When a game franchise is no longer actively supported by developers or there is a decline in sales over time, a publisher may decide to pull the plugs on it. On Reddit, users not only go down memory lane but also discuss which dead games should be revived.

There are many good choices, but here is a list of the top five franchises that deserve a new lease on life.

American McGee’s Alice


The most recent game on this list, American McGee’s Alice is a third-person action horror game that was released in 2000 by Electronic Arts. It follows our beloved titular character, Alice, who returns to a nightmarish version of Wonderland.

We've covered this game in a previous article, and we can’t help but feel that this game met an untimely end. A third instalment could have unlocked the franchise’s storyline and gameplay potential but the project was ultimately rejected by Electronic Arts.

The franchise’s main developer and creator, American McGee, said in a blog post that he had no intention to make more Alice games, meaning the franchise is essentially dead. It is a shame because a sequel could have attracted the younger generation to delve into and appreciate the game’s stunning visuals and amazing storyline.

SSX

SSX is an abbreviation for Snowboard Supercross, a video game series developed by Electronic Arts Sports that debuted in 2000 for PlayStation 2 and later on various platforms including GameCube and Xbox. The game is known for its arcade-style gameplay with challenging courses, obstacles and tricks. Despite its classic franchise status and large fanbase, the series somehow remains dormant.

The game brings back nostalgic memories of coming home from school and turning on the TV to participate in a freestye snowboarding race with unique courses and challenges. The SSX series has evolved its in-game mechanics over time, giving users total control of avalanches and allowing them to perform stunts and play with friends in multiplayer modes.

However, as gaming audiences and target markets have changed, SSX's arcade-like gameplay has become less popular amongst gamers. More realistic simulation sports games, such as Steep and Riders Republic, have emerged as popular alternatives. Fans of the SSX series on Reddit have expressed their desire for a remastered version of the game, comparing it to the current offerings and finding the classic more fun to play.

Jak and Daxter

This game also brings back many childhood memories as we follow the fantastical adventure of Jak, the main character who harnesses special powers, and Daxter, his best friend. Players control Jak and use his powers to navigate through different levels, solving puzzles and developing strategies to defeat enemies and complete quests. Althoug it has been years since the release of the Jak and Daxter trilogy, the Naughty Dog franchise still has a dedicated fanbase that hopes for a game reboot, and we agree.

Personally, I remember having a great time playing one of the sequels, where I not only used melee attacks but also multiple types of weapons to bring down enemies. I recall staying up all night attempting to defeat one of the thoughest antagonists, Gol. However, if this franchise receives a sequel, I would prefer it to be a bit darker to cater to adults who grew up playing the game.

Even though there haven't been any updates from Naughty Dog or Sony about a reboot or sequels, the director behind the Uncharted movie, Ruben Fleischer, revealed to Digital Trends in 2022 that the beloved game will be getting a screen adaptation.

Bully

Okay, we may have cheated a little with this one because it's not technically a 'franchise', but it definitely should be! Since its release in 2006, Rockstar has remained mostly silent about the game's potential sequel and has focused most of its time and energy on the Grand Theft Auto franchise instead.

Players navigate through Bullworth Academy as the anti-hero Jimmy Hopkins, a high school student forced to change schools after his expulsion. Jimmy tries to take over and climb the school's existing social hierarchy. The game offers detailed graphics and an open-world city where players can skateboard for missions, get a haircut, and race bikes.

However, the game did receive a remake for the Anniversary edition for iOS and Android with enhanced resolution, lighting updates, and improved texture and character models for fans to play on-the-go using mobile devices. But nothing quite scratches the itch like a much-needed sequel to Jimmy's life in Bullworth, or perhaps a story about how he navigates life after graduating from the boarding school.

F-Zero

The iconic Nintendo racing game, the F-Zero franchise, was everyone's favourite game back in the 90s and early 2000s. The futuristic game features hovercraft races with rapid action and an awesome graphic style.

Players race against computer-controlled opponents and avoid obstacles such as landmines and slip zones. The game is known for its high-speed gameplay, requiring players to memorize the track and have fast reflexes. In one of the game's sequels, completing each lap will thrust a speed boost to your hovercraft, and players need to be strategically aware so their vehicle doesn't crash or explode. The difficulty of this game is precisely what makes it fun and addictive, and it desperately needs a comeback.

There have been talks about a Nintendo Switch remaster, but nothing is set in stone yet. Still, we are eagerly anticipating any updates for this one!