCube era, a lesser-known but still iconic series springs to mind: Viewtiful Joe.

In simpler terms, Viewtiful Joe is an exciting side-scrolling game that emphasizes style and flair. Your character, named Joe, gets involved in a movie world, transforms into a superhero, and possesses extraordinary Movie Powers to use throughout the gameplay.

The protagonist controls time flexibly, using slow and fast speed tricks, thereby managing adversaries and surroundings in an extraordinary manner. This creative touch empowers him to hurl opponents off-screen, dodge bullets, and perform many other impressive feats.

Restarting this game after such a long time seems like an obvious choice. The cell-shaded graphics have aged beautifully, making it seem perfectly suited for modern release. A new beginning for the series would certainly challenge Dante and Bayonetta, and I eagerly anticipate such a competition.

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2025-03-02 21:12