5 Canceled Video Games We Want Revived in 2022

Contrary to popular belief, first-class developers aren't always able to craft award-winning worlds. Truth is, there have been some real stinkers in the past, a lot of which have promised us the world, but given us a pittance instead. But then, there are the others — canceled games that would've been perfect additions to a thriving institution of entertainment. It's those types of games that, even to this very day, we're still pretty hung up about.

Anyway, it's 2022, and remasters and remakes are currently all the rage. Video game revivals are taking place left, right and center, and we'd be lying if we said we didn't have any suggestions for the ballot. With that said, here are the five canceled video games that we'd like to see resurrected in 2022.

5. THQ's Avengers

The Avengers itch may have already been scratched thanks to Square Enix, but that hasn't stopped us from thinking about THQ's 2012 spin on the comic book sensation. The fact is, for a short while, fans of the superhero network had all sights pinned on seeing the would-be action-adventure game come to fulfillment. THQ, on the other hand, had a slew of problems of its own, which later went on to ring the death knell for the project.

After struggling to recoup the funds from various commercial failures, THQ filed for bankruptcy in 2012. This was, of course, around the time the publisher had The Avengers on the back burner and ready to put into motion. However, after losing the battle and the vast majority of its staff, the project was eventually canceled. THQ Nordic, being the subsidiary studio that took over in 2016, has yet to piece the broken game back together. Shame, really, as the early designs weren't half bad.

4. Fable Legends

Fable Legends was coined as a free-to-play asymmetrical multilayer role-playing game. Unlike its sibling releases, the game would go on to act as an origin story of sorts, 100 years before the Hero of Albion saga. It was also said to be a $75 million project, which Lionhead Studio proudly splurged on the its initial drafts. But with Microsoft on a closing spree around the time of its development, the game would later be pulled, along with the whole of the Lionhead workforce.

Fortunately, Fable has made a return in recent years. Although not quite in the same form as Legends, it's definitely in receipt of Lionhead's core characteristics. But as far as Legends is concerned, the prequel is as good as dead. A revival wouldn't be a bad call by any means, but it seems as thought Microsoft already has its heart set on rebooting it, not adding to its existing world. Therefore, you'd probably need a miracle of sorts to see this Dungeons and Dragons-inspired game return to life. A miracle that, in all honesty, Microsoft really isn't fussed about.

3. Prey 2

Just a few short years after the release of Prey, developer Human Head Studios made way for a sequel, aptly titled Prey 2. However, with the IP being transferred over to Bethesda, the project quickly felt the pressure of meeting its incredibly high standards. Before long, the sequel to the hit first-person shooter was given the boot, with Bethesda stating that it “wasn't up to quality standards.”

In spite of the game closing in on its alpha state, Human Head Studios eventually backed away from the project in 2011. Come 2017, and a reboot of the IP was released under Bethesda's wing. This reimagining of the first game would later go on to receive high praise from the vast majority of players. Celebrated for its “luxurious sci-fi playground,” the open world game quickly garnered the reputation it rightfully deserved. And yet, in spite of its success, players still questioned the unfortunate demise of the would-be Prey 2 that never quite left the doors.

2. Silent Hills

There isn't a day that goes by where we don't think of the short-lived Kojima project that was Silent Hills. In hindsight, it should've been the be all, end all of survival horror. However, due to the rising tension between Konami and Kojima, the game was eventually shelved, with Kojima himself leaving to explore new opportunities. The only thing left in its wake, of course, was PT, a short demo that was weaved from the carcass.

Of course, Silent Hill hasn't been sent out to pasture just yet. With talks of a reboot on the horizon, it's looking as though the corpse will be revived after all. The only downside to a revival, though, is the lack of creative input by Kojima. It's a world shrouded in controversy, and we honestly don't know what will come of it. Will it return in 2022? It's hard to say, but we definitely have high hopes.

1. Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6: Patriots

A short while before Ubisoft put the hammer and chisel to Rainbow Six: Siege, the studio's Montreal division actually had plans to develop another tactical shooter, one that would go on to become Patriots. Following the death of Tom Clancy in 2013, the developer started to raise doubts about the game, saying that it “wasn't working.”

As a result of Ubisoft's concerns, Patriots was eventually canceled in 2014, three years after its initial announcement. Just over a year later, Rainbow Six: Siege released, which later went on to become a global success. Out of respect for the late author, Ubisoft continues to bear the Tom Clancy title. Patriots, on the other hand, will probably never see the light of day.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any canceled games you'd like to see revived this year? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.