Video game history is filled with dormant franchises that left a mark, only to disappear or lose their way. While some games are better off as cherished memories, others deserve another chance at relevance. Looking back, it's thrilling to imagine modern technology breathing new life into these classics. Here’s a look at 20 franchises that would make an excellent return.

1. Killzone and Resistance: Fall of Man

Though vastly different in tone, these PS3-era sci-fi shooters represent the best of Sony's first-party IPs. Guerilla Games’ Killzone wowed players with its cutting-edge visual fidelity and space-military aesthetics, while Insomniac’s Resistance series carved a niche with its unique blend of vintage health bars, weapon wheels, and alien invaders. Their campaigns and multiplayer modes offered immense value. While Guerilla focuses on the Horizon series and Insomniac fills the Marvel roster, fans still dream of these franchises getting re-releases or reboots. A modern remastered collection for the Resistance games alone could revive interest.

2. SWAT 4

A darling among tactical shooter fans, SWAT 4 combined precision-focused gameplay with an almost haunting atmosphere. Developed by Irrational Games before their Bioshock fame, the game prioritized proper procedure—penalizing unnecessary violence while emphasizing evidence collection. Though Ready or Not acts as a spiritual successor, it doesn’t quite capture the cold, detached storytelling of SWAT 4. A fifth entry that balances the fidelity of today’s tools with the gameplay brilliance of the original would find eager fans.

3. Batman: Arkham

The Arkham series brought Batman to life in unforgettable ways, redefining superhero games. While spin-offs like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League have fumbled and lost fans, a proper new Arkham adventure could reignite the magic. The last major title, Arkham Knight, landed in 2015—making it nearly a decade since fans have had their fix. A modern retelling or a straight continuation could capitalize on today’s tech.

4. Quake

The Quake franchise has always been versatile, jumping from Gothic horror to alien warfare to dedicated multiplayer with ease. With Zenimax recently filing a new trademark for the series, the timing seems ripe for Quake to return. Whether it revisits the dark, dimension-hopping original or reimagines the Strogg conflicts of Quake II, fans are ready. If nothing else, a Quake 2016-style revival—akin to Doom's modern reinterpretation—would be thrilling.

5. Star Fox

How has Nintendo fumbled Star Fox so badly? Despite being iconic, the series peaked on the Nintendo 64. Modern indie games inspired by Star Fox, like Wild Blue Skies, hint at the appetite for space shooter adventures. Nintendo could deliver a polished short campaign, emphasizing replayability and straightforward fun. Instead of recreating the wheel, a spiritual successor to Star Fox 64 could do wonders.

6. No One Lives Forever

This '60s-spy-comedy game series stood out for its unique humor, gorgeous environments, and compelling stealth gameplay. You played as Kate Archer, a super spy up against the cartoonishly evil agents of H.A.R.M. Licensing issues keep the series in limbo, but its blend of wit and mechanical creativity would still work today. Its humorous yet competent spoof of classic spy films makes it a sorely missed franchise.

7. Infamous and Prototype

Though artificially paired due to their near-concurrent release, these open-world superhero titles remain fan favorites. Infamous leaned into focused worlds and morally-driven powers, while Prototype embraced chaotic, Hulk-like destruction. Both pushed the limits of sandbox design in unique ways. With Sucker Punch flourishing post-Ghost of Tsushima, a return to Infamous isn't impossible, while a reboot of Prototype could revive Radical Entertainment's legacy.

8. MechAssault

Unlike the tactical PC MechWarrior games, MechAssault embodied a more accessible arcade-shooter style. Players stomped across cities, destroying foes with satisfying ease. While Armored Core caters to hardcore fans and MechWarrior leans toward simulation, MechAssault could slot in as an accessible, explosive experience for modern consoles.

9. Oddworld

This visually unique universe remains unlike anything seen in other games. While Oddworld: Soulstorm showed off its potential, the world still has plenty to offer. Past titles like Stranger’s Wrath demonstrated the appeal of experimenting within its quirky setting. Fans long for its return, not confined to any particular genre but as a creative playground for developers.

10. Perfect Dark

Despite the misstep of Perfect Dark Zero, the original is celebrated for evolving the design framework of GoldenEye 007. Its massive levels with gadgets and alt-fire sci-fi guns were groundbreaking. Though its reboot was recently canceled, many still hope for another crack at the franchise. Imagine sprawling open levels, gadgets updated for modern use, and refined multiplayer to stand out from today's competitive but often derivative offerings.

11. EarthBound (Mother)

Arguably one of the most beloved cult franchises, EarthBound blends quirky humor, heartfelt storylines, and simple yet evocative visual design. Fan demand for Mother 4 remains high—even though its creator, Shigesato Itoi, has stated he won’t be involved in another game. Given the enduring love for its inspirations, though, it's hard to imagine Nintendo overlooking its potential forever.

12. Twisted Metal

With vehicular combat largely absent, Twisted Metal remains an unfulfilled niche. While the franchise got a lukewarm revival in 2012, modern gaming audiences might embrace its wild chaos. A well-rounded, content-packed title could find new fans while satisfying longtime players.

From Killzone’s tactical sci-fi battles to the nostalgic charm of EarthBound, these franchises prove that gaming's past isn’t just a set of faded memories; it’s fertile ground for reinvention. Each has the potential to find a new audience or reignite longtime fans’ passion. Whether these return remains to be seen, but you can hope someone’s listening.