Look, up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s THQ Nordic coming to save dormant and mistreated video game franchises with their seemingly bottomless well of money. Apparently remasters are very popular.
Since forming from the ashes of THQ, THQ Nordic have been on a one-publisher mission to not only deliver exciting new games, but also to help gamers rediscover somewhat forgotten gems. And also de Blob. After showing their intent early with the announcement of a new Darksiders game, they have been on a complete tear ever since.
The most high-profile purchase from THQ Nordic has arguably been them snaffling up Koch Media and publisher Deep Silver by association. This has opened the door for them in a big way: Deep Silver has plenty of quality on their books, meaning that older and lesser appreciated games might finally see the light they deserve or to be reinvented for a new audience.
With THQ Nordic recently snapping up Kingdoms of Amalur and Alone in the Dark, it started me thinking about what else they could throw their money at, so I’ve compiled a list of the games THQ Nordic should look at reviving in one form or another. Bear in mind that I’ve tried to be somewhat realistic with these entries, so while we may all want to see the likes of a new Medal of Honor or Skate 4, their respective publishers are very unlikely to let them go.
1. Red Faction
Last seen: Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered
Technically, THQ Nordic have already saved Red Faction by releasing Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered for modern platforms, though it’s not exactly the fresh experience many were hoping for from the franchise. They should return the game to its destructive FPS roots and release an unpretentious and just bloody fun game. Ironically, Red Faction: Armageddon is seen as the game that broke THQ’s back, so there could be some poetry in the making here.
2. Saints Row
Last seen: Saints Row: Gat out of Hell
Again, THQ Nordic have already announced plans for a new Saints Row game, so this may be a bit of a cheat. However, seeing as how the series really lost its way towards the end, saving it is more than just a case of releasing a new game. Instead, any new Saints Row game needs to be in keeping with the third game and prior — Saints Row IV and Gat Out of Hell upped the ante to ridiculous and not quite as charming levels.
3. Legacy of Kain
Last seen: Nosgoth
A franchise as cursed as its protagonists, Legacy of Kain is no stranger to disappointment. It’s been dormant since the cancellation of Blood Sun and the subsequent failings of Nosgoth and Square Enix just don’t seem to know what to do with it. A remastered collection would probably be the best bet to test the waters before launching into a full game; Legacy of Kain has always been a beloved but quintessentially cult series.
4. Call of Juarez
Last seen: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
An unfortunate casualty of the trend of making everything modern and insufferably gritty, all of the momentum for the series was ruined with the terrible Call of Juarez: The Cartel in 2011. Gunslinger returned the series to its roots, but the damage had already been done and the series was tainted. THQ Nordic would be wise to cash in on the inevitable Red Dead hypewave while they can.
5. Mercenaries
Last seen: Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
You’d think that Mercenaries, an open world series about mass destruction, would be the perfect fit for a generation that’s all about the spectacle. Apparently not. With Pandemic Studios killed off (RIP, you wonderful bastards) by Electronic Arts and the publisher doing absolutely nothing with the license, the door opened by Kingdoms of Amalur may help THQ Nordic to pick up Mercenaries and deliver basically Saints Row but with exploding buildings.
6. Earthworm Jim
Last seen: Earthworm Jim HD
Listen, if Bubsy can get a new game, so can Earthworm Jim. Earthworm Jim 4 has actually been in the offing for the longest time — it’s getting to Duke Nukem Forever levels of AWOL. Wait, what’s that? THQ Nordic have some money they want you to have to make it and also a remake collection of the original games? Problem solved. Next up: Bucky O’Hare.
7. Jet Set Radio
Last seen: Jet Set Radio HD
The series has always been a cult favourite so while it may not be a money earner for THQ Nordic if they somehow convince Sega to let it go, a remastered collection might serve them well. If they really want to make an impression and deliver a new JSR game, however: Splatoon, but Jet Set Radio.
8. Gun
Last seen: Gun
Why did they never make a follow-up to Gun, anyone? It might have something to do with Neversoft really losing their way or it just not making quite enough money for Activision, but a game that did a lot of what Red Dead Redemption did years before Rockstar’s monolith was released was still well received. Much like Call of Juarez, with Red Dead Redemption 2 on the horizon, someone — if not THQ Nordic — would be wise to make a sequel. Name idea: Guns.
9. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
Last seen: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
While a new game in the series has been confirmed and due for release in 2021, there has been no news of a publisher attached to it. Enter THQ Nordic, who wholly purchased Deep Silver and THQ: publishers of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. in Europe and North America respectively. 2021 is a long time away, but that release date may be brought forward if the developers have more money to play with.
10. Conduit
Last seen: Conduit 2
I just need to know what happens next after this ending. Humanity deserves it.
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