![Many had long given up on the 'Half Life' series returning. [Screenshot- Youtube/Gamespot Trailers]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/11/22/660x290/b_502x220x82/many-had-long-given-up-on-the-half-life-series-returning-screenshot-youtubegamespot-trailers_2359586.jpg "Many had long given up on the 'Half Life' series returning. [Screenshot- Youtube/Gamespot Trailers]")
The AAA gaming industry is built on sequels and franchises. SVP of Marketing & Customer Experience for Ubisoft, Tony Key, famously said that projects at Ubisoft were always started with the intent of making sequels. He stated, "We won't even start if we don't think we can build a franchise out of it." However, I've always felt this mindset leads to passionless cash grabs that pale in comparison to the originals.
On the flip side of the coin, there's been many cult classics over the years that have been denied sequels for various reasons. Maybe the original title just wasn't advertised enough, and that led to dismal fiscal performance. Perhaps the original title performed well, but creative differences led the original team to pursue other projects with no-one willing to take their place.
Before the recent announcement of 'Half-Life Alyx," I pretty much felt that the "Half-Life" series would never get the closure that we'd been waiting for since 2007. After over a decade, fans' desire for a third "Shenmue" will finally be sated. In celebration of the recent and upcoming throwbacks, I thought I'd take a look back at sequels that many in the industry claimed would never happen and see if their return was justified.
'Duke Nukem Forever'
'Duke Nukem 3D' revolutionized first-person shooters back in 1996 with its interactive environments and pop-culture references. Its sequel was intended to release shortly after, but a woefully mismanaged development led to the game taking 12 years to finish. The end product is a dismal reminder of how badly the character had aged. With frustrating gameplay, technical shortcomings, and a crass misogynistic sense of humor, I left "Duke Nukem Forever," wishing that he had instead been gone forever.
'Nights: Journey of Dreams'
Sonic Team's "Nights Into Dreams" was a cult classic on the Saturn. Despite fan requests, Yuji Naka refused to develop a sequel to preserve the original's legacy. Shortly after his resignation in 2006, Sonic Team brought the flying jester to Nintendo's Wii. The surreal atmosphere of the original remained intact, but its inconsistent design, sappy story, and abysmal platforming sections prevented it from reaching the heights of its predecessor.
'Sam & Max Save the World'
Sam and Max won the hearts and split the sides of gamers with their PC title "Sam & Max Hit the Road." With the cancellation of their intended follow up and the layoffs of key members at LucasArts, It was feared that the crime-fighting duo and their esoteric brand of criminal justice would never return. In 2006, Telltale Games brought the series back in episodic form. It was the company's first major success that helped pave the way for their acclaimed "Walking Dead" series.
'Shenmue III'
1999's "Shenmue" paved the way for future sandbox games. It sold well, but its massive budget ensured that Sega would never recoup its investment. After Yu Suzuki's departure from Sega, the story remained incomplete for years. However, with the help of Sony and Kickstarter, Ryo returned in 2019. "Shenmue III" serves as a reminder of just how much sandbox games have evolved in the last two decades, but still succeeds at delivering the same earnest charm as the first two entries.
'Psychonauts 2'
"Psychonauts 2" had almost everything going against it. The original title was a critical darling that was unfairly ignored by consumers. With the closure of its previous publisher and the apparent death of the platforming genre, I never expected to see further adventures with Raz. However, with the power of crowdfunding and Deep Silver, the Psychonauts are ready for another mission. The game is slated for a 2020 release, and time will tell if the 15-year wait was worth it.
