10 Forgotten Video Games That Deserve a Comeback

Video Games have come a long way since the release of the first-ever Tennis for Two game in 1958. Now, decades later, video games have evolved into realistic graphics, expansive worlds, niche genres, and narratives that put Hollywood movies to shame. Among millions of video games, there are a few gems lost in time that truly deserve to see the light of day again in some form or manner. With fan favourites and classics, we have listed 10 Forgotten Video Games that deserve a comeback. Let’s go down memory lane and explore some of the lost gems in gaming.

1. IGI

Releasing way back in 2000, Project IGI was a stealth-based tactical first-person shooter that combined strategy and stealth in an intense tactical environment. You played as a former SAS soldier in realistic open-world maps with a strict emphasis on tactical planning over guns-blazing action. The game demanded patience from the player, the game lacked save points, which added to the difficulty. Players widely praised the game for its tactical and strategic gameplay, but the series didn’t develop much further beyond a sequel that received mixed reviews.

A new title, IGI Origins, announced in 2019, promises fans a modern revival of the series with enhanced graphics, polished mechanics, and an expanded IGI universe. However, with the release date still unconfirmed, it remains uncertain when this long-awaited return will finally arrive, leaving fans eager but unsure about the series’ future.

2. Freedom Fighters

One of the most underrated games on the list, Freedom Fighters is a third-person shooter set in an alternative Cold War timeline with the Soviet Union invading America. Players step into the role of a plumber-turned-resistance leader, leading the charge to repel a Soviet invasion of New York by reclaiming major landmarks and iconic locations throughout the city. Freedom Fighters combines squad-based tactical gameplay in an urban setting, giving players the ability to recruit and command a small group of resistance fighters and fight their way through the soviet onslaught.

The game earned praise for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline, following protagonist Christopher Stone as he transforms into a symbol of American resilience against the Soviet forces. Developed by IO Interactive, the game never received a direct sequel as the studio shifted focus to the Hitman Series. A remake of this classic with modern graphics and updated gameplay mechanics will surely put some modern third-person shooters to shame.

3. Red Faction

Are you telling me joining a rebellion against an oppressing corporation set on Mars in a dystopian future isn’t a good idea for a game? Red Faction revolutionized in-game environmental destruction, which reshaped future games in the genre and overall gaming. This level of environmental destruction opened up creative approaches to gameplay, such as creating your own path through obstacles or outsmarting enemies by collapsing structures. A revival of the series with the use of modern hardware will be interesting. With the last game released in 2011, the series has stayed dormant, leading publisher THQ to cancel further titles with only a remaster to show for titled Red Faction: Guerrilla in 2018.

4. Midnight Club

If there was an open-world street “racing” game, then it surely was The Midnight Club series, letting players race through cityscapes from LA to Tokyo. These games stood out for delivering adrenaline-pumping high-speed action, offering extensive customization options, and featuring officially licensed cars. The series features open-world city driving, allowing players to drive through cityscapes, take shortcuts, and race at breakneck speeds. Rockstar ended the series after Midnight Club: Los Angeles in 2008, shifting its focus to the GTA and Red Dead series and ultimately sidelining Midnight Club. Fans loved the series for its detailed car customization, which allowed a personal touch, while its realistic yet arcade-style driving mechanics made gameplay both accessible and enjoyable. Looking at the rise of competitors like Forza, Need for Speed, and Rockstar’s release schedule, it seems unlikely that Midnight Club will return.

5. Little Big Adventure 2

A French game released in 1997, also known as Twinsen’s Odyssey, is an action-adventure title that takes the player on an adventurous journey through magical lands to solve puzzles, fight enemies, and explore a charmingly crafted world. The game, overshadowed by the Legend of Zelda series was way ahead of its time and was one of the most ingenuitve video games back then. A revival of the series with updated visuals, refined mechanics, and an expanded story will make adventure game fans fall in love with its unique charm. Little Big Adventure 2 remains a cult classic in fans’ eyes, with the original studio dissolved years ago. Recently, a small team of indie devs began work on a remake for the game, but development updates have been scarce, leaving the future of the series in uncertainty.

