In this edition of The 8 Ball, we delve into the world of Xbox game franchises that seem to have been forgotten by Microsoft. From the time-manipulating adventures of Blinx: The Time Sweeper to the aerial dogfighting excitement of Crimson Skies, there are plenty of beloved franchises that have been left behind.
One such franchise is Viva Pinata, a unique blend of Animal Crossing and Pokemon that has captured the hearts of many gamers. Despite its popularity, the series has remained dormant since around 2008, leaving fans clamoring for more Pinata-filled adventures.
Another fan favorite is Killer Instinct, a fighting game that was brought back to life by Microsoft but has since been abandoned once again. While Iron Galaxy recently released an Anniversary patch for the game, fans are left wondering why a new installment hasn’t been developed.
Longtime fans of the “Lancer” games, which includes titles like Starlancer and Freelancer, are also hoping for a revival of the franchise. With its innovative space combat gameplay and engaging storylines, there is a demand for more “Lancer” games to be released.
And who could forget Banjo-Kazooie, the quirky platformer series that has been on hiatus since 2008? While the franchise took a different direction with Nuts & Bolts, fans are eagerly awaiting a return to the traditional 3D platformer roots.
Rounding out the list is Crackdown, a series that started strong but has since faltered with lackluster sequels. Despite the missteps, fans are still drawn to the idea of the open-world mayhem that Crackdown offers.
Lastly, we have Gears of War, a once-leading franchise for Microsoft now struggling to regain its former glory. With Gears 5 and Gears Tactics failing to make a lasting impact, fans are eagerly awaiting news of a potential Gears 6 release.
Which of these forgotten Microsoft/Xbox franchises do you miss the most? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for the next issue where we explore the top abandoned Sony franchises.
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