Sony’s name has long been synonymous with groundbreaking and memorable video game franchises, earning a celebrated position in the industry. Titles like Uncharted, God of War, and The Last of Us haven’t just achieved critical acclaim; they’ve also seen phenomenal commercial success. Despite this impressive track record, some of Sony’s other beloved franchises seem to have faded into the background, with several not having a fresh installment for over a decade.
Sony embarked on its gaming journey in 1994 with the launch of the original PlayStation, marking the start of an incredible story. The ensuing years saw Sony solidify its position as a leader in gaming, with not only its consoles but also a rich array of games. Among these, Uncharted, God of War, and The Last of Us standout, though Sony’s gaming portfolio is vast and not restricted to these few. Sadly, many unique series have been left collecting dust, overlooked despite their past glories.
Take the Killzone series, for instance. This franchise made its debut in 2004 on the PlayStation 2, intended as Sony’s answer to Halo. Though its start was bumpy, the series found its stride with its follow-up entries on the PS3. Set against the backdrop of an intense intergalactic war between the ISA and Helghan Empire, Killzone delivered a stark, apocalyptic tone with a dose of ferocious violence. Killzone 2 and 3, in particular, were highly praised for their innovation, visuals, and engaging multiplayer. Killzone Shadow Fall, released in 2013, shifted tones and, while striking with its visuals, received mixed reviews regarding its story and gameplay. Since Guerrilla Games’ pivot to the Horizon series, Killzone has been silent, leaving fans speculating about its future.
Similarly enigmatic is the fate of MediEvil. Capturing the essence of Tim Burton’s stylistic visions in video game form, MediEvil brought its quirky Halloween-themed charm to the PlayStation back in 1998. Players took on the role of the resurrected knight, Sir Daniel Fortesque, battling through the whimsical yet eerie Kingdom of Gallowmere. Although the series received a welcome remake in 2020 for the PS4, there’s currently no indication of a new installment.
LittleBigPlanet is another cherished name, debuting on the PS3 in 2008. This game, developed by Sony and Media Molecule, quickly became a favorite for its innovative approach to gaming. With a focus on letting players express unlimited creativity, the tagline “Play. Create. Share.” rightly captured the spirit of the series. However, aside from a handful of spin-offs, there’s been no major entry in the series since LittleBigPlanet 3, and recent steps like delisting the game suggest we may not see a return.
The Infamous series from Sucker Punch also seems to have been parked for now. Known for its unique blend of superhero adventures and choice-driven storytelling, Infamous gave players the power to define their hero or villain path, influencing the game’s world and mechanics. Despite its early success and high praise, the series seems to be on indefinite hold after the PS4’s Infamous First Light.
Jak and Daxter, once a major part of the gaming landscape on the PS2, found life at the hands of Naughty Dog. Known for their engaging platforming and vibrant worlds, the series’ light-hearted charm hasn’t been seen in original form for nearly 15 years. Given Naughty Dog’s pivot to more mature narratives, such as The Last of Us, a return seems unlikely.
Motorstorm brought thrilling, high-stakes off-road racing to the forefront starting in 2006. But after the closure of Evolution Studios in 2016, any new installment became a distant possibility, leaving fans missing the adrenaline rush the franchise provided.
Lastly, Sly Cooper, the stealth-based master thief and raccoon, was a staple for many on the PS2. Despite an exciting lineup of heist-driven adventures, the series has been inactive since 2013, depriving fans of new escapades from Sly and his gang.
While Sony continues to thrive with new titles and ventures, a look back at their legacy invites nostalgia and hope that some of these beloved series might return, bringing with them the joys of past gaming adventures.
