10 Video Game Series that Need to Make a Comeback

Many video game series have been truly exceptional, lasting for several installments or standing out as unforgettable single titles that fans hoped would continue. Unfortunately, over time, these series often fade away – sometimes because the companies that made them close down, and other times simply because the games lose popularity or creative momentum.

Many beloved video game series fall into a pattern of releasing a popular game on one system, then going silent for years. This leaves fans eagerly waiting for a new installment, and there are a lot of these series currently on hold.

We’re going to check out a bunch of games that need to return to the forefront of the gaming world.

10. Advent Rising

The Series that Never Got Started

Okay, so you might not have heard of Advent Rising, but trust me, it’s a game you should know about! It was seriously ambitious – back in the day, everyone thought it would be the game to finally challenge Halo. It was this huge sci-fi epic, and honestly, it did a lot of the things that would later make Mass Effect so popular, but it came first! The story centers around a character named Gideon, who’s part of a human convoy heading to meet some aliens. Things go horribly wrong during that meeting, and it all just explodes into chaos. It’s a really cool setup!

This game is a fantastic blend of Star Wars and Halo, offering a truly unique and enjoyable experience. It boasts some of the best gameplay on the original Xbox, with graphics that still hold up remarkably well – even surpassing some Xbox 360 titles. What’s truly baffling is that the game ended on a compelling cliffhanger, and no other company ever picked up where it left off. It was a genuinely fun series that deserved more attention, and I always thought it had the potential to rival or even surpass Halo.

9. Uncharted

We Need More

The Uncharted series is a cornerstone of gaming, known for its stunning visuals, compelling characters, memorable villains, and exciting action sequences. It’s been a long wait for fans – the last game was released in 2016, almost a decade ago! Considering Uncharted paved the way for the success of The Last of Us, and with the third Last of Us game in development, many are eager for Naughty Dog to deliver a new Uncharted adventure. It’s been six years since we’ve had a truly satisfying game from them.

Considering Nathan Drake is still a character and Nolan North continues to voice him, the long wait for a new game in the series is surprising. A new installment would be perfect for today’s consoles. Fans are eager for another thrilling, cinematic adventure – a fast-paced, action-packed experience like an interactive action movie. We’re hoping for a game focused purely on exciting gameplay, without the need for sprawling open worlds or extra features – just pure, unadulterated fun from beginning to end.

8. Army of Two

The Soul of the Late 2000s

I remember seeing a lot of Army of Two when I’d hang out with friends in college. It was just a wild, over-the-top, and intensely violent game – the kind of thing that would probably cause a stir if it was released now. But honestly, that’s part of what made it great, and I think the series deserves another chance.

These games were incredibly fun, whether played alone or with a friend, and featured unique teamwork elements that surprisingly haven’t been widely adopted in similar titles. Despite the over-the-top premise of two players facing countless enemies, the games struck a perfect balance between serious action and lightheartedness. The cast of Gears of War even played these games for fun! Ultimately, it was a series that excelled at being exactly what it was, and it deserves either a fresh start or a new installment – as long as it retains the original’s spirit.

7. Shadow Hearts

The Darkness of the JRPG World

Shadow Hearts was a standout JRPG series on the PlayStation 2, with two amazing games and a third that wasn’t quite as strong. We really need a game like it again – and specifically, a new entry in the Shadow Hearts series. Its unique atmosphere sets it apart from other RPGs. The games delve into mature and disturbing themes like sacrifice, demonology, and necromancy, offering a far cry from typical lighthearted fantasy adventures. It’s a dark, unsettling, and mature horror-infused JRPG experience.

This series features unsettling enemies and deeply flawed characters. The protagonist is particularly questionable, and their imperfections define the grim atmosphere of the entire story. Expect a relentless onslaught of awful events – everything from cannibalism to terrorism, and pretty much any other horror you can think of. I haven’t experienced anything quite like Shadow Hearts since its release, and with the recent surge in JRPG popularity, it would be fantastic to see a game like this make a comeback.

6. Too Human

A Great Idea with Terrible Execution

Too Human is widely considered a massive failure. It had incredibly high expectations – many thought it could be one of the greatest games ever. The game’s development by Silicon Knights was so troubled that it nearly bankrupted the company. It’s disappointing because the core idea was really interesting: reimagining Norse gods as futuristic, cyberpunk warriors. While the game was impressively ambitious, it ultimately tried to do too much with the technology available at the time.

