As a gaming enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds over the past three decades, I can say with confidence that there is a certain nostalgia that comes with the mention of these classic game franchises. I remember playing Unreal Tournament and Splinter Cell late into the night with friends, or spending entire weekends exploring the open world of Shenmue. These games have left a lasting impact on my life and many others who grew up in the golden age of gaming.
It’s disheartening to see so many of these franchises languishing in limbo, with no new installments on the horizon. I can only imagine what it would be like to step back into the world of Splinter Cell as Sam Fisher once more, or to feel the thrill of competition in Unreal Tournament again. The gaming industry has changed dramatically since the heyday of these franchises, and it’s a shame that some of the best games from that era have been left behind.
But, on the bright side, who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see new installments of these classic series, and I’ll be able to relive those memories all over again. And if not, well, at least I still have my old copies of Unreal Tournament and Splinter Cell to play whenever I need a trip down memory lane!
(Joke) And maybe, just maybe, they’ll bring back the old-school graphics and control schemes too – because nothing says “classic” like struggling to figure out how to save your game!
2024 wasn’t a particularly spectacular year for gaming for many people. Although there were numerous intriguing AAA and indie games released, many are anticipating that 2025 will see fewer problematic games – those that get cancelled, delayed, or have issues upon launch. As gamers start creating their wishlists for 2025 on social platforms, some classic game franchises have become popular choices among fans who hope to replay them next year.
In a current discussion sparked by The Game Awards’ query, gaming enthusiasts have been expressing the game series they are most eager for to reappear in 2025. Ranging from long-inactive series to those with recent releases that didn’t meet expectations, several video game franchises consistently showed up on players’ wish lists.
Jak and Daxter
Originally, Jak and Daxter were staples of the platforming genre, offering a distinctive mix of action, racing, and puzzle elements that garnered them a dedicated fanbase. Their debut game launched in 2001 on PlayStation 2, with subsequent sequels following suit, with the latest installment joining the series as recently as 2009.
Ever since then, the games have been remastered for modern gaming systems. However, contrary to earlier expectations, no fresh installments of Jak and Daxter have surfaced. Given the large number of fans eagerly awaiting their return by 2025, a new adventure would be highly anticipated and appreciated.
Rayman
The Rayman series holds a special place in the hearts of gamers who fondly remember it from the PlayStation and Game Boy Advance days, as its popularity took off during this time. Over the years, the franchise has seen numerous spin-offs, with the latest one being the Rayman in the Phantom Show DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, which was released in 2023.
Even though the spin-offs are continuing to thrive, it’s been nearly a decade since we’ve had a new primary story game in the Rayman series (since Rayman Legends in 2013). The fanbase is definitely excited about the prospect of a fresh installment featuring the original protagonist. There are even whispers that this wish might become reality soon.
Sly Cooper
The Sly Cooper franchise is another well-liked game series from the PS2 era, starring a sly raccoon who’s both cunning and a master thief. This game is known for being an enjoyable platformer with puzzle elements, where players must sneak their way through the storyline. The most recent new addition to the series was Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, which was released back in 2013.
Ever since then, supporters haven’t really gotten any fresh content related to the series. There have been sporadic whispers about potential movie or television adaptations, but unfortunately, these ideas haven’t come to fruition. However, it’s evident that enthusiasts of the Sly Cooper franchise are eagerly waiting for a new video game release.
Half-Life
2024 has been quite eventful for the first-person shooter genre, seeing a number of big disappointments making their way into it. It’s possible that this is one reason why fans are eagerly awaiting new chapters in the popular Half-Life series from Valve. These games offer a gripping narrative along with first-person shooter action, which can be difficult to find these days.
After a significant break, the latest addition to the series came out in 2020 with Half-Life: Alyx, a prequel set in virtual reality. Yet, not all gamers have embraced VR technology, making Half Life 2: Episode Two from 2007 their most recent encounter with the franchise for many. They’re eager for more content from the series, and ideally, they want a traditional first-person shooter game instead of further VR experiments.
Unreal Tournament
The Unreal series, and Unreal Tournament specifically, are fondly recalled as among the finest video games from their era. Gamers cherish the multiplayer excitement that the Tournament installments introduced to the first-person shooter genre, offering a platform for single-player combatants to square off against AI opponents in training sessions.
Just as gamers may be yearning for the good old days of popular first-person shooter multiplayer games, given that this year has been somewhat disappointing for the genre, it’s the same era that brought us the much-loved ‘Half-Life’. The latest game in the series, ‘Unreal Tournament 3’, was launched way back in 2007. Although a new installment was initially planned, it was eventually put aside to make room for ‘Fortnite Battle Royale’. However, it’s evident that fans are eagerly waiting for the franchise to reclaim its former glory.
Splinter Cell
The Splinter Cell game series centers around a special reconnaissance team, guiding them through missions aimed at preventing impending terrorist attacks. In these games, players can experience their covert operation fantasies as character Sam Fisher. Remarkably, much like other revived franchises, the series has been inactive for a good while now. The last fresh addition was Splinter Cell: Blacklist, released back in 2013.
Ubisoft has revealed plans for a contemporary reboot of the initial Splinter Cell game, yet the shifting tides in the gaming world have cast doubt on the project’s future. There hasn’t been much new information about this since 2021, causing fans to ponder when or even if they’ll get another installment in the Splinter Cell series.
Shenmue
Enthusiasts of martial arts video games eagerly anticipate a new installment in the Shenmue series. This expensive open-world fighting RPG has a dedicated fanbase, but unfortunately, it didn’t sell well initially. The game was only followed by one sequel, Shenmue II, before the franchise was put on hold for several years unofficially.
Through a successful crowdfunding initiative in 2019, “Shenmue III” became a tangible reality. However, since then, no fresh game announcements have been made. The 2022 anime adaptation serves as evidence that the fanbase remains active and eager for another opportunity to explore this world within a video game again.
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2025-01-04 04:10