Abandonware Games that Deserve a Steam Release

It’s frustrating when awesome old games are hard to find or just don’t work on today’s computers, especially when people still want to play them! I’ve put together a list of twenty games that really deserve a fresh release on Steam, or somewhere easy to get them. I’m not just talking about games I loved as a kid – I’ve focused on the important stuff: what each game is, when it came out, who made it, and who published it. I’m laying out the facts, explaining why these titles are still talked about and missed by gamers like me.

‘The Operative: No One Lives Forever’ (2000)

This stealth-action game puts you in the role of secret agent Cate Archer. You’ll use gadgets, disguises, and travel the world on exciting missions. Developed by Monolith Productions and originally published by Fox Interactive (with help from Sierra Studios), the PC version ran on the LithTech engine and featured both a long single-player story and multiplayer options. Unfortunately, complicated ownership issues have made it difficult to release a modern version of the game.

‘No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.’s Way’ (2002)

The follow-up game offered more ways to sneak around, improved hand-to-hand combat, and a wider range of gadgets, all within bigger and more open levels. Developed by Monolith Productions and published by Sierra Entertainment (under Vivendi Universal Games), it added cooperative gameplay, new enemies, and better graphics powered by an upgraded game engine. Like the original, issues with who owns the rights and trademarks continue to prevent it from being easily available digitally.

‘SWAT 4’ (2005)

This first-person shooter focused on realistic combat scenarios and using non-lethal methods. Teamwork and following orders were key to success. Developed by Irrational Games and published by Vivendi Universal Games (under the Sierra brand), the game offered a strong single-player story, as well as both competitive and cooperative multiplayer options, with additional content released later. Though playable on certain systems, it hasn’t been easily accessible on Steam.

‘The Simpsons: Hit & Run’ (2003)

This action game lets you drive around and explore Springfield, completing missions in different chapters. Radical Entertainment created the game, and Vivendi Universal Games published it. It featured several characters you could play as, options to upgrade your vehicles, and plenty of items to collect, offering a long and engaging experience on computers and consoles. Over time, issues with the music, voice acting, and licensing have made it difficult to release a new digital version.

‘Jet Set Radio Future’ (2002)

This action game, known for its unique cel-shaded art style and set in a futuristic Tokyo, focuses on fast-paced inline skating, graffiti tagging, and rhythmic movement. Developed by Smilebit and released by Sega for the original Xbox, it improved on the first game with bigger levels, more complex trick combinations, and a wider range of missions. Limited music rights and being exclusive to the Xbox have probably prevented it from being released on PC.

‘Skies of Arcadia’ (2000)

This role-playing game lets you explore a world from above using an airship. You’ll travel between floating islands, battle enemies in classic turn-based combat, and build a crew. Originally developed by Overworks (a part of Sega) and published by Sega, an enhanced version was later released on the GameCube. The game rewards you for discovering new locations and keeping a detailed exploration log. Unfortunately, due to rights issues, it hasn’t been released on modern PC platforms like Steam.

‘Black & White’ (2001)

This game let you act like a god, managing a village and training creatures while performing miracles using gestures. Developed by Lionhead Studios and published by Electronic Arts, it featured creatures powered by AI that learned from your choices, making each game different. Unfortunately, technical issues and problems with ownership rights have stopped it from being officially re-released on PC platforms like Steam.

‘Black & White 2’ (2005)

Okay, so the sequel really took everything to the next level. They built on the original by letting you create bigger cities, command larger armies, and even use miracles! You still got to train creatures, which was awesome, but they added a ton of new stuff like conquering land, and your choices actually mattered because of a morality system. Battles were way bigger too. It’s a shame though, because even though people are asking for it, it hasn’t been re-released on Steam like a lot of other classic strategy games. I’d love to play it again easily!

‘The Movies’ (2005)

This game puts you in charge of a Hollywood movie studio. You get to build studio lots, develop movie scripts, and even direct scenes using tools within the game itself. Created by Lionhead Studios and published by Activision, the game involved hiring actors, managing their reputations, and creating finished films with in-game sets and props. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues and the loss of its original online features, a current version isn’t available on Steam.

