A heart greeting to all our fellow classic video game fans clamoring for a comeback. Today we look at the long-lost video game franchises that desperately need or rather deserve a modern rendition. Whether it’s a revival and continuation or a remake from the ground up, now’s the perfect time to do it.
So, today’s list is all about 15 of the most epic and awesomely dope video game series that are overdue for a comeback like yesterday! We’re going for the most obvious choices but also throwing in a few surprise choices to keep you all guessing. After all, that’s the most fun part about these lists.
Which Classic Video Games Should Get A Comeback?
Before we dive into today’s selection of classic games that deserve a comeback, let’s set a few ground rules. It’s important because, without them, some of the more deserving franchises might still not get the spotlight. So, we’re going for games that most ’90s and 2000s gamers will be well aware of.
Another rule is that the classic video games we’re picking for revival should have a gripping quality to them. Whether it’s a unique story and premise, innovative game mechanics at the time, or even if just the entire presentation style felt fresh, there has to be a hook. Anything less, and well, the game’s better off in obscurity and does not need a revival. Alright, so let’s begin our list. Here we go!
15. Half-Life
We’re kicking off the party of classic video games that need a comeback with Half-Life. If you don’t know about this series, you should definitely check it out; it’s especially easy to find on PC. Don’t worry; we’ll give a brief overview to whet your appetite. Half-Life is a first-person shooter with a heavy emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and of course, combat.
You play as Gorden Freeman, a scientist who becomes a badass throughout the course of the game. You don’t see that these days, do you? Also, Half-Life has a plot with heavy intrigue; there’s loads of world-building and lore that add layers to the story. It’s similar to our favorite mystery games, where things don’t become clear right away.
Half-Life was a game-changing FPS title that’s now a classic, with only two mainline games so far and one spin-off. Valve! If you’re reading this! We want that Half-Life 3, dammit! It’s such a gripping classic video game series that it should get a comeback.
14. Shinobi
The Shinobi video games series has a classic vibe because of its 2D origins on Sega Saturn, that we want to see get a comeback. There have been numerous entries both in 2D and a few in 3D as well. The games usually have a protagonist that works through linear missions and eliminates enemies along the way.
Each stage is full of challenging enemies because they’re many, and their placements require players to think carefully. The combo chains in the 3D game feel incredibly satisfying to pull off, and in the 2D Shinobi games, you must use precision to dodge and then attack when the opening presents itself. The titular Shinobi has shurikens, his sword, and of course, ninjutsu at his disposal.
The gameplay of the Shinobi video games is super fun and will leave players wanting more from the classic series, which is why we want a comeback. Another great thing about Shinobi is that, while it’s challenging, if you die during the boss fight, the game’s not as punishing. You don’t have to go through the entire stage again as you restart from the boss fight. It’s refreshing, honestly.
13. Twisted Metal
Twisted Metal is a classic video game series that’s a guilty pleasure, and we want it to have a comeback. The last entry was when Sony was pumping out the greatest PS3 games of all time, for crying out loud! The vehicular combat games are non-stop chaotic fun that you can’t get enough of. It’s infuriating that Sony’s put Twisted Metal on the shelf for so long. Thankfully, with the tv series now streaming, a new entry isn’t that far off.
Twisted Metal is exactly what it advertises itself to be, a huge wreck fest. Players bash their vehicles. There are powers and upgrades to enhance the damage output and be the last survivor on the battlefield. There’s a compelling narrative to go along with the fun gameplay as well. A supernatural entity known as Calypso is gathering willing participants to compete, with the prize being whatever they wish, if they survive.
Let’s just say the adage, be careful what you wish for, holds true for each one of the contestants of Twisted Metal. There’s a cinematic ending for each character. Speaking of characters, Sweet Tooth is the most uniquely looking and fits the theme of the game so well that he’s the poster guy for the classic video game series, so we’re asking, nay, demanding a comeback for Twisted Metal.
12. Dark Cloud
If you’re into action role-playing video games, you’re aware of the classic Dark Cloud series and pining for its comeback, like us! Dark Cloud is one of the more memorable PS2-era JRPGS, combining excellent gameplay mechanics with a highly enjoyable storyline. The game also introduced a sort of city-building mechanic. Unheard of at the time, yet many players took a liking to it.
