The Forgotten 8: Franchises Surprisingly Deprived of a Remastered Collection

Despite the massive expansion in the world of gaming, certain franchises have seemed to fade into oblivion, never having received remastered collections. These franchises once dominated the gaming industry, immersing players in their phenomenal gameplay and captivating settings. Yet they have become somewhat overlooked, despite the potential nestled within them for a triumphant comeback. Let's delve into these 8 franchises, each deserving of a second wind.

1. Champions Of Norrath

Champions Of Norrath was an Action RPG developed by Snowblind Studios for the PlayStation 2. This franchise successfully managed to blend the thrill of hack-and-slash gaming with a robust role-playing system. It was set in the EverQuest universe, with multiple races and class options that provided a myriad of ways to approach the game.

Pros:

• Immersive gameplay.
• Rewarding character progression system.
• Appealing cooperative play.

Cons:

• Sometimes cumbersome user interface.
• Poor pathfinding AI for followers.

2. inFamous

The inFamous series, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, was a cornerstone of the PlayStation 3 era. The game allowed players to control a protagonist who had superpowers, making moral decisions that impacted the story and gameplay. Unfortunately, it never got a remastered collection for the newer generation consoles despite its gripping gameplay and solid storytelling.

Pros:

• Interesting story and characters.
• Dynamic morality system.
• Engaging action sequences.

Cons:

• Repetitive side missions.
• Limited customization options.

3. Resistance

The Resistance series shows Insomniac Games' deft touch in creating substantial, compelling shooter experiences. Set against the backdrop of an alternate history, this First-Person Shooter engaged players with its intense action and unique weapons. Despite its appeal, it has yet to see a remastered treatment.

Pros:

• Excellent story and universe.
• Varied and satisfying weaponry.

Cons:

• Aging graphics.
• Limited multiplayer maps.

4. Shadow Hearts

Quite an underappreciated gem, Shadow Hearts conveyed an engaging combination of traditional RPG elements with an ingenious judgment-ring system for combat. Furthermore, the eerie, historical settings provided a distinctive flavor that set it apart from other RPGs.

Pros:

• Engrossing story and characters.
• Unique combat mechanics.

Cons:

• Less than stellar graphics.
• Infrequent save points.

5. Super Smash Bros.

The iconic Super Smash Bros. franchise has delivered countless hours of fun, combining some of the biggest names in the Nintendo universe with exceptional fighting mechanics. Despite its clear commercial and critical success, we're still waiting for a full remastered collection.

Pros:

• Massive character roster.
• Fun, competitive gameplay.

Cons:

• Unbalanced character abilities.
• Limited single-player content.

6. TimeSplitters

TimeSplitters encapsulated the joy of old-school arcade shooters, offering exhilarating action that was both fun and challenging. The franchise had a unique time-traveling story mode, complemented by a variety of polished multiplayer modes.

Pros:

• Fun, fast-paced gameplay.
• A vast array of distinct weapons.

Cons:

• Imprecise shooting mechanics.
• Outdated AI.

7. Twisted Metal

Twisted Metal is an action-packed vehicular combat series that has left fans begging for a comeback. This franchise offered chaotic car combat with a variety of characters and vehicles, each with its own twisted backstory.

Pros:

• Fun, chaotic gameplay.
• Variety of vehicles and weapons.

Cons:

• Lackluster single-player campaign.
• Control issues.

8. Xenosaga

The Xenosaga trilogy was a sci-fi epic that plunged players into a sprawling narrative with deeply complex mechanics. Its intricate narrative and character development were unforgettable, making the lack of a modern remaster or port all the more baffling.

Pros:

• Deep, immersive narrative.
• Complex RPG mechanics.

Cons:

• Slow-paced gameplay.
• Overly complicated for some.

In conclusion, it's clear that each of these forgotten franchises holds the potential for an invigorating remaster. Their unique narratives, charming quirks, and thoroughly enjoyable gameplay make them viable candidates for a revival in the modern gaming industry. Among these, the highest user reviews seem to gravitate toward Super Smash Bros., championing it as a franchise most deserving of a dreamy remaster. Here's hoping that these gems get the recognition they deserve sooner rather than later.