Cult Classics, Cold Goodbyes
Every gamer has at least one franchise that lives rent-free in their memory, even though it hasn’t seen a new release in years. These were the games that offered something different. They didn’t always get perfect reviews, but they earned loyal followings and left strong impressions. Unfortunately, they also ended up on the chopping block, usually without a proper sendoff. So, let’s take a look at 20 franchises that deserve a second chance.
1. TimeSplitters
Launched in 2000 by Free Radical Design, TimeSplitters delivered frantic split-screen fun with TimeSplitters 2 and Future Perfect. Interestingly, its missions jumped from 1930s Chicago to 1990s Siberia to 25th-century space stations, mixing humor, chaos, and creativity.
TimeSplitters: A Full Series Retrospective by Level Count
2. F-Zero
Debuting on the SNES in 1990, F-Zero showcased Mode 7 graphics and blazing-fast speeds. In 2003, F-Zero GX, developed with SEGA’s Amusement Vision, impressed with brutal difficulty and smooth controls. Despite acclaim, Nintendo shelved the series afterward, citing creative challenges.
F-Zero (SNES) Unboxing! by Xkaje
3. Legacy Of Kain
Legacy of Kain grew into the Soul Reaver series, defined by gothic storytelling and layered lore. Raziel, a betrayed vampire wraith, headlined its time-bending tale. Crystal Dynamics guided the saga until Dead Sun—a full sequel—was scrapped by Square Enix in 2012 after three years of development.
Legacy of Kain | A Complete History and Retrospective by YourFavoriteSon
4. Silent Hill
Horror got personal in 1999 when Silent Hill twisted fear into symbolism, backed by Akira Yamaoka’s haunting sound design. Though Kojima and del Toro’s Silent Hills was canceled in 2015, Konami’s 2022 reboot announcement met wary eyes after years of mishandling the franchise.
The COMPLETE Silent Hill Series Story Retrospective by Gingy
5. SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs
Before online shooters became the norm, SOCOM led the charge on PlayStation 2, using a network adapter for multiplayer and a USB headset for voice commands. It delivered true-to-form military tactics and inspired games like Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six.
PS2 Longplay [012] - SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs - All Objectives Walkthrough | No commentary by Aberukun
6. Jet Set Radio
Jet Set Radio debuted in 2000, turning heads with its cel-shaded visuals and DJ-driven soundtrack by Hideki Naganuma. Set in Tokyo-to, it followed rebellious crews using spray cans to defy control. A 2023 reboot was announced, but by 2025, only Bomb Rush Cyberfunk stands as its spiritual successor.
Jet Set Radio HD [PC] Gameplay by BLACKBOND
7. Banjo-Kazooie
Back in 1998, Rare’s Banjo-Kazooie burst onto the Nintendo 64 as a quirky, clever rival to Super Mario 64. Packed with British wit, creative worlds, and wild transformations, it became a fan favorite. After Microsoft acquired Rare in 2002, priorities shifted—culminating in 2008’s Nuts & Bolts.
Banjo Kazooie Nuts & Bolts Full Gameplay Walkthrough (Longplay) by XCageGame
8. SSX
EA launched SSX in 2000 as a PlayStation 2 debut title, quickly earning critical acclaim. SSX Tricky followed with arcade-style trick meters and standout characters like Mac and Elise. Known for exaggerated physics, loud soundtracks, and colorful courses, this series built a strong fan base.
SSX Tricky - Full Gameplay Walkthrough Full Game - PS2 SSX GAMES 🎮 by The Ladslade
9. Dino Crisis
Back in 1999, Capcom took a wild swing at the survival horror genre with Dino Crisis, swapping out zombies for dinosaurs—because apparently, zombies weren’t stressful enough. Its sequel amped things up. Between the janky camera and sci-fi nonsense, the series flatlined.
