PlayStation has a rich history of game series that were hugely popular for a time, then faded into the background. These games – ranging from early platformers to cutting-edge shooters and racing titles – played a big role in establishing Sony’s brand over the years. Often created by Sony’s own studios or close partners, these series appeared on multiple PlayStation consoles and gained dedicated fans thanks to their unique gameplay and style. Below is a look at twenty of these currently inactive franchises, with a brief overview of what they were all about, who developed them, and when we last saw them.
‘Sly Cooper’
I absolutely loved the Sly Cooper games! They started way back on the PlayStation 2, made by Sucker Punch Productions, and followed Sly, this incredibly cool raccoon thief, and his team as they pulled off heists all over the world. What really stood out to me was the art style – it was one of the first games to use that cool cel-shaded look. Plus, you got to use all sorts of gadgets to sneak around! The games were set up with these hub worlds where you’d plan your missions. They’ve been re-released on newer consoles a couple of times, and Sanzaru Games even made another game for the PS3 and Vita. Sadly, we haven’t seen a new Sly Cooper game in a long time, and I really hope we get one someday!
‘Jak and Daxter’
I first got into this series on the PlayStation 2, and it was amazing! It started as a really fun platformer where you could explore pretty open areas. But as the games went on, they shifted to more action-packed missions, and they even added vehicles and guns, which was a cool change. The original three games got a fantastic makeover on later PlayStation consoles, and they also made a racing game and a few versions for handheld devices, which really fleshed out the world. It’s a bummer though, because after those remasters, we haven’t seen a proper new game in the main series yet.
‘SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs’
Zipper Interactive created this team-focused shooter for the PlayStation 2 and 3, emphasizing communication and completing objectives in online multiplayer. Early games were known for using voice commands and headsets. The series included several main games and some spin-offs, but it’s been on hold since the studio closed and online support for the older titles ended.
‘Resistance’
Insomniac Games first released this action-packed shooter on PlayStation 3, featuring massive battles, distinctive weapons, and the ability to play with friends. The game spawned several sequels and spin-offs for handheld devices, all set in the same world but exploring different places and eras. A strong focus on competitive online play and interesting weapon features were hallmarks of the series. However, there haven’t been any new games released in over a decade.
‘Killzone’
Guerrilla Games created this first-person shooter for both home consoles and handheld devices, emphasizing battles between different groups and powerful, futuristic weapons. Games in the series included both engaging single-player stories and extensive online multiplayer options. The franchise also pioneered game engines that the studio later used for other titles. Eventually, the developer stopped making new games in the series to focus on other projects.
‘MotorStorm’
This off-road racing game, originally developed by Evolution Studios, was famous for its tracks that could be heavily damaged, its festival atmosphere, and the wide variety of vehicles players could drive – from motorcycles to large trucks. Later versions added features like changing weather and diverse environments, including arctic and jungle landscapes, as well as online multiplayer. The game also appeared on PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita. However, the series hasn’t seen a new release since the studio underwent restructuring and eventually closed.
‘Twisted Metal’
I first got into this series way back on the original PlayStation – it was all about these awesome vehicle battles in these really cool arenas. Each driver had their own personality, and the tracks were full of secret shortcuts! It’s been on pretty much every PlayStation since, with both local split-screen and online play. It even got its own TV show a while after the last game came out. But honestly, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a brand new game – just some remasters and server updates for the older ones. I’m really hoping we get something new soon!
‘Infamous’
Sucker Punch Productions created an open-world superhero game featuring electric powers, unique ways to get around, and a story where player choices matter. The game received expansions with new stories and later introduced a different playable character. Over time, it added features like photo modes and the ability for players to create their own missions and customize the game’s city. However, there haven’t been any new games in the series since updates released in the mid-2010s.
‘Gravity Rush’
The original Gravity Rush was a unique game created by Japan Studio and Project Siren, featuring innovative movement mechanics in a visually striking open world. It first appeared on the PlayStation Vita before being released on home consoles. The sequel built upon this foundation with larger areas to explore, more missions, and a wider range of combat options, all while improving how players moved through the air. Remasters later introduced the game to a new generation of players. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any new games in the series since the release of the second installment.
