Rockstar Gameshas built a pedigree for itself as one of the best developers in gaming. As of late, it is known as theGrand Theft AutoandRed Dead Redemptionmachine, launching games in those series that always seems to one-up the entry before. Each game takes a half-decade to release, but the results are often undeniable. However, there was a time whenRockstardelved into various genres and released titles with regularity outside of simply the world ofGTA.It’s time for those to return.
In a world of remasters and ports (in whichGrand Theft Auto 5is headed to next-genand will subsequently launch on three different generations), it’s a surprise that some of Rockstar’s classic games haven’t been brought back to life. It would be possible to make a list of allGTAgames that should come back, fromChina Warsand its top-down perspective to the belovedVice City. But even with a series likeGTAbeing so vast, the games can almost make Rockstar seem limited when only viewing it through the prism ofGTA.Reminding fans of the excellence of Rockstar game design outside ofGTAby remastering titles from over the past two decades would be excellent.
RELATED:Fans Think Grand Theft Auto 6 Map May Have Leaked
Bully
Bullyis an action-adventure game that was released back in 2006. Over the years, the cult-classic has seen many rumors in regards to a possible sequel, but now it looks likeBullyis stuck in the shadow ofGTAandRed Dead Redemption. The game is open-world but within the much smaller constraints of a high school setting (compared to whole cities and states). In the game, the player pulls pranks and brakes the rules while trying to avoid getting in trouble with teachers and authority figures. WhileBullyis certainly not a teaching tool for how to behave in high school, it is a silly and fun experience that is worth bringing back.
Even withRed Dead Redemption2 being a monumental success, 2010’s Red Dead Redemptiondeserves its time in the sun yet again. Although the game shares a setting and characters with the newer iteration, much of the gameplay and feel of the title is very different. Whether it be spending nights playing cards in saloons, hunting in the wilderness, or being involved in shootouts on the Mexico border,Red Dead Redemptionwould be a welcome sight with upgraded graphics and fine-tuned gameplay.
Midnight Club 3
TheMidnight Clubseries is one ofRockstar’s abandoned seriesthat deserve a return.Midnight Club 3is usually regarded as the finest, but the series ended in 2009 withMidnight Club: Los Angeles. The game was street racing with an arcade-style feel, and it went toe-to-toe with the likes ofNeed for Speed. In many ways, the racing elements of theGTAgames today haveMidnight Clubto thank. That being said, a return of theMidnight Clubseries as a whole would be wonderful, but a remaster ofMidnight Club 3would also be acceptable.
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis
Thefirst game to run on Rockstar’s RAGE engine,Table Tennismay be a surprise on the list, but it was also a surprise when it was revealed and launched in 2006. As an early Xbox 360 title and the Nintendo Wii as well, the table tennis simulator was praised for having solid AI and very responsive gameplay. Bringing this entry back could be the easiest on the list for Rockstar as well, as the game would simply need some graphics enhancements. This is even a game that Rockstar could make available for free, with new additions and cosmetics being paid content.
Manhunt
Manhunthas seen unofficial remasterswith the help of modders over the years, but a true return of the series would be interesting. Considered an insanely gory game,Manhuntdrew the eyes of many, including even U.S. Representative Joe Baca, who fought for implementing a fine to anyone who would sell Adult Only rated games to children. Perhaps the horrifying kills would be too much in 4k resolution at 120 frames per second, but for fans, it would be a big change.
There are so manygreat Rockstar games that aren’tGTA,and of course, when including theGTAgames the list is even longer. Being able to play some of the games that are ten or fifteen or even twenty years old would be wonderful. Then again, Rockstar Games is doing quite well for itself by simply attempting to create a masterpiece every five or so years.