Dark Cloud has a great soundtrack and a unique progression system. The characters don’t level up in the traditional sense; rather, their weapons do. Also, the weapon enhancements paths are another innovative feature of Dark Cloud. You need to be wary of the newer weapon’s durability. If it breaks during fights, it immediately gets removed, and players won’t be able to use it for that playthrough.
Dark Cloud has a hauntingly mesmerizing soundtrack, which adds a level of immersion for players. The story involves supernatural elements, so the music goes well with the game design and creates an authentically thematic ambiance. Dark Cloud is one of those great classic video game series that we’re practically begging Sony to give a comeback to.
11. Jade Empire
It’s a shame there’s no sequel to Jade Empire. It’s one of those excellent video games that can become a full series if it gets the proper comeback treatment like other classics recently. Jade Empire was unlike anything else at the time. The players can shape the story and the gameplay experience with dialogue choices. The combat system, in particular, was truly exceptionally sublime.
Jade Empire puts players in the shoes of the Spirit Monk, which really was the name of any one of the six playable characters. In Jade Empire, the bulk of the gameplay revolves around combat and exploration. Each playable character has a flashy skill set and fighting style, making the gameplay experience diverse and unique. The time comes to a crawl, allowing for a fair bit of strategizing during fights.
Speaking of strategizing, both players and the ally in the story can fight various enemies. Expect a lot of dodging, parrying, and guard-breaking moves that players need to master. To be honest, Jade Empire never feels cumbersome; it’s a fun time from start to finish. We wish Jade Empire becomes a video game series like our favorite 2023 Xbox side-scrolling games that are seeing a comeback renaissance.
10. Clock Tower
Clock Tower is one the greatest classic horror video game series of all time, and we’ll support its comeback in a heartbeat. The Clock Tower series is infamous for making players pause through its signature scary atmosphere. Players must explore the environments thoroughly and look for clues to solve puzzles. Sometimes there is a lot of backtracking to open up new paths and find shortcuts.
Clock Tower games have traditionally been point-and-clink during the original run but later evolved to 3D-style exploration gameplay. The one thing that was kept intact was the horror factor. You will see some of the most disturbing and grotesque enemies in gaming, and they’ll come after the player character relentlessly.
If you’ve got a weak tolerance and scare easily, avoid Clock Tower because it’s up there with terrifying Xbox 360 horror games. Clock Tower doesn’t necessarily rely on jumpscares and cheap tricks. Rather, it’s a slow descent into the bizarre and disturbing world. The psychological horror aspect of the Clock Tower series makes the games instant classic video games that should get a comeback.
9. Dino Crisis
With Capcom’s recent track record of remaking classic video game series, a proper Dino Crisis comeback will blow fans’ minds. We’re fans of the original Dino Crisis games and would love nothing more than see their modern iteration in the Resident Evil engine. We’re also hoping to see Regina back; the flame-haired beauty is an integral part of what makes Dino Crisis so memorable. Well, that, and scarce ammo, and terrifying dinos.
Regina and her squadmates go on a covert recovery mission to rescue a scientist who’s running tests on an island with time-tampering potential. Naturally, as you can hazard a guess, things go south, and the simple task becomes a lot more complex since there are colossal carnivorous reptiles, a.k.a, Dinosaurs roaming the island. If you like dinosaurs in your games, you’ll love games like ARK: Survival Evolved.
Anyway, in Dino Crisis, players must avoid contact with the dinosaurs as much as possible. Easier said than done because the dinosaurs are numerous and have different types. Also, the injury and mechanics aren’t straightforward. You need to stop the bleeding if you get bit. Otherwise, dinos can track you and hunt you. Dino Crisis is such a breath of fresh air, even among classic video game series, that we want it to have a comeback.
8. Bully
For this next entry on our list of classic video game series that deserve a comeback, we have Bully. If you’re not aware, this is another one-off game from Rockstar that, sadly, is the least likely ever to get a sequel. Bully brings such an original and thematically different gameplay from anything else before or since. The best way to sum it up would be GTA high-school.
Now, if that concept intrigues you, good! Cause we’re about to fanboy all over it. Bully follows troublemaker with a heart of gold Jimmy Hopkins as he navigates the Bullworth Academy social hierarchy to climb to the top. He will bully the bullies if push comes to shove and make deals where necessary to play pranks on those who are harsh and stuck-up. To that end, Jimmy has firecrackers, stink bombs, and even spud guns.
