Sony’s 7 Forgotten Gaming Gems That Need a Revival

Summary

• Sony has received critical acclaim for many of their game franchises over the years.
• Uncharted, God of War and The Last of Us have all been critical and commercial successes.
• Alas, many of them seemed to have been forgotten over time, woth some not having a release in over a decade.

Sony ventured into the gaming sector approximately three decades back, launching the original PlayStation in 1994. Ever since, they’ve grown to become a prominent force within the industry, not only through their assortment of consoles, but also via the diverse array of games they offer.

Speaking of notable titles such as “Uncharted,” “God of War,” and “The Last of Us,” these are merely a handful of Sony’s impressive game releases. However, Sony boasts an extensive catalog of games and gaming series that goes far beyond these well-known titles. Over time, several intriguing and distinctive franchises seem to have slipped into obscurity, possibly due to remakes, enhancements, or re-releases.

7. Killzone

Sony’s “Halo Killer” was Left in 2013

Mainline Releases:

The “Killzone” franchise began in 2004 with its debut game on PlayStation 2, originally called “Killzone,” which aimed to challenge the popularity of the FPS game “Halo.” At that time, it was billed as a promising contender from Sony and Guerrilla Games. The initial response was varied, but the series found its stride with subsequent releases on the PS3 several years later.

In the heart of a full-scale galactic conflict between the ISA and the Helghan Empire in the 24th century, the game Killzone showcased a gritty, desolate ambiance that echoed a grim apocalyptic motif. It was not shy about displaying intense violence, with moments of play that were raw, visceral, and sometimes disturbingly gruesome. The second and third installments, Killzone 2 and 3, are considered the zenith of the series, earning acclaim for their distinctive design, stunning visuals, and engaging multiplayer options.

However, unlike the initial release of “Killzone Shadow Fall” in 2013 on PS4 that garnered a different response, abandoning its dark theme in favor of a more vibrant aesthetic. Although it received accolades for its stunning visuals, reviews on its narrative and gameplay were largely divided. Since then, with Guerrilla Games shifting focus to the “Horizon” series, there’s been no news about “Killzone.” In fact, not even a whisper about its continuation has surfaced. Despite not achieving the popularity of other first-person shooter titles, it’s undeniably unfortunate for a series that once stood out from the competition.

6. MediEvil

The Classic Halloween-Themed Hack & Slash Went Silent After a Duology and a Remake

Mainline Releases:

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for the game “MediEvil”. It’s as if Tim Burton himself had conjured up a Halloween-themed masterpiece for the PlayStation. And let me tell you, it’s nothing short of extraordinary! Developed by Sony and initially launched in 1998 for the original PlayStation, this game stands out among its peers as one of the most thematically distinctive titles on the console. Immerse yourself in the fantastical world of Gallowmere, where you assume the role of the undead knight, Sir Daniel Fortesque, who is brought back to life by the wicked sorcerer Zarok.

In the initial installment, Fortesque navigates eerie realms of the kingdom with the objective of vanquishing Zarok and restoring his knighthood. A follow-up was released in 2000 on PlayStation, maintaining the narrative while shifting events to over five centuries later. The series is particularly celebrated for its aesthetic, featuring a chilling yet whimsical Halloween motif that, despite being somewhat stereotypical, endowed the game with an enchanting allure that continues to resonate among fans. Unfortunately, it appears there are no immediate plans for further adventures of Fortesque in the near future, following its reboot on PS4 in 2020.

5. LittleBigPlanet

Putting Player Creativity Above All is Locked Behind Solo Play in 2013

Mainline Releases:

The name “LittleBigPlanet” first appeared on PlayStation 3 in 2008, and the game developed by Sony and Media Molecule soon drew significant industry attention due to its innovative concepts. The gameplay was straightforward; players navigated their customizable “Sack Person” character through diverse levels, each featuring unique and sometimes quirky themes and designs.

Above all, the LittleBigPlanet games stood out not by adhering to a traditional plotline, but by emphasizing creativity as their main focus. The series’ slogan, “Play. Create. Share,” encapsulated this perfectly in its simplicity. The design of these games aimed to offer players both the fundamental elements for play and the tools for creation and sharing. This unique approach is what set LittleBigPlanet apart: players could easily start a new world from scratch, construct their own levels filled with puzzles, secrets, and more, and then share their creations with the wider community. The tools were intuitive, the gameplay was engaging, and the potential for creation was limitless, earning the series its distinct reputation.

Apart from a few sequels that received varying reviews, it’s been more than ten years since the main series of this franchise had a new release, with the last one being “LittleBigPlanet 3”. Unfortunately, Sony removing the game and its add-ons from their catalog suggests that the adored former mascot might not be coming back for some time.

4. Infamous

Choosing The Hero Or The Villain Has Been Abandoned for Tales of Samurai

Mainline Releases:

This console game belongs to the sixth generation, and it was created by Sucker Punch, the team behind the popular “Sly” series and “Ghost of Tsushima.” The game incorporates elements of superheroes into action-adventure gameplay, offering a unique spin on the genre as well.

