Bring ‘Em Back Sony!
Sony regularly smashes it out of the park with its exclusives. Franchises like Uncharted and God of War have had a number of sequels on a range of platforms and are rightfully considered pillars of the company. While many of the Japanese giant’s IPs have gone from strength to strength, there are plenty that has been left by the wayside. So, join me as I look at forgotten titles that Sony should revive for the PlayStation 5.
Syphon Filter
Absent since 2007, Syphon Filter is long overdue for a return to consoles. The stealth action adventure saw you take on the role of Gabe Logan, a special agent, who could take down enemies in a slick and stylish manner. Although the genre exploded in the late 90s/early 2000s, there’s currently a gap in the market for a sneaky hero. Reports emerged that Sony approached Bend Studios about a possible reboot but unfortunately, that didn’t come to fruition. However, the fact that they are exploring the possibility suggests that there is still hope that the title will creep back onto the PlayStation in the near future.
Jak and Daxter
It’s an absolute disgrace that Jak and Daxter’s last game was in 2009. Granted, there was a time when every other game released was a 3D platformer, but now, there’s a serious lack of representation of the genre. Comebacks are all the rage, Crash is back on top, heck, even lower-tier characters like Kao the Kangeroo are releasing fun, platform adventures. So, why haven’t we had a game featuring the dynamic duo? Well, one reason is that Naughty Dog has been focusing on creating masterpieces, however, Sony could easily get a different developer to work on a new Jak and Daxter game. Please, make it happen!
Infamous
Superhero movies may have lost their lustre but games featuring comic book icons are at an all-time high. Insomniac’s Spider-Man was a revelation, however, other attempts have yet to reach the same heights. With RockSteady’s Suicide Squad on the way, it makes sense for Sony to re-introduce Cole McGrath and crew. While not based on a comic, the game drew inspiration from the panels. The special powers, open world and strong story combined to offer a great experience that many loved. Dormant since 2014, it’s time for a heroic comeback.
The Order: 1886
Okay, hear me out. Although The Order: 1886 was panned, there were glimmers of greatness within the brief escapade. Not only was it a visual showcase, but the premise and atmosphere were incredible. Roaming around a 19th-century, steampunk-inspired London in search of werewolves was pretty cool. Mechanically the game was tight but mission variety lacked imagination making it quite repetitive. While the game clearly had issues, there’s definitely potential in the idea and I for one would love to see a sequel.
Sly Cooper
Out of Sony’s platformers, Sly Cooper was my favorite. Stealth and platforming merged to create a truly fascinating game that was packed with character. Bentley and Murray not only helped improve the dynamics of the group but they also had unique stages that varied the gameplay. Even though 2013 saw a return of the thief, it wasn’t enough to spark new interest in the franchise. As there has been a resurgence in the genre, surely there’s space for a new adventure featuring the furry mammal?
PaRappa the Rapper
PaRappa the Rapper is iconic with PlayStation, yet they don’t capitalize on the property. Full of personality, the game resonated with audiences due to its sheer goofiness. So, why haven’t we had another game with the rapping pooch? Well, the genre took an almighty decline after players got tired of Guitar Hero-style titles, but now the genre has found a new home: VR. With titles like Beat Saber making waves on the platform, Sony should develop a VR PaRappa the Rapper game to boost interest in the PSVR 2.
Heavenly Sword
Ninja Theory is one of the most underrated developers. DmC: Devil May Cry, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice are modern classics. While they have started to receive their deserved acclaim, Heavenly Sword is still overlooked. Nariko was a wonderful protagonist and Andy Serkis was incredible as the antagonist. The game did have some shoehorned Sixaxis sections, however, the addictive, flashy combat and unique world felt like the beginning of a new franchise. Will we ever see something new in the universe? Probably not, but we can always hope.
Gravity Rush
Originally released on the PS Vita, this game was so good that Sony remastered it for home consoles. The game follows Kat, a young female who can shift gravity. This leads to some incredible gameplay opportunities that made this arguably the best game on the portable device. Unfortunately, the sequel lacked the same originality and vision, however, there is still something in the concept, it just needs another chance.
Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale
There are plenty of Smash Bros. clones but this is the best of the bunch. Icons battling against each other sounds like a great idea but Sony played it a little too safe staying too close to their influences. Even with that in mind, the game had some great elements. The addition of a combo system anchored the game as a fighter and the leveled specials added variety to fights. Releasing a sequel that builds on the foundations of the original and takes the title in a new direction could reignite interest in the fighter.
Killzone
Some shooters feel big and bulky in a great way. Gears of War captures that notion perfectly. The weight of the armor and weapons makes each kill satisfying. While Killzone never reached the same heights, it carries the same ethos. Guerilla Games have moved on to great things with the Horizon series but there is a gap in the market for a first-person shooter of this ilk. Will we ever see the series back on modern consoles? I think so.
Well, that’s my list of classic games that Sony should revive. Do you agree with my picks? Are there any on there that you think should stay locked in the vault? Which games would you add? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for more great video game content.
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