Jimmy can also use wrestling moves and special attacks with hilarious animations to give his opponents wedgies, willies, and even noogies. Among other things, he can even throw eggs at their faces. The point is, Bully is awesome, and we want this classic video game to become a series with a comeback asap! So, take our money, Rockstar! But give us a Bully 2!
7. Sly Cooper
For our next choice of classic video games that need a comeback badly, we have the Sly Cooper series. It’s one of the more underrated of Sony’s first-party mascots, but if you’re a fan of games where you play an animal hero, you’ll love Sly Cooper. Players take on the role of Sly, the craft anthropomorphic raccoon who also happens to be a master thief.
The gameplay elements heavily revolve around sneaking and avoiding enemy contact at much as possible. Players complete levels by clearing puzzles and silently taking out hostile enemies. Through levelling up, players can unlock new upgrades that make the game’s traversal and mission completion much more manageable. Sly Cooper also happens to have one of the most memorable pairings in video games, Sly and Carmelita.
Yep, our buy Sly is a smooth operator. Anyway, Sly also has thief senses which highlight interactive objects. Players can use it to navigate areas and create distractions where necessary to clear the path to the next section of the level. Sly Cooper is a classic and jolly series of video games that we love dearly and wish would get the comeback treatment.
6. Perfect Dark
Entering proudly on our list of classic video game series that need the comeback spotlight, we have Perfect Dark. The incomparable Joana Dark is long overdue to get her time to shine. The Perfect Dark series has some of the most compelling character-driven stealth games of all time. The game is a masterclass in narrative and plot twists with solid FPS gameplay and top-tier level designs.
The game isn’t linear; well, the story is, but not the gameplay itself. Players have the freedom to complete objectives at their own pace and in any order they see fit. Enemies are diverse and use quite a few strategies to force the players out of cover. The weapons in Perfect Dark have a unique feel to them. Each one fires differently with special sound effects, adding the immersion.
In addition, Perfect Dark can be made more challenging if you desire, by completely playing a passive run. You can knock enemies out instead of killing them. Players will have a blast seeing the action unfold as the graphics and gameplay are spectacular. So, until the Perfect Dark reboot finally gets a release date, we’re gonna advocate for the classic video game series to get a proper comeback.
5. Tenchu
Another fantastic classic video game series that’s on ice these days, but we want it to have a comeback, is Tenchu. This series is a more in-depth action stealth game, where you need to utilize the cover of darkness and your environment properly. Players control a variety of protagonists; our favorite one is Ayame, a series mainstay kunoichi who is as deadly as she is gorgeous.
Tenchu is known for a challenging experience with brutal executions, and highly immersive gameplay. In the later entries, Tenchu also tasks players with not only eliminating enemies but hiding their corpses as well. Enemies will patrol the grounds, and any sign of disturbance will alert them. Tenchu increases the tension with smart enemy A.I. but then gives players the tools to deal with them to balance things nicely.
Tenchu has several amazing character moments where the protagonists get their time to shine. The level layouts can further change to create various changes, like different enemy placements and enemy types. This gives the Tenchu games excellent replay value. The backdrop of the Tenchu games is more of a supernatural fantasy similar to games like Hogwarts Legacy, except instead of wizards, it’s ninjas.
4. Castlevania
Another major classic video game series that badly needs a new entry to make a comeback with spectacle is the Castlevania series. Whenever there’s a discussion about the best vampire games, Castlevania is usually at the forefront. Rightfully so, too, because Castlevania has a distinct gothic aesthetic, the visual presentation of a timeless era of fictional history, and of course, the prince of darkness, Dracula himself.
Players control a heroic human figure, from the Belmont family of monster hunters, generally. Unless the game has you playing as Dracula’s son, Alucard, who, by the way, is pretty awesome! Anyway, in Castlevania, the gameplay structure is all about either 2D or 3D exploration of various interconnected levels. There are puzzles and unreachable areas at the beginning that unlock after progression, so expect loads of backtracking.
