Since the launch of the original PlayStation, first-party intellectual properties (IP) have been integral to the company’s business strategy. Over the years, these franchises have become even more essential, providing a distinctive edge over competitors. However, the visibility and appeal of first-party titles can vary significantly.
Prominent franchises such as God of War, Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Last of Us, and Horizon have become household names. Yet, numerous PlayStation franchises have faded into obscurity. Recent discussions on VGC’s The Video Game Podcast suggest that this situation may be changing. Host Andy Robinson indicated he knows of “at least a couple” of projects involving “deep cut, old IP” that PlayStation is currently developing. This could signal exciting opportunities for the revival of long-forgotten series that fans have missed.
The term “deep cut” refers to titles that are not widely recognized, even among veteran gamers. While franchises like Killzone, Sly Cooper, and Resistance have greatly contributed to PlayStation’s legacy, they may not fully qualify as “deep cuts”due to their familiarity in the gaming community.
Franchises PlayStation Should Consider Reviving
1. Ape Escape
Launched in 1999, Ape Escape was groundbreaking as the first game to require DualShock’s analog sticks. The franchise boasts three mainline titles, with the last one arriving in 2005. While the series temporarily ventured into party games, kart racers, and even an RPG, its core remains the engaging twin-stick gameplay of its mainline installments. With no release for 15 years, the recent nod to the franchise in Astro Bot has rekindled interest, making the concept of a revival particularly appealing.
2. MotorStorm
Although it may not have reached the heights of Nintendo’s Mario Kart, MotorStorm was a formidable contender in the racing genre during the late 2000s and early 2010s. With its debut in 2006 and a total of five installments, the series went dormant in 2012 after the release of MotorStorm: RC on the PS Vita and PS3. Currently, PlayStation lacks a strong arcade-style racing franchise aside from Gran Turismo, presenting an opportunity for MotorStorm’s lively gameplay style to make a comeback.
3. SOCOM
The SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs series left a significant mark as a third-person tactical shooter that ran for nearly a decade, producing 10 titles between 2002 and 2011. Despite a decline in reviews over the years, many fans continue to seek its return. Given the sustained success of similar titles like Rainbow Six Siege, there’s potential for SOCOM to reignite interest in tactical shooters.
4. Buzz!
As a multiplayer quiz sensation, Buzz! captivated audiences during the 2000s, rolling out 14 main entries and 5 spin-offs aimed at younger audiences between 2005 and 2010. In today’s live-service gaming climate, a fresh take on Buzz! as a free-to-play, continuously evolving game could resonate well with both nostalgic fans and new players.
5. Syphon Filter
Widely regarded as a standout title on the original PlayStation, Syphon Filter made a remarkable entry into the stealth shooter genre in 1999. Following several successful sequels and PSP iterations, the franchise ended abruptly in 2007 as developer Bend Studio shifted focus to other projects. With a noticeable gap in AAA stealth titles today, a revival of Syphon Filter could meet a growing demand for compelling stealth gameplay.
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