The storyline revolves around Cole MacGrath, a bike messenger who gets embroiled in a massive explosion in the fictional metropolis of Empire City, gaining him electric super abilities as a result. What sets this series apart is the freedom players have to use these powers for either benevolent purposes to aid the city or for destructive ends against its residents. The game’s complexity arises from the various consequences that come with each choice made, with good karma earning general approval but weakening powers, while bad karma strengthens powers but results in minimal support from the populace. This moral dilemma was a defining aspect of the series, contributing to its popularity and carrying over into subsequent versions.

Initially, the first two instalments of the series were warmly accepted, earning positive feedback from players. However, its last release, Infamous First Light on PS4 in 2014, received some divided opinions, leading to a noticeable absence or lull in the series since then.

3. Jak and Daxter

Naughty Dog’s Cult-Classic PS2 Platformer Doesn’t Fit Their Modern and Gritty Realism

Mainline Releases:

Back in the day, I was absolutely hooked on Jak and Daxter, some legendary characters that stormed onto the PlayStation 2 scene way back in 2001 with their debut title, “Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy”. Naughty Dog’s action-adventure series transported me to a fantastical planet where I got to steer Jak and his pal Daxter through a mesmerizing world, unraveling the secrets of an ancient race – the Precursors.

The franchise’s games are held in great esteem for their exceptional action-adventure platforming style, known for their appealing charm, humor, and enjoyable gameplay mechanics. During this period, three primary installments were released exclusively on the PS2, each offering platforming and action-adventure experiences from a third-person angle. Additionally, two spin-offs emerged within the series: “Jak X: Combat Racing” for the PS2, and “Daxter,” which was available on PSP.

The last original part of the “Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier” series was received with a mix of opinions when it came out on PlayStation 2, which was quite late in the next generation. It’s great that it later got remastered for both PS3 and PS4, but sadly, no new installment has been released since then, and fans are longing for more of Naughty Dog’s humorous series.

2. Motorstorm

Insanely High-Stakes Off-Road Racing Have Since Been Retired

Mainline Releases:

The Motorstorm series, developed by Sony and Evolution Studios, debuted in 2006, introducing a fresh era of off-road racing on the new PlayStation 3. Unlike other all-terrain racing games popular at the time, such as MX vs. ATV, which primarily featured smaller vehicles like dirt bikes, Motorstorm stood out by expanding its vehicle classes, each with unique strengths and weaknesses to diversify gameplay.

In the game Motorstorm, players race through exhilarating off-road competitions from a third-person perspective. At the center is the Motorstorm Racing Festival, nestled in Monument Valley. Players can select from various vehicles such as dirt bikes, ATVs, stock cars, and colossal off-road trucks. However, what truly sets these games apart isn’t just the diversity of vehicle classes; it’s also the boost meter attached to each ride. This feature allows racers a significant speed boost when activated. The challenge is that prolonged use can cause their vehicle to overheat and explode spectacularly, adding an exciting element of risk to the racing experience.

The game series known as Motorstorm, initially popular on the PS3 platform, produced a total of five games, with the last one being Motorstorm: RC for PlayStation Vita in 2012. Evolution Studios, responsible for these releases, shut down in 2016, transferring ownership of the series to Sony. Regrettably, Sony has yet to develop any further installments of the fast-paced, off-road racing game since then.

1. Sly Cooper

The Iconic Raccoon Character & Master Thief Hangs Up His Blue Cap

Mainline Releases:

The Sly Cooper series started off relatively unnoticed, with its first game, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus for PS2 in 2002, not receiving significant attention upon launch. Similar to Jak and Daxter, the titular raccoon character quickly gained fame and became one of the most distinctive and popular characters on Sony’s sixth-generation console.

In the series of action-adventure games, players assume the role of the famous blue-clad raccoon thief, his companions Bentley and Murray, forming the “Cooper Gang”. Across different global locations, they execute clever heists while dismantling rival criminal organizations. The PS2 series emphasized stealth gameplay, favoring a thoughtful strategy but maintaining fast-paced movement. The unique art style of its world and characters was endearingly quirky and amusing.

In these action-adventure games, you play as a raccoon thief and his pals, pulling off heists around the globe while taking down bad guys. The PS2 games were all about stealth and quick movement. Plus, everything looks adorable and funny!)

Sly Cooper stands out with its unique stealth-oriented gameplay, but it’s been nearly a decade since the release of its latest title, “Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time” back in 2013. Interestingly, Sony had planned an animated series and a movie adaptation for the franchise, hinting at these projects years ago. Regrettably, the gang of thieves has been remarkably silent since their last major appearance on PlayStation 3 and Vita consoles, leaving fans eagerly waiting for any news about their return.

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2025-04-21 03:42