Best Discontinued Open-World Game Series That Deserve A Comeback

Even though open-world games are widely popular, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a game’s success or even its release. Titles like “The Lord of the Rings: The White Council” and “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Armada Of The Damned,” among many others, were unfortunately canceled.

Occasionally, some game series continue with new installments, whereas others are left unfinished following a few disappointing titles. Fans remain uncertain about whether their favorite series will make a comeback or not, but unexpected events do occur, demonstrating that it’s not always a hopeless situation. Kid Icarus: Uprising serves as a compelling example, having resurfaced after many years since the last game, suggesting that open-world games might reappear in the future as well. The likelihood of their return will be determined by how long they’ve been absent and the overall quality of the previous games.

7. Just Cause

The Future Is Uncertain

Last Game: 2018 (7 Years)

In 2006, the original “Just Cause” didn’t create much of a stir initially. However, it was the sequel that truly gained traction due to its expanded game world and additional features that amplified the chaos for a more immersive and gratifying experience. The latest installment in this series was “Just Cause 4,” which was released as recently as 2018.

Despite being displayed after Just Cause 4, Just Cause: Mobile was eventually scrapped. There were whispers about Just Cause 5 in development before it was reportedly shelved secretly. If two games in the Just Cause series have been terminated successively, it’s concerning for the future of this franchise.

6. Dishonored

Open-Ended Stealth

Last Game: 2017 (8 Years)

In 2012, the game titled “Dishonored” was unveiled, and a direct continuation appeared in 2016. This sequel subsequently received an independent DLC expansion in 2017, titled “Dishonored: Death of the Outsider“. While the games in this series didn’t boast vast open worlds to traverse, their cities offered a sense of expansiveness that made players feel as if they were exploring something grand.

Alternatively, players might choose to move stealthily through the city and take out adversaries discreetly, or they could opt for a more boisterous approach. This experimentation is what contributed significantly to the game’s positive reputation. Given that Arkane Studios is currently owned by Microsoft, there’s a possibility that the Dishonored series might be discontinued in the future. It’s important to remember that no studio or franchise can ever claim absolute safety, as demonstrated recently with Microsoft’s studio closures.

5. Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor

Might Be Gone For Good

Last Game: 2017 (8 Years)

Shadow of Mordor” was an independent story not found in the primary novels of the “The Lord of the Rings” series. It made its debut in 2014, followed by “Middle-earth: Shadow of War” in 2017. As far as current knowledge goes, it seems unlikely that this franchise will continue.

Monolith Productions, the team behind Middle-earth, has disbanded, but this doesn’t rule out Warner Bros. hiring another group to develop a sequel. However, it seems unlikely. It would be great if someone created a game using the Nemesis system from the Middle-earth franchise, whether as a sequel or an entirely new concept.

4. Mirror’s Edge

Where Are My Packages?

Last Game: 2016 (9 Years)

The video game series known as Mirror’s Edge stands out among its peers with its unique style, and it was first introduced back in 2008. For eight years, enthusiasts of console gaming eagerly awaited a sequel, which eventually arrived in the form of Mirror’s Edge Catalyst in 2016. This installment transformed the game into an expansive open-world city for players to freely traverse.

The game primarily revolves around parkour and being the top messenger, but it had a surprising change – it was a reboot rather than a continuation. In addition to being a mobile game, there were only two major console games, both considered as starting points. Unfortunately, Electronic Arts shut down the online servers for Mirror’s Edge Catalyst in 2023, which isn’t a promising indication for the series.

3. Prototype

Chaos In The City

Last Game: 2015 (10 Years)

In 2009, it was the year when games featuring original superheroes in expansive, open-ended urban landscapes were all the rage. The game Prototype offered players the freedom to wreak havoc on the city with a variety of transforming limbs, ranging from fists to blades. Moreover, they could blend in with regular NPCs by camouflaging themselves to bypass guards.

Since the remastering of the games in 2015, there has been little news regarding further developments. However, whispers about a potential third installment, Prototype 3, have surfaced recently. Keep in mind, such rumors can sometimes be unreliable, so take this with a pinch of salt.

2. inFAMOUS

X-Men In All But Name

Last Game: 2014 (11 Years)

Known as another popular superhero game released in 2009, inFAMOUS boasts a more substantial impact on the gaming world. This series, exclusive to the PS3, consisted of three main games, along with an independent downloadable content for the second installment. The protagonist, Cole, possesses electric abilities, and depending on player decisions, he can master either benevolent or malevolent powers. inFAMOUS Second Son, released in 2014 as a core title for the PS4, features a new hero named Delsin who has the unique ability to absorb powers from others, including both light and fire-based attacks.

2014 saw the release of a separate DLC titled “inFAMOUS First Light,” and since then, Sucker Punch has been concentrating on expanding their open-world games within the Ghost series. It’s possible that Sony may assign another team to develop another inFAMOUS game if Sucker Punch is too occupied.

1. White Knight Chronicles

An MMO JRPG

Last Game: 2011 (14 Years)

“White Knight Chronicles is likely one of Level-5’s least remembered role-playing games (JRPGs). Players could traverse expansive regions linked by towns, much like the structure found in Final Fantasy 12. Additionally, the battle system was reminiscent of MMO-style automatic combat.”

The initial installment of the game was launched for the PS3 in 2010, followed by “White Knight Chronicles 2” a year later, which came with the first game as well. In 2011, Japan and Europe saw a spinoff on PSP. It’s astonishing that within two years, there were three games released. Regrettably, no attempts have been made to adapt these games for other platforms. Although “White Knight Chronicles” might not be Level-5’s most successful franchise, it certainly merits more recognition than being consigned to eternal silence.

2025-07-29 15:34