Video game companies are built on franchises. Powerhouse publishers like Activision-Blizzard make their income almost entirely from the power of their franchises; the power which enables them to poop out (pun intended, Mr. Kotick) a best-selling title annually, quite conveniently just in time for the Christmas season.

Of course everybody loves an exciting new IP, but it can’t stir up the same kind of excitement as a new Call of Duty, Duke Nukem or Barbie Horse Adventures title can. There just isn’t the same measure of magic; the anticipation, the angry petitions, fully customisable saddles, the photoshopped pictures of Bobby Kotick, – a franchise release is something special.

Unfortunately, even the most epic franchises must eventually turn old and grey and, cane in hand, bow out with nothing left but bad hips and a penchant for crossword puzzles.

But if Liam Neeson has taught us anything, it’s that being old does not mean you can’t still kick ass (and chew bubblegum). So here is my list of forgotten, kick-ass franchises which are due for a comeback.

Heretic

This game was a little overshadowed by Doom, and admittedly, it’s a bit of a Doom clone. However, it did feature new aspects of gameplay such as the ability to pick up items and a more interactive environment. You could also turn enemies into chickens, animals only marginally less terrifying than demons (if you disagree, you’ve clearly never angered one).

What set this game apart, however, is how much effort Raven Software went to to try and make it creepy as hell. Ambient, random sounds such as rattling chains and evil laughter added to the experience.

While this games laughable graphics will have you less-than-terrified today, in the right hands, with current technology and an engaging narrative, the Heretic world could form the foundations of a seriously eerie single player experience.

Sierra Adventure Games

I know I harp on about these quite a bit, but they really are classics. For those who don’t know, Sierra On-line (now known as Sierra Entertainment, bought and closed down by Activision) are best known for their adventure game franchises such as Police Quest, King’s Quest, Space Quest, and of course, Leisure Suit Larry.

These games were not only brutally difficult; they were complex, engaging and marbled with a dark wit. These games were wildly popular on release, but currently, good adventure games are a very rare find. I would love to see a re-imagining of one of these adventure series (we’ll pretend Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust never happened), with a slick new interface and that same mind-bending difficulty and black humour.

No, they don’t, and neither do Sierra. Start again.

Turok

If you haven’t already scrolled to the comments section to tell me I’m an idiot who hasn’t done my research, stop. Hear me out. I am aware that the last Turok game was fairly recent, being released in 2008. However, every Turok game released after the first two has been absolute garbage. Even the newest one was terrible, despite empty promises by the aptly named Propaganda Games of “returning to its roots”, which only rubbed salt in the wounds of old fans.

The ability to make a game where you literally shoot velociraptors in the face bad… It’s quite staggering when you think about it.

This game is crying out for a sequel to do its awesome concept justice. However, with the constant commercial and critical failings, we may never see another Turok game again.

This is what playing Turok feels like. Except you’re the dinosaur.

Baldur’s Gate

Crafted by master RPG creators Bioware, the Baldur’s Gate series was a hit both commercially and with the critics. With the success of the first two games, and the expansion packs, Baldur’s Gate III seemed like a given. The game was announced in 2001, but then appeared to be cancelled in 2003.

However a statement by IGN in 2004, and PC Gamer UK in 2008, claim that Baldur’s Gate III is in the works.  IGN asked Bioware about it in 2010, but they did not respond directly, saying that they should “talk to Atari”, who own the license.

Ordinarily this is where I’d insert the joke about this going the way of Duke Nukem Forever, but Gearbox have kind of killed the punchline. It’s been 10 years since Baldur’s Gate III was announced, and the series is crying out for a comeback.

Which franchises do you want to see given new life? Do you think these should stay retired? Have your say in the forums.