The evolution of technology and gaming platforms has, sadly, left some past gems in the dust. Left behind due to a lack of attention by game companies focused more on the future than preserving their past, several incredible video games have become virtually inaccessible. Some of these games, despite their popularity and critical acclaim, are not available for purchase or play on modern consoles and platforms. From cult favorites to defining franchises, let us delve into the unfortunate reality of these lost treasures of the gaming world.
Metal Gear Solid 4: A Grand Finale Lost in Time
At the top of our list is Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots. It was an iconic conclusion to the Solid Snake saga and a powerful showcase of the PlayStation 3's capabilities. However, this epic game has never been remastered, unlike its predecessors in the franchise. While the first three games of the series have been revamped multiple times and are set to be reincarnated in the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, the future of Guns of the Patriots remains uncertain. The game's absence from remastered collections and digital platforms makes it a vanishing relic of the past.
Viewtiful Joe: An Underrated Franchise Forgotten
Viewtiful Joe games stand as some of the most underrated side-scrolling beat-'em-up games in history. Despite its rich gameplay and unique style, poor sales and a cult status led to the discontinuation of the franchise by Capcom. The company saw no financial incentive in remastering or re-releasing the original games, leaving the franchise to slowly fade from memory. This is a disheartening example of a franchise denied the chance to gain new fans and appreciation in the modern era.
Flappy Bird: The Rise and Fall of a Mobile Phenomenon
The simple yet addictive gameplay of Flappy Bird took the mobile gaming world by storm, inspiring countless imitators and setting a new standard for mobile games. However, a year after its launch, the game vanished from stores altogether. Whether due to potential legal issues or the creator's own moral quandary over the addictive nature of the game, Flappy Bird's disappearance was swift and unexpected. The game can now only be accessed through an old phone where it is still installed, making it a digital artifact of a bygone era.
The Sims: A Pioneering Game Lost in Transition
The Sims was a game-changer. It popularized the genre of social simulation games, reinforced the PC's position as a versatile gaming platform, and made a significant cultural impact. However, the original game and its much-loved expansion packs have become lost media. Though recent entries in the franchise are available on the EA app, the original game has never been ported to digital stores or modern platforms. The last sighting of The Sims was in the now out-of-print The Sims: Complete Collection, making it a classic lost to time.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Warcraft III: RTS Giants in Limbo
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos are hailed as some of the best military-themed real-time strategy (RTS) games ever made. Despite their legacy, these games have never been remastered or made available on modern platforms. While Red Alert 2 can be purchased through the EA app, it may not be playable due to outdated operating systems. Similarly, the original version of Warcraft III was replaced by the widely criticized remaster Warcraft III: Reforged, making the original game inaccessible on digital platforms. Now, fans can only revisit these games by resorting to piracy or locating old CDs, a testament to how easily gaming history can be lost in the digital age.