‘MechCommander’ (1998)

As a huge BattleTech fan, I remember this game being really cool! It was a strategy game where you planned everything before a mission, picking out all your ‘Mech’s weapons and gear. What I loved was that you didn’t just win missions, you salvaged parts to upgrade your stuff – it felt like you were really building up your company. It was made by FASA Interactive and originally published by MicroProse. It was a challenging game too, with campaign missions where your pilots could actually die permanently! Line of sight and the terrain really mattered, making each battle feel tactical. It’s a shame there isn’t an official version on Steam that works with newer computers, even though Microsoft did release some of the files a while back.

‘MechCommander 2’ (2001)

The game received a major update featuring a new 3D engine, greater options for customizing mechs, and a campaign with multiple playable factions. Developed by FASA Interactive and published by Microsoft Game Studios, it also included environments that could be destroyed and improved systems for managing heat, armor, and mech components. Although the original game files were once released publicly, a current, officially supported version on Steam isn’t available.

‘Aliens versus Predator 2’ (2001)

This first-person shooter featured three separate campaigns, letting players experience the stories from the perspectives of the Marines, Aliens, and Predators, each with unique gameplay styles. Developed by Monolith Productions and published by Sierra, the game’s multiplayer allowed players to utilize different abilities, vision modes, and weapons depending on which species they chose. Unfortunately, due to changes in ownership over the years, a current PC version hasn’t been released on Steam.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth’ (2004)

This real-time strategy game, based on the popular movie trilogy, let players command unique units for each side, develop powerful heroes, and fight for control of territory. Developed by EA Los Angeles and published by Electronic Arts, it featured music, voice acting, and graphics all taken directly from the films. Players could enjoy the game in both solo skirmishes and online multiplayer matches. Unfortunately, the game is no longer available on Steam because the licensing agreements for its content have expired.

‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena’ (2009)

This package combined an improved version of ‘Escape from Butcher Bay,’ a game that blended stealth and shooting with a focus on shadows and close combat. Developed by Starbreeze Studios and Tigon Studios, and published by Atari, it offered a complete story campaign and various multiplayer modes. Unfortunately, issues with licensing and its removal from stores have made it difficult to buy on Steam.

‘The Godfather’ (2006)

This action game, set in the world of the film, let players build a criminal empire by taking over territory, running rackets, and climbing the ranks of the Corleone family. Developed by EA Redwood Shores (later Visceral Games) and published by Electronic Arts, the game combined a story-driven campaign with open-world activities like extortion and managing businesses. It also featured a unique hand-to-hand combat system. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues and the removal of digital versions from sale, it’s currently unavailable on Steam.

‘Blur’ (2010)

I absolutely loved this racing game! It was so cool because it felt really realistic with the cars, but then you had all these crazy power-ups to use. You raced on actual tracks, trying to beat lap times, and you could even level up online. Bizarre Creations made it, and Activision published it, but sadly the studio closed down and the game was taken off Steam, which is a real bummer. It had great team racing, different objective-based modes, and a really fun social space where you could create your own playlists and challenges.

‘Driver: San Francisco’ (2011)

This driving game lets you quickly switch between vehicles mid-game, a unique feature called ‘shift’. Developed and published by Ubisoft, it offered a story-driven campaign, various challenges, and online multiplayer. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues – particularly with music – the PC version has been unavailable on Steam for some time.

‘Need for Speed: Underground’ (2003)

This street racing game centers around car tuning, competitive circuit racing, and extensive visual customization. Developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts, it featured a career mode with sponsorships, unlockable car parts, and drag/sprint challenges. Unfortunately, due to music and brand licensing issues and changes to the game’s availability, it’s no longer available for purchase on Steam.

‘Need for Speed: Underground 2’ (2004)

The sequel introduced a central city to explore, even more cars, and deeper customization options. Developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts, it also featured a wider range of events – including unique URL circuits and off-road races – alongside enhanced graphics and sound. Unfortunately, like the original game, issues with licensing and older game content have prevented a release on Steam.

‘Test Drive Unlimited’ (2006)

Set on the island of Oʻahu, this open-world racing game combined fast-paced driving with elements from massively multiplayer online games. Players could freely explore, buy properties, and progress through the game across hundreds of miles of roads. Developed by Eden Games and published by Atari, it featured online lobbies and car dealerships. Unfortunately, it’s currently unavailable on Steam due to server issues and has been removed from the platform.

Let us know which classic products you’d like to see brought back – share your choices and why in the comments below!

2025-11-20 21:22