Players get access to upgrades and plenty of new weapons, spells, and abilities that are useful in traversing the environments. Sometimes you also get new attack variations to deal high damage on enemies. Oh, and the soundtracks in Castlevania are stellar! Possessing some of the most iconic tunes, even by classic video game series standards, hence why we want a comeback for it.
3. Ninja Gaiden
Oh, look, another classic video game series that we’re clamouring for to get a comeback, and it’s about ninjas! Are you seeing a pattern here? All kidding aside, though, Ninja Gaiden is pretty dope, and we’re completely justified in demanding a new entry. If you’re into hack-and-slash games, Ninja Gaiden is certainly in contention for the top spot. One look at the gameplay, and you’ll agree to this claim of ours.
Combining the most effective hand-and-slash combos and visceral visuals, Ninja Gaiden supersedes the genre in almost every way. Despite the Ninja Gaiden games now being quite old, they still hold up tremendously well. Offering challenges to soul-like fans and a power fantasy like no other. Ryu Hayabusa, the protagonist of Ninja Gaiden, is a stone cold killer with an honor code. He fights to protect his village and humanity from demons.
Ryu Hayabusa has epic physical prowess and stamina for days. He can even run across bodies of water, and perform physics defying acrobatic traversal that’ll leave you speechless. That’s not even getting into the level 3 charged attacks and ninpo that Ryu can use, which can effectively devastate large groups of enemies. Long story short, the next instalment in the classic Ninja Gaiden video game series is due for a comeback.
2. Marvel Vs. Capcom
For our runner-up choice we’ve got a classic video game series that’s ripe for a comeback. Its been ages since we got a proper numbered sequel for Marvel Vs. Capcom franchise. Marvel Vs. Capcom is arguably the most accessible, and quite possibly the greatest fighting game series of all time, at least for us. If you’re new to fighting games, and want to test the waters, Marvel Vs. Capcom is the best one to go with.
It’s not overly complex, but if you’re willing to go the extra mile and learn the moves of the specific characters, the game can feel highly rewarding. Another reason Marvel Vs. Capcom ranks so highly for us in the roster of its characters. If you love Spiderman, Dr. Doom, Iron Man, Thor, Magneto, or Mega Man, Dante, Akuma, or even Morrigan, all of them and the rest of the gang’s all present in Marvel Vs. Capcom.
The combos and ultimate attacks are not only visually epic, but they pack a surprising punch as well. With three-on-three team fights, there’s loads of strategy and synergy that help extend attacks and keep the opponents locked and staggered. We’re OG fans of the Marvel Vs Capcom series. It’s classic and ranks among the top PS1 fighting video games ever that need a comeback. Capcom, Marvel, time to do business!
1. Legacy Of Kain
Finally! We get to gush about our top choice for the classic video game series that deserves a comeback. Our fellow gamers, we present to you, Legacy Of Kain, the single greatest saga of time travel, in all of fiction. The themes of betrayal, the delivery of the eloquent Shakespearean dialogue, the intrigue of the plot and the twists that unravel masterfully, all make Legacy Of Kain excellence exemplified.
Gameplaywise, Legacy Of Kain games, aside from the first one have a third-person action-adventure vibe with puzzle solving elements. Players control either Raziel in the Soul Reaver games or Kain in the Blood Omen games. Both fall under the Legacy Of Kain umbrella. The puzzle solving is fun and engaging, and requires players to use every ability to overcome obstacles.
The boss fights in Legacy Of Kain have a cinematic vibe, and offer interesting ways to best them. Unquestionably, the biggest appealing component of Legacy Of Kain is its narrative. Few games have the brilliant writing that matches Legacy Of Kain. The journeys of the protagonists wraps up nicely, but there are still questions left unanswered, and its been far too long. The fandom demands a grand comeback of this all time classic video game series.
Final Thoughts On Classic Video Games That Should Comeback
Wow, that was a fun ride, wasn’t it? We still can’t believe it’s been so long since we got a new entry from any of today’s classic games that are due for a comeback. So, what’s the verdict here, folks? Do you agree with our picks? Think we’re missing any of your fan favorites? Rant and fire away your rage in the comments below; we look forward to the fireworks.
And if your itch for retro gaming is still lingering, well, don’t worry; we’ve got something for that. Check out our top 10 classic Xbox games of all time; it’ll tide you over until next time. Well, that’s all we have for you today, so take care,ne, and happy gaming to all!