DINO CRISIS Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME (4K 60FPS) No Commentary by Shirrako
10. Star Fox
Star Fox launched console 3D gaming into the future. With its 1993 debut powered by the Super FX chip, it turned blocky polygons into a galactic thrill ride. Then came Star Fox 64, layering in full voice acting and a legacy-defining experience that still lives rent-free in every Nintendo fan’s brain.
Star Fox Zero | Full Game Walkthrough | No Commentary by The Game Archivist
11. Dead Space
Isaac Clarke’s 2008 debut redefined sci-fi horror with zero-G gameplay. Dead Space 2 added heart, but Dead Space 3 lost its soul to co-op and microtransactions. The 2023 remake sparked fresh interest, yet the story remains incomplete, leaving fans stranded in deep space.
12. Prince Of Persia
What began in 1989 as a rotoscope marvel inspired by Arabian tales evolved into The Sands of Time. It was a game that let players rewind their mistakes with fluid acrobatics and time-bending brilliance. However, after a movie flop and Ubisoft's shift to Assassin’s Creed, the prince lost his crown.
13. Punch-Out!!
Punch-Out!! turned boxing into pixel-perfect comedy and challenge. It started in arcades, hit its stride on NES and SNES, and gave us unforgettable rivals like King Hippo and Mr. Sandman. The 2009 Wii reboot revived its reflex-driven magic, but since then—crickets.
Punch-Out!! Wii HD - Full Game Walkthrough (No Damage) by Beardbear
14. Burnout
No other racer made crashing this fun. Burnout 3: Takedown converted reckless driving into an art form, rewarding chaos with every shattering impact. Burnout Paradise pushed boundaries further with open-world mayhem and online flair.
BURNOUT PARADISE REMASTERED | Full Game (PS5 Gameplay 4K 60FPS) by BenedictPlays
15. Viewtiful Joe
Stylish, weird, and unapologetically over-the-top, Viewtiful Joe burst onto the GameCube as part of Capcom’s bold Capcom Five. Directed by Hideki Kamiya, it mixed superhero flair with side-scrolling beatdowns and cinematic powers like slow-mo and zoom.
Longplay of Viewtiful Joe by LongplayArchive
16. Parasite Eve
Before Resident Evil ruled horror, Parasite Eve crept in with mitochondrial monsters and a sci-fi mystery set in a melting New York. Square’s bold M-rated gamble paid off—until the sequels lost their footing. Parasite Eve II shifted gears, and The 3rd Birthday went full identity crisis.
PARASITE EVE (1998) GAMEPLAY | DISC 1 by Neuro Trauma Network
17. Resistance
Resistance threw players into a grim 1950s where humanity fought the Chimera with gritty determination and weapons only Insomniac could dream up. The trilogy ended with Resistance 3, but its universe still buzzes with untapped lore. A franchise this bold shouldn’t stay buried in history.
RESISTANCE: Insomniac's "WW2 with Aliens" Trilogy | A Gaming Retrospective by RedScotGaming
18. Skate
While others chased arcade-style chaos, Skate nailed the feel of real street skating—one flick, one bail at a time. Its analog control scheme and the mod-friendly community turned Skate 3 into a cult classic, glitchy charm and all. It's yet to be seen if the newest iteration of the Skate franchise will live up to its beloved predecessors and serve as a true return to form for the series.
I Played skate. EARLY! | skate. Gameplay Overview! By The Hippy Jump Podcast
19. Advance Wars
Advance Wars hit the Game Boy Advance in 2001 with adorable sprites hiding brutally smart tactics. Unit counters, terrain advantages, and clever commanders made every move matter. Now, fans want more than a remake—they want war plans worth drafting again.
Longplay of Advance Wars (1/3 - Main Campaign) by LongplayArchive
20. Okami
Released in 2006 by Clover Studio, Okami fused Japanese folklore, divine wolves, and brushstroke magic into a living ink painting. After years of ports and prayers, Capcom finally answered—Okami is officially back in the works.