Bringing back this game series would be amazing. There’s so much potential with modern gaming technology. The combat system really needs to be updated – I imagine something like a futuristic God of War, but with guns. Whoever owns the rights should definitely revive it, because the idea of cyberpunk Norse gods is really cool and could be explored much further than the original game allowed.

5. Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

The Original Ninja

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins was a truly innovative game for the original PlayStation. While the sequel was also well-received, the series unfortunately faded away over time. It’s a shame, because Tenchu was incredibly fun and offered a unique experience we haven’t really seen replicated since. The games stand out for their clever level design and polished gameplay. As a stealth title, it focused on strategically manipulating enemies using tools like poisoned rice and other diversions.

The game focuses on stealth, as direct fights would likely lead to a swift defeat. You play as a skilled ninja, not an invincible hero, on a specific mission. This kind of gameplay would fit perfectly into today’s gaming landscape. Considering how much Ghost of Tsushima draws from Tenchu, streamlining that formula could create a fantastic and highly successful stealth action game.

It’s remarkable that no other game has quite captured what Tenchu offered, especially considering how many games there have been. A reboot feels like the natural next step – it’s been a while since players last controlled Rikimaru.

4. Power Stone

A Lost Art

Power Stone was a standout title on the Dreamcast, and both games in the series are considered among the greatest fighting games ever created. It practically defined its own style – a wild, chaotic party brawler that was incredibly fun to play. The game featured a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and moves clearly inspired by Dragon Ball Z. Combined with impressive graphics for its time, Power Stone delivered pure, unadulterated fun.

That’s why I believe this game deserves a revival. It was a fantastic couch co-op experience with incredible replay value and diverse gameplay. Bringing it back would give us a unique and exciting arena brawler unlike anything available now. It has a cool anime style and offers a ton of options in battles – transformations, powerful ultimate moves, and an interactive environment all make it incredibly fun. Even if you don’t own a Dreamcast, it’s worth finding a way to play – it’s one of the best games to come from that underrated console.

3. Zone of the Enders

The Best Mech Game

Back when it first came out, Zone of the Enders wasn’t a main focus for Konami; it was released alongside the popular Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.

The game quickly gained a lot of attention, and for good reason – it was genuinely excellent. There were two installments, and both delivered thrilling, high-speed mech combat. The action felt more like the energetic battles from Dragon Ball Z than the slower, more methodical style of games like Mechwarrior or Armored Core.

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As a huge fan, I always loved how wild and over-the-top Zone of the Enders was – the battles were epic, the villains were fantastic, and it just had so much explosive action on the PS2. I really thought it would have been amazing to see it continue on the PS3, but sadly, the series just stopped. Honestly, now feels like the perfect time for Konami to bring it back! They’ve been focusing on remasters and remakes, and I think a new Zone of the Enders would be a fantastic addition to their lineup.

2. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

Bug War

Lost Planet was visually striking when it came out in the early 2010s, especially with its icy environments, which helped it stand out from other third-person shooters. It offered a unique experience with giant alien creatures, powerful mechs to control, and a wide variety of weapons. It’s similar to the feel of Helldiver 2 today, but it was doing that back then, and it also featured a strong co-op mode, letting you play through the entire story with a friend.

I remember playing all three Lost Planet games, and each one brought something different to the table. Honestly, the story wasn’t super deep, but it didn’t need to be. What really grabbed me was the action – everything felt huge and genuinely dangerous. It just had this special vibe, you know? Lost Planet was truly unique, and I still haven’t found another series that quite scratches that same itch.

1. Spec Ops: The Line

A Look In the Mirror

The Spec Ops series has been around for a while, and its high point was definitely Spec Ops: The Line. I’d like to discuss that game specifically.

Line is a truly powerful game that explores the grim realities of war from the perspective of a soldier who genuinely believes in their mission. This unique perspective – a strong conviction in doing what’s right, even amidst the horrors – is something I haven’t experienced in a game before. It’s a compelling attitude that could be effectively used in many different stories within the Spec Ops universe.

The game explores the idea of multiple wars, each with unique consequences, and features various characters grappling with the effects of trauma. It’s a really compelling concept, and it’s disappointing that so few games have attempted something similar. It was such a thoughtful and intelligent game that it seems to have discouraged others from tackling the same sensitive themes.

2026-06-01 02:41