No matter how successful or beloved a series might be, it still risks being forgotten—either by the public or by its publisher. In the past, we have seen some franchises claw their way back to the spotlight with a well-received reboot—think ofTomb Raider, for example.
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However, there are plenty more titles that have faded into obscurity, and many fans still hope for their return, even if it means starting from scratch.
Here are 10 games that would definitely benefit from a reboot to get them back into the public eye.
10Splinter Cell
Modern Day Ninja
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
Stealth games have always been a niche, yet among them, no character is as iconic as Sam Fisher. TheSplinter Cellseries has long been a cornerstone of the genre, though it has been dormant since 2013.
Now is the time for Sam Fisher’s triumphant return—not merely a facelift but a completely new story and fresh start for the character. This approach would introduce younger players to an important piece of gaming history while embracing modernity.
A few years ago,Ubisoft announced a remakeof the original Splinter Cell, but updates have been few and far between. In my view, a remake alone would not scratch the itch the way a full reboot could.
Come Out of the Shadows!
Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
If you love stealth games but aren’t thrilled by the modern espionage angle of Splinter Cell, there’s another, even older franchise that’s long overdue for a comeback.
InTenchu, you stalk the shadowed corridors of feudal Japan, striking down corrupt lords and twisted foes without a sound. Stealth, trickery, and a hint of mysticism are the names of the game, and the roots ofmodern stealth-based games can be traced back to this franchise, among others—likeThief.
Stealth action games have always been a niche genre, and despite its devoted fanbase, the Tenchu franchise eventually became less relevant. That’s why I believe we should bring it back with all the bells, whistles, and modern design philosophies—reviving its spirit while placing it back in the spotlight.
On second thought, putting it in the spotlight might be less than ideal for a stealth game.
Breakneck Anti-Gravity Speed
It’s crazy to think how many players know Captain Falcon only throughSuper Smash Bros. For those who don’t know, he’s one of the characters from Nintendo’s futuristic racing series,F-Zero—and they were amazing games!
F-Zero was all about high speed and stunning presentation, with a hearty dose of humor sprinkled throughout. The series was beloved by players and critics alike, even though it always lived in the shadow of the bigger racing juggernaut on Nintendo systems—the one and onlyMario Kart.
In today’s gaming landscape, F-Zero would definitely have more room to shine. A fresh start for the series could introduce a new generation to this wonderful, time-lost gem.
7Legacy of Kain
We Need More Kain and Raziel
Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain
The recent remakes of the two chapters ofLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaverhave been fantastic yet bittersweet. They reminded me of theLegacy of Kainseries as a whole—games that were atmospheric and brilliant, yet abandoned since 2003 (if we excludeNosgoth, as we should).
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A rebooted series could retell the story of Kain’s rise with modern visuals, mechanics, and design philosophies. It would be wonderful to see Raziel return, offering a fresh perspective on thetale of betrayal and strifebetween the two.
Legacy of Kain is one of the series I feel most attached to, and I’m not alone in wishing it received the love it deserves.
6TimeSplitters
Time To Go Back (In Time)
TimeSplitters
The original TimeSplitters was a beloved first-person shooter, particularly celebrated for itsoutstanding multiplayer component.
However, it was TimeSplitters 2 that truly cemented the franchise as a cult classic. Its fast-paced gameplay, witty humor, and engaging campaign made it one of the most cherished FPS titles of its era.
Fans have long yearned for a reboot of this time-traveling, irreverent shooter—and we nearly got there.
A reboot was reportedly in development for several years before it was unceremoniously scrapped, with the only evidence of its existence being a leaked five-minute gameplay video on LinkedIn from an early alpha version.
Now, the hope is that another studio will pick up the project or even acquire the IP and start from scratch. We can only pray.
5Earthworm Jim
Crawling His Way Back
Earthworm Jim
There was an era - that we ancient ones like to call “the 90s” - when platforming games ruled and video game mascots were at the height of their popularity.
The transition to 3D, enabled by the new generation of consoles, saw the success of mascot platforms—most notably, titles likeSpyroandCrash Bandicootwere born in the third dimension—while older franchises struggled to adapt. In particular, the shift to 3D spelled the end for the Earthworm Jim series.
Earthworm Jim owed its success to its hilarious visual gags combined with excellent platforming action, elements that failed to captivate audiences in a 3D environment as effectively as they did in its original side-scrolling form.
Still, both the character and the series are fondly remembered. Old fans and new players alike would love to see it return. It’s time to give it theRayman Legendstreatment and reboot the series already!
Re-Enter the Gecko
Gex Trilogy
Staying on the topic of mascots, wouldn’t it be great to see more irreverent, wisecracking, TV-obsessed reptilian characters who only speak in one-liners?
Gex is exactly that sort of character—everyone’s heard of him, even if he’s slipped our minds until someone brings him up. During the N64 and PS1 era, Gex really had his moment in the spotlight, with a trilogy of games that many of us still remember fondly.
The thing is, all those pop-culture jokes and TV references worked perfectly in their time, but they’ve aged quite a bit. Today, the original trilogy can feel pretty dated. That’s why a reboot would be so exciting.
Imagine a modern-day Gex tackling levels themed around the internet and streaming platforms instead of old-school television. Let’s have some jokes that will be old in 5 years, accompanied by some awesome wall-crawling, tongue-tossing platforming action.
Go Back to the Zone
Killzonewas once THE PlayStation shooter. With its captivating visual style and futuristic warfare setting, it grabbed the public’s attention right from the get-go.
Over time, however,the series fell dormant. The gaming landscape shifted, shooters evolved, and Killzone just couldn’t keep up with the competition, especially for a title gated by platform exclusivity.
The times are mature to unleash Killzone again. Just put it on PlayStation 5 and Steam with crossplay and maybe a co-op campaign, modernize the gameplay, and let people enjoy the FPS they have been waiting for since Killzone: Shadow Fall.
The Only Time We Can Be Pro-Bullying
It will always be a mystery to me why Rockstar only made oneBullygame—especially when a sequel was already in the works before it got canceled. I get that focusing on that money-printing machine that we callGTA Onlinemakes sense from a business standpoint, but come on, throw us a bone!
Bully is unforgettable. It delivered a satirical take on schoolyard dynamics and offered a unique spin on the open-world genre—kind of like a “smaller-scale GTA.” The game was critically acclaimed and quickly became a cult classic. Yet, despite its success, it was left on the backburner after just one release. Sure, it was profitable, but it just couldn’t compete with the colossal sales of Grand Theft Auto orRed Dead Redemption.
Maybe too much time has passed for a direct sequel, but a reboot—with a new main character and a fresh setting—could really breathe new life into the series and tap into the eager demand from fans waiting for more Bully.
1Viewtiful Joe
The Most Stylish Action
Viewtiful Joe
When the “Spectacle Action” genre is mentioned, the usual suspects are titles likeDevil May CryorBayonetta. But for older gamers from the GameCube era, there’s another name that comes to mind: the little series called Viewtiful Joe.
Viewtiful Joeis a side-scrolling action game where style and spectacle take center stage. Thrust into the world of movies, the titular Joe finds himself donned in a superhero costume and armed with a unique set of abilities: MOVIE POWERS.
Our hero uses slow motion and fast-forward mechanics to manipulate enemies and the environment. This innovative twist allows him to launch foes across the screen, deflect bullets, and much more.
A reboot after all these years would be a no-brainer. Thanks to its cell-shaded art style, the visuals have aged gracefully, and it would feel right at home if released today. A fresh start for the series would give Dante and Bayonettaa run for their money—and I’m here for it.
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