Over the years, Sony has established itself as a powerhouse in the gaming industry, consistently delivering critically acclaimed franchises. Series such as Uncharted, God of War, and The Last of Us have not only been commercial triumphs but have also become iconic. However, despite this success, some of Sony’s intriguing franchises have faded into obscurity, with no new releases in over a decade for some.
Sony entered the gaming scene with a splash with the launch of the original PlayStation back in 1994. The journey from there is almost legendary. Fast forward to today, and Sony has become synonymous with top-tier gaming, thanks to their home consoles as well as their extensive library of games.
Consider, for instance, the immense popularity of titles like Uncharted, God of War, and The Last of Us. But those are just a few names from Sony’s extensive game catalog. Aside from remakes or re-releases, many other innovative franchises seem to have been relegated to the sidelines.
Let’s talk about one such series, Killzone. Marketed initially as Sony’s “Halo killer,” this franchise first appeared on PlayStation 2 in 2004. Guerilla Games, in collaboration with Sony, aimed to craft a first-person shooter that would rival Halo’s dominance. Despite mixed initial reviews, the franchise hit its stride with its sequels on the PS3, which were celebrated for their unique atmosphere and engaging multiplayer.
Killzone’s storyline thrusts players into a 24th-century galactic conflict, creating an immersive, apocalyptic setting renowned for its gritty gameplay. Killzone 2 and 3 particularly shined due to their graphics and design. Yet, 2013 saw the release of Killzone Shadow Fall on PS4, which, despite its visual brilliance, didn’t manage to impress as much as its predecessors with its lighter thematic tone. Guerrilla, now focused on the Horizon series, has left Killzone dormant with no word on a revival.
Switch gears to another forgotten gem, MediEvil. Envision a Tim Burton-esque aesthetic, and you’ve landed in MediEvil’s unique universe. Emerging in 1998, this PlayStation classic by Sony captivated with its spooky charm. Its tale of Sir Daniel Fortesque battling a wicked sorcerer in the fantastical Kingdom of Gallowmere carved a niche for it, literally resurrecting Fortesque as a cult favorite. Despite a notable PS4 remake in 2020 reigniting interest, hopes for a new entry remain dim.
And then there’s LittleBigPlanet, a name synonymous with creativity. Debuting on the PS3 in 2008, this game invited players to unleash their imagination on a canvas of whimsical worlds. Sony and Media Molecule empowered players with tools to craft intricate levels, thus fostering a vibrant community-centered around creativity. However, LittleBigPlanet 3 marked the last of its kind in 2014, leaving its legacy to spin-offs that didn’t quite capture the original magic.
Infamous, another notable name, brought a captivating superpower narrative to life with thrilling gameplay choices. Developed by Sucker Punch, the series’ debut in 2009 introduced Cole MacGrath and a moral conundrum—use his newfound powers for good or evil. The karma system added depth and replay value, captivating its audience. While Infamous Second Son drew mixed reviews in 2014, no further adventures have been penned since First Light.
Similarly, the Jak and Daxter series from Naughty Dog still holds dear in many hearts. Starting with The Precursor Legacy in 2001 on the PS2, these adventures balanced humor, puzzles, and platforming. Despite HD re-releases bringing nostalgia, a new chapter in this saga has yet to unfold, much to the disappointment of its loyal fan base.
Let’s venture into the high-octane world of Motorstorm next. From Evolution Studios, this exhilarating off-road racer unleashed in 2006 took the PS3 by storm with a mix of adrenaline-pumping races and diverse vehicles. Fuelled by the allure of its explosive boost mechanics, Motorstorm raced through five releases, before vanishing into silence after 2012 with Evolution Studios’ closure.
Finally, who could forget Sly Cooper? This stealth-centric series with its charm, humor, and clever heists found its start on PS2. Players donned the mask of master thief Sly, meticulously pulling off heists across various locations. Despite a well-received attempt to revive the series with Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time in 2013, the charismatic raccoon remains out of sight, alongside long-vanished plans for animated adaptations.
These forgotten series, once bright stars in Sony’s gaming universe, now linger as nostalgic memories for many fans. The question looms if they will ever step back into the limelight or remain as cherished legends.