‘Ape Escape’
Ape Escape, a platforming game developed in Japan, was groundbreaking for its use of the PlayStation’s analog sticks to control gadgets. The game tasked players with capturing playful monkeys across diverse levels. While sequels and party games followed on other PlayStation consoles, and the characters appeared in other games, there haven’t been any new main installments in the series for quite some time. The game featured a variety of tools, like nets and remote-controlled cars, to help players catch the monkeys.
‘Parappa the Rapper’
NanaOn-Sha’s rhythm game was a groundbreaking title on the original PlayStation, introducing a unique gameplay style where players pressed buttons in time with the music and on-screen cues, all wrapped in a cartoon aesthetic. Subsequent games and spin-offs continued this musical approach on newer consoles. While the game has received updated versions with improved sound and graphics, there haven’t been any completely new entries in the series beyond those updates and re-releases.
‘Patapon’
The PlayStation Portable game, created by Japan Studio and Pyramid, uniquely combined rhythm and strategy, letting players control armies by drumming along to the beat. Later games built on this foundation with more units, challenging bosses, and ways to equip your forces, all while retaining the original’s musical control system. More recently, updated versions of the game have been released with improved graphics for home consoles. However, there haven’t been any new games in the series for quite some time.
‘Wild Arms’
Media.Vision created this role-playing game series for the original PlayStation, combining elements of Westerns with traditional turn-based battles and dungeons full of puzzles. Several sequels were released on different PlayStation consoles, all sharing a connected story and familiar features. The series also explored different gameplay styles with spin-off games and even appeared on handheld devices. While new console games stopped being made for a while, the series continued with smaller projects on other platforms.
‘The Legend of Dragoon’
This PlayStation role-playing game was made by Sony and stood out for its fast-paced combat and story spread across multiple discs. It was innovative for its time with features like character transformations, detailed pre-rendered environments, and a cinematic style. Later, it became playable on modern consoles through classic game collections. Unfortunately, a follow-up game was never released.
‘Syphon Filter’
The Syphon Filter series started on the original PlayStation, offering players stealth action, gadgets, and missions around the globe. Later games on PlayStation 2 and PSP added more weapons and the ability to play with a friend. While updated versions have appeared on subscription services with improvements, fans haven’t seen a brand-new Syphon Filter game in over ten years.
‘WipEout’
The fast-paced, anti-gravity racing series began with Psygnosis and Studio Liverpool, featuring exciting tracks, popular licensed music, and power-ups for combat. Games were released for PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3, as well as handheld devices, and later compiled for newer consoles. A key part of the experience was always competing for the best times and rankings online. However, after changes at the development studio, there haven’t been any new console games in the series beyond those compilation releases.
‘Warhawk’
This popular online series first brought together air and ground combat on the PlayStation 3, continuing a legacy that began with the original PlayStation. The PS3 game focused on large-scale battles with dedicated servers and strategic map control. Updates included new vehicles and locations. Although official servers are no longer running, a similar game attempted to carry on the spirit of the series but ultimately changed course.
‘The Getaway’
This action series, created by Team Soho and London Studio for the PlayStation 2, let players experience a virtual London filled with crime and missions based on real locations. A follow-up game added more areas and story content, and another game explored similar gameplay. A new version was planned for the PlayStation 3 early on, but it was never released. Since then, the series has been put on hold due to changes within the development studios and with the projects themselves.
‘Jet Moto’
Originally released on the first PlayStation, Futuristic Racer let players race hoverbikes on tracks marked by buoys. The game focused on skillful air control and featured evolving vehicle handling with each new version. Early installments also included unique sponsorships and tournament structures. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any new main games in the series since the late 1990s.
‘Colony Wars’
Psygnosis created this space combat series for the original PlayStation, offering players choices in how the story unfolded, a realistic cockpit view, and storylines tied to different groups. Later games added new ships, varied missions, and ran more smoothly, all while staying within the same fictional universe. The series blended the realism of flight simulators with controls that were easy to use on a console. Since the initial three games, no similar titles have appeared on consoles.
Share which PlayStation series you miss the most and why in the comments.
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2025-11-21 02:21