Game Limbo: Long Anticipated and Canceled Games
As a gamer, the excitement of a new game announcement can be as exhilarating as playing the game itself. But sometimes, that thrill turns into a waiting game — or worse, disappointment when a game never sees the light of day. Here’s a dive into the emotional rollercoaster that is the world of anticipated video games, split into three poignant categories: the games we’ll never get to play, the ones that surprised us by finally releasing, and those we’re still eagerly awaiting.
StarCraft: Ghost
The eagerly anticipated tactical action game set within the rich StarCraft universe, StarCraft: Ghost was originally announced by Blizzard Entertainment in 2002. It promised to offer a different perspective of the interstellar war between the Protoss, Zerg, and Terrans, focusing on stealth and espionage rather than large-scale battles. Players were set to take control of Nova, a powerful and agile Ghost operative, undertaking covert missions that required a blend of strategy, stealth, and combat skills. The game was intended to bring a new dimension to the beloved RTS series with its third-person gameplay, allowing players to directly engage with the intricacies of the StarCraft world. Despite generating significant buzz and being highly anticipated by fans of the franchise, development struggles led to multiple delays. Ultimately, Blizzard put StarCraft: Ghost on indefinite hold, and it has since become one of the most notorious examples of a high-profile game that vanished before it could ever hit the shelves.
Deep Down
Announced way back in 2013 as a dark fantasy set in a mysterious, monster-filled abyss, Deep Down was to offer a blend of dungeon crawling and innovative online elements. The thought of exploring its brutal yet beautiful world in what was teased as a semi-randomly generated dungeon system had many of us marking calendars for a release date that never came. Alas, Capcom has left us hanging without any closure.
Silent Hills (P.T.)
Silent Hills was a dream project that turned into a nightmare—not because of its spooky content, but because it got canceled. After the release of the P.T. demo in 2014, which set a new standard for horror in video games, the cancellation news was a gut punch. The collaboration between Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro, combined with Norman Reedus' involvement, had the potential to redefine the horror genre in gaming.
The Last Guardian
After nearly a decade of teases, delays, and radio silence, The Last Guardian finally launched in 2016. This game tells a heartfelt story of a boy and his gigantic feathered companion, Trico. The wait was agonizing for fans of Fumito Ueda’s work, such as Shadow of the Colossus and Ico. The emotional payoff and the unique bond between the characters were well worth it, proving that some things might just be worth waiting for.
Duke Nukem Forever
Duke Nukem Forever might have become a punchline due to its 15-year development cycle, but when it finally released in 2011, it was a monumental moment (albeit with mixed reviews). It served as a nostalgic trip back to the ‘90s, filled with the same over-the-top humor and action that fans of the original loved.
Little Devil Inside
Little Devil Inside promises an intriguing blend of survival, exploration, and adventure, set in a whimsically eerie world. It has piqued the interest of many with its stylish art design and mysterious, atmospheric trailers. With recent updates keeping our hopes alive, the 9 long years of anticipation brewing could lead to a uniquely compelling gaming experience.
Chronicles of Elyria
Promising a dynamic and evolving world where characters age, Chronicles of Elyria has been a beacon of hope for MMORPG enthusiasts seeking a deeper sense of immersion. Despite facing development challenges and skepticism, the latest updates suggest that the game is still plodding along. We remain hopeful but cautious.
Beyond Good and Evil 2
After being teased in 2008, Beyond Good and Evil 2 has become almost mythical. This game promises an expansive universe with a deep narrative. Every so often, a new piece of concept art or a development update rekindles our excitement for what could be an epic sci-fi adventure. Here's hoping we get to explore its universe sooner rather than later.
As gamers, we live for these stories—both in-game and during development. The excitement, the disappointment, and the patient (or impatient) waiting are all part of our passionate engagement with the world of video games. Here’s to the games that made it, the ones that didn’t, and those we hope to see in the near future!
