Dead Multiplayer Games That Deserve A Comeback

Key Takeaways

Some multiplayer games like
Batman: Arkham Origins
,
Battleborn
, and
Mass Effect 3
had unique modes but failed to compete.
Split/Second
and
Bulletstorm
offered distinctive gameplay, but struggled to maintain a strong multiplayer presence.
Aliens Versus Predator
and
Gotham City Imposters
showcased innovative multiplayer concepts but lost their player base with time.

As a hardcore gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these three games were absolute game-changers in their respective times. Each one of them brought something unique and exhilarating to the table, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible in multiplayer first-person shooters.

For more than two decades, team-based games like “Call of Duty” have been a mainstay in the gaming world, boasting large numbers of active players and bustling servers. However, some games have struggled to maintain their player base or have even ceased operations, despite possessing high-quality gameplay themselves.

Some online games should gradually lose player base, but others like Team Fortress 2 and League of Legends, which have been thriving for over a decade, should continue to be as populated. Regardless of whether it’s a shooter or racing game, certain multiplayer titles deserve a new lease on life through increased popularity, remakes, or even follow-up versions.

8 Batman: Arkham Origins

Multiplayer Felt Like A True War For Gotham City

As a fan, I can’t help but feel that Batman: Arkham Origins didn’t get the recognition it deserved due to some unfair prejudices. The game boasted a one-of-a-kind multiplayer experience that unfortunately wasn’t experienced by many gamers. In this mode, three teams would square off: the Joker’s goons, Bane’s minions, and vigilantes, each vying for supremacy in intense, action-packed battles.

Playing the role of a villain on Bane or Joker’s squad was an enjoyable third-person shooter adventure, but the inclusion of Batman and Robin lurking around, ready to eliminate anyone effortlessly, heightened the tension in matches. Arkham Origins stood out as a fantastic prequel for the Arkham series on its own, but its multiplayer mode was particularly engaging and deserved to be included again in Batman: Arkham Knight, or even as a separate game experience.

7 Battleborn

A First-Person MOBA Stomped Out By Overwatch

Although numerous Hero Shooters are striving to replicate the unique niche that Overwatch pioneered, Battleborn was among the initial ones to attempt it and regrettably had its run cut short prematurely. Instead of the common multiplayer setup in Hero Shooter games, Battleborn opted for a lane-based MOBA style gameplay similar to League of Legends, but with a first-person perspective.

Regrettably, upon its debut, Battleborn found itself squarely up against Overwatch, resulting in a less-than-successful run for the title just a year after its release. Despite the impressive visuals, distinctive characters, and exhilarating gameplay that Gearbox Software and 2K Games poured into this production – makers of the popular Borderlands series – their efforts didn’t quite pay off as they deserved.

6 Mass Effect 3

The Multiplayer Mode Was Put In The Wrong Game

Upon the release of Mass Effect 3, there was a valid criticism that a narrative-focused RPG like Mass Effect wasn’t necessarily in need of a multiplayer mode. Yet, this didn’t diminish the fun of its third-person shooter gameplay within the multiplayer aspect, which maintained a loyal fanbase for quite some time.

As a dedicated fan, I’d love to see BioWare and EA explore the idea of transforming the Multiplayer mode from Mass Effect 3 into a standalone multiplayer spin-off for the series. The rich universe of Mass Effect, with its diverse worlds, advanced weaponry, unique abilities, and various alien races, has the potential to create a visually and aurally stunning third-person shooter that could easily rival the multiplayer experience offered by Gears of War.

5 Split/Second

One Of The Most Distinctive Racing Games Ever Made

In the realm of racing games, it’s not easy for one to distinguish itself from the pack. However, the game Split/Second succeeded in doing so. Not only did it offer exhilarating races with a high risk of elimination, but it also introduced an innovative mechanic that allowed racers to set off environmental events capable of wiping out any competitor, even the one triggering it.

In the thrilling game Split/Second, race outcomes are often unpredictable, making every play session an exhilarating experience. Remarkably, active servers still support the game, and given the trend of re-releases in today’s gaming landscape, it’s surprising that Disney hasn’t yet revived this title.

4 Bulletstorm

The Skillshot System Made The Multiplayer Stand Out

When Bulletstorm was released, most first-person shooter multiplayer games aimed to mimic Call Of Duty, but Bulletstorm strived to be unique. The game’s campaign, though brief, is filled with sliding, kicking, freezing, and whipping actions, along with environmental dangers, resulting in stylish yet gruesome kills that earn extra points.

As a gamer, I’ve always been drawn to unique gaming experiences, and Bulletstorm certainly delivered on that front. The fast-paced, over-the-top gameplay style kept my online matches feeling chaotic and unlike anything else in the multiplayer FPS genre back then. It’s a shame, though, that even with the remastered version of Bulletstorm, the servers are largely deserted, with only a dedicated group of fans keeping them alive. This game deserves to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with gaming giants like Battlefield and Halo.

3 Aliens Versus Predator

The Franchise That Helped Reinvent The Online FPS

Regarding either the initial games released in the 2000s or their 2010 reboot, the game titled Aliens Versus Predator has stood out as a trailblazer in the multiplayer genre because it achieved feats that many first-person shooter (FPS) games are still finding difficult today. It offers rapid-fire action and three distinct teams vying for supremacy, with only a handful of games managing to recreate the ferocity and intensity experienced when playing as Xenomorphs, Predators, or Colonial Marines.

It’s surprising that, with the revival of both the Alien and Predator series via Prey and Alien: Romulus, we haven’t yet seen a fresh installment of an Aliens vs. Predator game. However, fortunately, a dedicated group of fans are ensuring the games’ servers remain active by creating mods and patches for all three titles.

2 Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Before XDefiant, Blacklist Brought The Splinter Cell Universe Online

As a gaming enthusiast, it’s disappointing to see Ubisoft focusing more on replicating the feel of Call of Duty with XDefiant, when there was another gem hidden in the same universe – Splinter Cell: Blacklist. This game showcased an exceptional multiplayer mode that truly embodied the stealth and action gameplay we’ve come to expect from the Splinter Cell series. It blended familiar modes with fresh, new ones, keeping us hooked and eager for more.

In the game Splinter Cell: Blacklist, the multiplayer mode aligns perfectly with its theme of secret agents battling against mercenaries. It combines third-person action with intense, stealthy takedowns. Regrettably, the online feature for Splinter Cell: Blacklist has been discontinued, but many fans are optimistic that Ubisoft will reintroduce this multiplayer aspect in the upcoming remake of the Splinter Cell series.

1 Gotham City Imposters

An FPS Set In The DC Universe Once Dominated The Free-To-Play Market

The idea behind Gotham City Imposters was unique enough to make the game popular: two teams of enthusiastic fans of Batman and Joker engaging in first-person shooter battles online. It’s strange, humorous, and seems like it could be ripped from a more eccentric comic book. The combination of straightforward yet effective gameplay and its free-to-play status helped it stand out.

Monolith Productions had earned recognition as masters of multiplayer gaming with titles like “Aliens Versus Predator 2” under their belt. This expertise contributed significantly to the success of the game “Gotham City Imposters,” which developed a devoted player community. Regrettably, in recent times, the number of players has dwindled. Some enthusiasts have wished for Monolith to update the game or launch a sequel to rekindle its fame, but their efforts have been unsuccessful thus far.

2024-09-06 16:34