For decades, Sony has been a towering presence in the world of gaming, not just because of their legendary PlayStation consoles, but also due to their incredible collection of games. Titles like Uncharted, God of War, and The Last of Us have not only captured the hearts of players globally but have also climbed the charts as critical and commercial juggernauts. However, some of Sony’s franchises, once bustling with life, seem to have faded into the shadows, with some not even seeing a new installment in over ten years.
Sony entered the video game realm when it launched the original PlayStation in 1994, charting a path toward becoming a key player in the industry. Their impact is not limited to hardware alone—they’ve created some of the most iconic gaming titles that have left lasting memories. This legacy, built on the back of longstanding series like Uncharted, God of War, and The Last of Us, demonstrates Sony’s knack for storytelling and immersive gameplay experiences. However, while some franchises continue to thrive, others have sadly been left to gather dust.
Let’s delve into some of these forgotten gems, disregarding spin-offs, remakes, or remasters, and focus solely on the mainline titles.
### 7. Killzone: Sony’s Attempt at a “Halo Killer” Leaves Behind the Gritty Battlefields
The Killzone series first arrived in 2004 on the PlayStation 2, introducing players to an intense FPS experience set amid a sprawling interstellar conflict. While initial reception was lukewarm, the series hit its stride with Killzone 2 and 3 on the PS3. Both titles were praised for their exceptional graphics and gripping multiplayer experiences, showcasing the war-torn landscapes between the ISA and the Helghast.
However, Killzone Shadow Fall’s release on the PS4 in 2013 didn’t maintain the momentum. Its bright aesthetic was a stark departure from the series’ earlier dark tone, and although it was visually striking, gameplay reviews were mixed. As Guerrilla Games shifted their focus to the Horizon series, Killzone seems to have silently slipped into obscurity.
### 6. MediEvil: A Halloween-Themed Treasure that Never Fully Awakened
Turn back the clock to 1998, and you’ll find MediEvil on the original PlayStation—a delightful homage to the quirky, gothic stylings of Tim Burton. This hack-and-slash game guided players through the fictitious Kingdom of Gallowmere, following the resurrected skeleton knight, Sir Daniel Fortesque, on a quest against the evil sorcerer Zarok.
With its charming Halloween aesthetic, the game quickly earned a place in the hearts of many. Although it did spawn a sequel and was reborn as a PS4 remake in 2020, it seems Sir Daniel has been laid to rest once more, with no plans for future adventures on the horizon.
### 5. LittleBigPlanet: Creativity-Driven Adventures That Have Gone Silent
In 2008, a new type of game caught players’ imagination on the PS3: LittleBigPlanet. With its unique blend of simple yet delightful gameplay, Media Molecule’s creation emphasized creativity, inviting players to design and share their own worlds. By allowing player-generated content to flourish, it offered endless fun and creativity grounded by the mantra: Play. Create. Share.
Sadly, over a decade has passed since LittleBigPlanet 3 graced the PS3 and PS4 in 2014. It seems the time for Sackboy’s DIY adventures has drawn to a close, at least for now, with no hint of a return in sight.
### 4. Infamous: Superpowered Choices that Faded into Midnight Samurai Legends
From the minds behind Ghost of Tsushima came Infamous, a series that debuted in 2009 on PS3. Gamers were challenged with the electrifying journey of Cole MacGrath, a superhero navigating the morally gray world where choices truly mattered. This karma system, dictating power effectiveness and public perception, set Infamous apart from other open-world titles.
Though Infamous and its successive entries saw positive reviews, the series has been dormant since 2014, swapped out for more historic tales of samurai, leaving fans to wonder if its dynamic moral choices will return.
### 3. Jak and Daxter: Naughty Dog’s Leap from Whimsical Platforms to Nieclectic Realism
Once an emblem of the platformer golden age, Jak and Daxter catapulted onto the PS2 scene in 2001. These heroically humorous characters led players through larger-than-life quests replete with vibrant worlds and engaging gameplay mechanics.
Alas, the duo last experienced new adventures with The Lost Frontier—a PS2 release in the age of emerging new-gen consoles. Modern remasters have kept the nostalgia alive, but Naughty Dog’s leap toward darker narratives leaves little room for Jak and Daxter’s whimsical worlds.
### 2. Motorstorm: The Thrill of the Off-Road, Now a Distant Memory
Making its mark in 2006, Motorstorm thrust players into chaotic off-road races on the PS3, demanding skillful navigation and strategic use of its exhilarating boost feature. The series introduced unpredictable environments where motorbikes to massive trucks vied for supremacy, exploding in spectacular crashes when adrenaline-laden bursts went awry.
Despite the success of multiple installments, the high-speed chaos came to a stop after Motorstorm: RC in 2012. With the closure of Evolution Studios, Sony has idled the beloved series, leaving tire tracks in the sands of time.
### 1. Sly Cooper: A Master Thief’s Tale That Stole Our Hearts, Now Shelved
Initially overlooked, Sly Cooper deftly blended stealth and charm into an animated caper, emerging in 2002 as a beloved character in Sony’s roster. The PlayStation 2 era was enriched by stories of daring heists, starring Sly and his crew against criminal adversaries, all designed with a refined, playful art style.
The titular raccoon and his gang last snuck onto consoles with Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, and though fans have yearned for a new chapter, the master thief remains retired, quietly tucked away in Sony’s archives, awaiting a possible return under a furtive moonlit sky.
Although these franchises have stepped away from the limelight, their vibrant legacies continue to resonate with players who remember the joy and creativity they once inspired. Here’s hoping that someday, these legendary series will make triumphant returns.
