6 Video Games That Would Have Been Great But Were Never Finished

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Video games often ignite our creativity with innovative concepts and tantalizing previews, but not every venture comes to fruition. Certain games, full of promise, become stagnant in the development phase, making me ponder about the possibilities that never materialized. From revolutionary mechanics to captivating settings, these games could have been extraordinary masterpieces. However, internal studio issues, budget constraints, or unfortunate timing frequently halted their progression.

I’ve delved into six uncompleted video games that, had they been finished, could have been truly remarkable. Each game boasted distinctive qualities that made it stand out, and I will examine the factors that made them intriguing as well as explore why they were left incomplete, piecing together their stories from available information.

Mega Man Legends 3

The highly anticipated ‘Mega Man Legends 3’ aimed to rekindle the fame of the cherished 3D action-adventure series on the Nintendo 3DS. Capcom envisioned an immersive open world where Mega Man Volnutt would traverse ruins, battle mechanical foes, and unfold a fresh narrative. Remarkably, the fans were given the opportunity to contribute in designing the game’s characters.

Initially, the project progressed well, but it was put on hold by Capcom in 2011 due to lack of sufficient fan interest, even though a prototype was already planned. This sudden halt was disappointing because early demonstrations hinted at an appealing blend of exploration and combat that could have revitalized the series’ popularity.

The Order: 1891

‘The Order: 1891’ was intended as the second installment in a trilogy that stemmed from the exclusive PS4 title ‘The Order: 1886’ (2015). Ready at Dawn aimed to develop a steampunk universe with more complex gunplay and a grittier narrative, expanding on the alternative London setting of the initial game.

In light of financial difficulties and mediocre responses to the initial release, Sony decided to prioritize different ventures, effectively shelving the planned sequel sometime in 2016. The emergence of concept art suggested an engaging storyline, implying that this decision may have missed an opportunity to expand the franchise with more depth.

Scalebound

‘Scalebound’ initially offered the prospect of an immersive role-playing game brimming with action, developed by PlatinumGames under the guidance of Hideki Kamiya. In this game, players would take charge of a character named Drew who shared a unique bond with a towering dragon named Thuban. The game world was teeming with life and presented opportunities for colossal battles, as well as teamwork in multiplayer modes.’

In 2017, Microsoft decided to abandon a game that had faced difficulties during its long production process, such as problems with the engine and creative disagreements. The gameplay previews suggested exhilarating dragon-fighting sequences, which made me wish this promising project could have flown successfully to market.

True Fantasy Live Online

‘Level-5’s creation, ‘True Fantasy Live Online’, was designed for the original Xbox, offering an expansive MMORPG experience. This vibrant game world allowed thousands to embark on adventures simultaneously, while players had the freedom to personalize their characters and engage in real-time voice communication.

Delays in progress, particularly concerning online functionality, were encountered. By 2004, Microsoft decided to discontinue it due to concerns over competition within the congested Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) market. Its engaging art style and collaborative focus could have made it a prized possession for Xbox enthusiasts.

Propeller Arena

‘Propeller Arena’ was a completed Dreamcast title that combined classic air combat with a nostalgic 1920s ambiance, created by Sega AM2. It featured swift multiplayer dogfights, distinctive aircraft designs, and a captivating soundtrack, all set for launch in the year 2001.

At the very end, Sega abandoned the project because of concerns about its air battle theme in light of recent global happenings. Pre-release versions showed an engaging and enjoyable game that might have become a timeless Dreamcast title.

Star Wars Battlefront III

‘Star Wars Battlefront III’ was set to take the franchise to new heights by offering smooth transitions between ground and space combat. By 2008, Free Radical Design had almost completed the game, creating massive Star Wars battles featuring characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and expansive maps, a fact revealed later by Michael Barclay.’

LucasArts decided to scrap the project due to financial difficulties and internal changes, even though it was nearly finished. Footage leaked and a Wii version discovered by Free Radical Archives suggest a game that might have become a beloved title among fans.

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2025-07-14 15:14