2024 proved a somewhat disappointing year for gaming, with numerous cancelled, delayed, and buggy releases. As gamers eagerly anticipate 2025, discussions on social media reveal a strong desire for the revival of several beloved franchises. Following The Game Awards’ inquiry about comeback hopes, a few key titles consistently top players’ wishlists, ranging from long-dormant classics to those with more recent, less-favored entries.
Jak and Daxter: A Platforming Legend Awaits Revival
Jak and Daxter Games
The iconic duo, Jak and Daxter, once dominated the platforming genre with their unique blend of action, racing, and puzzles, cultivating a devoted fanbase. Debuting in 2001 on the PS2, the franchise saw several successful sequels, with the last new entry arriving in 2009. While re-releases have graced newer consoles, the initially planned Jak and Daxter 4 never materialized. The overwhelming fan demand for a 2025 return suggests a new adventure would be warmly welcomed.
Rayman: A Classic Platformer Deserves a Comeback
Rayman Legends
Evoking nostalgia for the PlayStation/Game Boy Advance era, the Rayman series remains a fan favorite. While spin-offs like the 2023 Rayman in the Phantom Show DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope continue, the last main story installment, Rayman Legends, dates back to 2013. The fanbase clearly craves a return to the core series and its original protagonist, with rumors hinting at the possibility.
Sly Cooper: The Thieving Raccoon Ready for a Heist
Sly Cooper™ and the Thievius Raccoonus
Another PS2-era gem, Sly Cooper, stars an anthropomorphic raccoon thief, captivating players with platforming and puzzle-solving gameplay. The last installment, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, released in 2013. While rumors of film or TV adaptations have surfaced, fans primarily yearn for a new video game entry.
Half-Life: A Call for a Traditional FPS Revival
Half-Life Screenshot
Following a lackluster year for first-person shooters (FPS) in 2024, fans are increasingly vocal about their desire for a new Half-Life game. Valve’s series masterfully blends compelling storytelling with engaging FPS gameplay, a combination that feels increasingly rare. While the 2020 VR prequel, Half-Life: Alyx, offered a new experience, many gamers are eager for a traditional FPS sequel, as Half-Life 2: Episode Two from 2007 remains their last traditional entry.
Unreal Tournament: A Multiplayer Legend’s Return Beckons
Unreal Tournament 3
The Unreal series, particularly Unreal Tournament, holds a special place in gaming history. Its multiplayer arena FPS action, with bot matches for single-player practice, remains highly regarded. With 2024’s disappointing FPS releases, nostalgia for Unreal Tournament is palpable. The last installment, Unreal Tournament 3, released in 2007, with a more recent project shelved in favor of Fortnite Battle Royale. Fans remain hopeful for a true revival of the franchise.
Splinter Cell: Stealth Action Awaits Reactivation
Splinter Cell Blacklist
Splinter Cell puts players in the shoes of Sam Fisher, a covert operative tasked with thwarting terrorist plots. This stealth action series, however, has been dormant since 2013’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist. While Ubisoft announced a remake of the original game, its future remains uncertain amid industry fluctuations, with little information shared since 2021. Fans anxiously await updates on the franchise’s future.
Shenmue: A Martial Arts Epic Deserves Continuation
Shenmue 1 and 2
Martial arts enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a new Shenmue game. This ambitious open-world fighter RPG, despite a dedicated fanbase, faced commercial challenges. After Shenmue II, the franchise remained largely inactive until a crowdfunding campaign brought Shenmue III to life in 2019. The 2022 anime adaptation demonstrates the enduring fanbase, fueling hopes for another video game entry.