6. Portal

Portal has left a mark on the gaming industry and has become a cult classic due to its approach towards gameplay. The game revolutionized the puzzle genre with its Portal mechanics, allowing players to create portals to move objects and navigate across spaces. Its clever physics made it one of the most fun and memorable experiences in video game history. The massive popularity of the title led to a sequel, Portal 2, in 2011.

Both games in the series received equal praise, but the Valve third-installment curse has plagued the series, with no revival or official plans for a third game or remake. Valve’s shift towards online multiplayer games and other projects unfortunately have shelved the series for good.

7. F.E.A.R

The F.E.A.R series of games and specifically the first entry, was a first-person horror shooter game that blended elements of psychological horror with intense action. Players stepped into the boots of special forces operatives, tasked with confronting supernatural threats and spectral beings. The initial titles were a mix of horror elements with advanced AI and bullet time mechanics, providing the perfect atmosphere that kept players on the edge. A modern remake of the series would definitely bring chills to any gamer with more immersive graphics, realistic AI, and advanced sound design, drawing players deeper into its unsettling world of F.E.A.R and all the psychological horrors in it.

8. Manhunt

One of the more controversial games on the list and another Rockstar title, Manhunt, makes the list known for its dark tones and even darker execution methods in the game. Released in 2003, the game sparked controversial reactions from the media, but it garnered a strong fan following. The game uses stealth and brutal gameplay mechanics and puts the player in the shoes of a death row inmate. Manhunt’s core gameplay revolved around survival in a very hostile environment, with the player tasked with creatively dispatching enemies in the most brutal and gruesome ways possible.

Manhunt saw a sequel with Manhunt 2 but with constant media backlash over the game’s gruesome depiction violent acts it became difficult for Rokcstar games to continue the series. Even a remake or a remastered version of the original titles will bring smile on the faces of many gamers as violence in games is yet another medium of the dark storytelling Rockstar was hoping to achieve with the Manhunt games.

9. Killzone

The Killzone series was a benchmark title for the PlayStation 3 and one of the release titles for the PlayStation 4. It is a first-personshooter set in a dystopian future where the player is thrust into an all-out war interplanetary conflict between two factions. Killzone was loved by fans as it was something other than Call of Duty and the Battlefield series offering a more immersive experience when it came to the in-depth narration and personal stories of war.. The series became a flagship for the PlayStation consoles, with Killzone 2 and Killzone 3 becoming the high points for the series. However, the developers, after the launch of Killzone Shadow Fall, shifted focus to Horizon Zero Dawn IP and shut the Killzone website in 2021. A remake or even a new game set in the Killzone universe is much anticipated by fans but a highly unlikely scenario.

10. Army of Two

The original Army of Two breathed fresh air into the genre of cooperative third-person shooters with innovative mechanics like co-op sniping, partner healing and team coordination. The series was loved by a niche audience, and the original title was a hit amongst fans. It was followed by two sequels. The games saw a decline in fanbase and media reception due to mixed reviews. EA shifted their focus to bigger and more developed franchises like the Battlefield and Star Wars games and dropped ideas for any new game in the series. The game if reworked and launched today with modern mechanics, will be a fun addition to co-op shooters with much more replayability options to cater to a much larger audience.

Summary

This treasure trove of classic video games are missed by many and still lives on in some corners of the internet with a loyal following. If given a chance and proper remake value, any of the above titles can surely put modern titles to shame. These forgotten gems have left a mark on the gaming industry, and changing market demands or other factors led to their dormancy. Any revival would be embraced by the fans if delivered properly, but for now, these Top 10 Forgotten Video Games That Deserve a Comeback will remain relics of a different era in gaming. Check out some of these classic right here and enjoy some good old nostalgia with these brilliant video games of a. era long forgotten.