Friday, 11 Oct 2024

10 RPG Franchises That Could Make a Comeback

These days, the gaming world is full of possibilities, thanks to crowdfunding and social media. Long-forgotten series are being revived, like Shenmue 3 and the Nier and SaGa franchises from Square Enix. This got us thinking about the RPGs we miss and would love to see return. Here are 10 RPG franchises we believe still have potential to thrive.

Chrono Trigger/Cross

The Chrono games are timeless classics that have stood the test of time. A new generation could benefit from experiencing this series. The vibrant art style, fantastic music, and the opportunity to recruit a variety of characters and travel through different eras make Chrono Trigger/Cross an exciting prospect.

Dark Cloud

Dark Cloud was a fantastic series that ended too soon. The customization options, entertaining city building, and hack-and-slash combat made it a hit. With its recent availability on PSN, new fans are discovering the franchise. Hopefully, Level-5 will consider returning to Dark Cloud and continue building on its success.

Earthbound

Earthbound had its own unique flavor and humor that set it apart from generic RPGs. The zany series never took itself too seriously and had a real-world setting filled with pop culture references. While the chances of a revival seem slim, the dedicated fan base and recent re-releases prove the enduring popularity of Earthbound. It would be great to see the characters and world get more love with a brand-new game.

Jade Empire

Jade Empire is a universe filled with untapped potential. The mythical China backdrop, multidimensional characters, and great dialogue made this game stand out. BioWare, the developer, has expressed interest in returning to Jade Empire, and the team’s experience with recent RPGs like Dragon Age and Mass Effect would ensure an exciting revival.

Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic

With the recent Star Wars movie frenzy, now is the perfect time to bring back the Knights of the Old Republic series. BioWare’s earlier games in this franchise provided players with a choice between the light and dark side, and introduced intriguing personalities. A new entry in the series would captivate new and old players alike, with BioWare’s expertise in storytelling and science fiction.

Suikoden

Suikoden is known for its political drama and capturing the reality of war. Building up an army and taking on political corruption made this series exciting. Although Konami, the current owner, seems to have shifted away from console gaming and halted development on Suikoden, fans can still hope for a miracle.

Ultima

Ultima is one of the most influential RPG franchises, known for its captivating worlds and deep storytelling. A new entry in this series would be a welcome addition to the current demand for open-world games. Ultima’s living world filled with side quests and rich lore would compete with the big names in the genre.

Vagrant Story

Vagrant Story stood out for its dark storyline and unique gameplay mechanics. It offered a mature storytelling experience and featured unconventional party interaction. The combination of weapon creation, battles, and exploration made this game a treasured classic. It would be great to see a new entry that captures the same atmosphere and takes the series to new heights.

Valkyrie Profile

The Valkyrie Profile games were anything but typical. Inspired by Norse mythology, these games allow players to experience the celestial war through the eyes of Valkyries. The customization options, engrossing storylines, and strategic combat systems set the series apart. It’s time for Valkyrie Profile to continue telling its unique stories.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

Bloodlines provided an exciting and fresh take on being a vampire. The choices players made throughout the game had real consequences, and the different vampire clans added replayability. Despite its technical issues, dedicated fans have kept the game alive with their own fixes. A second game in an open world, with even more choices, would be a fantastic opportunity for this series.

What RPG Franchises Would You Like to See Return?

These are just a few of the RPG franchises we believe still have plenty to offer. From Skies of Arcadia to Shadow Hearts, many worthy series didn’t make the cut. Let us know in the comments which RPG franchises you would like to see return!

FAQs

Q: Will there be a new Chrono Trigger game?

A: While there haven’t been any official announcements, fans are still hopeful for a new installment in the Chrono Trigger series. Only time will tell.

Q: Is there any chance of a Dark Cloud sequel?

A: As of now, there are no plans for a Dark Cloud sequel. However, with the increasing popularity of the franchise, there is always a possibility in the future.

Q: Are there any new Ultima games in development?

A: Richard Garriott, the mastermind behind Ultima, is currently working on a spiritual successor called Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues. Although not a direct sequel, it aims to capture the essence of Ultima.

Q: Will there be a new Valkyrie Profile game?

A: There have been no official announcements regarding a new Valkyrie Profile game. Fans remain hopeful that a third entry, following Lenneth and Silmeria, will be released in the future.

Q: Is there a chance of a Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines sequel?

A: Unfortunately, plans for a Bloodlines sequel were abandoned when the developer, Troika Games, shut down. However, due to the game’s dedicated fan base, it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility.