Over the years, watching E3, gaming award shows and internet specials, groundbreaking and exciting video game titles have been announced. These were a mix of next-gen experiences and soon-to-come titles from well-known developers. Unfortunately, as with many anticipated titles, they were hit with delays....and more delays...and another delay.... (Damn, will these games ever be released?) I thought this and asked my computer screen this question; well, screamed is more like it.
And the frustrations continued until, ultimately, these big budget titles faded into the background; these were replaced by other addicting and amazing games that tided me over until I thought, "wait, wasn't that one game supposed to come out right about now? Where is it?" I'm sure many of you will have the same reaction as I go through this list.
These were the titles that were top of mind soon after wondering what was missing (after being promised for like EVER) from developers. I've even given my predictions of their status for the future: It's Alive, Life Support and Vaporware. Let's dive right in shall we?
Cyberpunk 2077
This futuristic, RPG title from CD Projekt Red (the creators of The Witcher Series) was first seen by gamers in 2012 with an estimated release in 2016. Being a sci-fi fan, the geek in me could not be contained. I wondered when I would be able to dive in the cyberpunk universe, especially with such a flashy debut trailer. However, this was the last time any gameplay or trailer footage would be shown.
As of today, the title is currently being put on the backburner as CD Projekt Red focuses on The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt. In an interview with Gamespot, developer Michal Platkow-Gilewski gave a short response about Cyberberpunk:
"Everyone is working crazy hard to give gamers around the world an RPG to remember. Worry not, Cyberpunk 2077 is OK, it’s time will come."
Since that interview in early 2015, no word has been heard since.
Release date: Unknown
Best Guess: December 31, 2077
Status: Life Support *Beep Beep*
Fortnite
Just the title alone will create an "Oh yeah!" moment for many reading this article. This game, developed by Epic Games, made its debut in 2011. If Team Fortress 2 and Sunset Overdrive has a baby, it would be very close to birthing Fortnite. In the game, players explore the large terrain, gather materials to build a fort and set traps to deter waves of enemies from entering the fortress. Similar to Team Fortress 2, there are several classes, each with specialized weapons and gadgets used to obliterate enemies with satisfying explosions. Sounds awesome, right? That's what I said!
Unlike the other titles listed here, this game is far from vaporware status. It was just a forgotten title, buried underneath other releases. The alpha version of the game was released in 2014, given a tentative release window in 2015. There is hope we will learn more about this game at this year’s E3 or sooner (I hope it's sooner).
Above is recent alpha gameplay of Fortnite. Enjoy the chaos and get ready for mayhem!
Release Date: 2015
Best Guess: November 2015
Status: It's Alive!
The Last Guardian
Oh boy....where do I begin with this one? Nowadays, I refer to this game as The Lost Guardian. Gamers were treated to its debut at 2009 E3; this brought back some major feels from earlier games ICO and The Shadow of the Colossus. For those that have yet to play either of those titles, I highly recommend them. It is a feels-fest (copy written).
Like ICO, featuring a young child escorting a lady through dungeons and castles while solving puzzles, Team ICO has replaced the young lady with a large, flying creature (insert Neverending Story joke here) Both work together to defeat and avoid guards who pursue them while solving puzzles to escape danger. The game is visually stunning and soft on the eyes. Given the developer's track record, something tells me this will be another tear jerker.
Yet this game has seen several years (make that eight and counting) of delays, creating much doubt in the minds of gamers whether it is truly alive or dead in the water. It has been speculated that issues between creator Ueda and Sony have led to these setbacks; last year, a story surfaced where The Last Guardian trademark expired. In an interview with Kotaku, Ueda responded with this:
"Talks with Sony Computer Entertainment on The Last Guardian have been ironed out, and we're making progress under completely new conditions."
Sony later renewed the trademark soon after the news hit the web. Coincidence? I think not.
Release Date: Unknown
Best Guess: ????
Status: Vaporware
Agent
To continue with the pattern of titles cast away into the land of the lost, here's one that showed some promise at E3 2009. Rockstar and Take Two created such fervor for their newest game Agent; the game takes place during the Cold War with gameplay based on co-op espionage, stealth and assassination missions. A closed beta was opened for a lucky couple of players, building more excitement for an eminent release. This all sounds pretty exciting. So what all was released to get us excited for the game?
These four images are all that exist of Agent since its debut in 2009. In 2011, Take Two confirmed the game was still in development. Hooray! Yet...on the contrary, it was noted the trademark for Agent expired; this all but confirmed mission failed until a bright light peaked through the clouds.
In 2013, Take Two registered two new trademarks for this spy, action title. This gives hope to gamers who have been looking forward to diving into the game. Given such popular releases such as the Bioshock, Borderlands and Grand Theft Auto titles, developers have had their hands full; this is my excuse as to why there has been no further...anything about this game since 2009 (You owe me one, Take Two).
This title isn't exactly vapor ware. There is still life left, if feint at best. I guess the mission isn't yet impossible to complete (Shut up. I thought it was funny).
Release Date: Unknown
Best Guess: December 2017
Status: Life Support *Beep Beep*
Huxley
This is an interesting gem of a game. Announced at E3 2009, it was promised to be an epic MMOFPS with marketplaces, towns to resupply before battle and players to meet for awesome co-op combat. Boasting the then high definition (and ultra-sexy) Unreal Engine 3 graphics, those in attendance were in awe of such incredible sprites. The game itself sounded very interesting: a team-based, chaotic FPS taking place in a futuristic wasteland where two factions fight for bragging rights and dominance. Pretty sweet, right?
Huxley was well on its way to materializing into a game many could get their hands on. After a closed beta in 2009 and open beta in 2010, my money was halfway out of my pocket...until some bad news came along. The Korean services for the game would be cancelled, drastically affecting development. Webzen was then later announced to self-host the title. A game changing hands mid development? Not a good sign.
To this day, the release date for the US and UK are still unknown. This gives a shred of hope to the game being more than vaporware. However, it does not seem to be much to hang onto.
Release Date: Unknown
Best Guess: ????
Status: Vaporware
Honorable Mention: Star Wars 1313
As a Star Wars fan, I was really looking forward to enjoying every minute of this next generation title. Star Wars 1313 first made its debut at E3 2012. The teaser above showed off incredible graphics, heart stopping action and nail-biting cliffhangers (literally and figuratively). The game tells the story of a young Boba Fett and his early days as a Bounty Hunter. He follows in the footsteps of his father, training to become a legend and future member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
However, after Disney purchased Lucas Arts, all those dreams of being a Star Wars Bounty Hunter slowly died (so much for the happiest place in the world). Disney did not serve gamers with smiles and joy when it was announced Star Wars 1313 was shelved until further notice.
To make matters worse, the trademark for this futuristic action title was not renewed by Disney at the end of 2013. I'm sure it just slipped their minds, right? Right?!! I digress... other than a silver lining of the game possibly being released via partnership with an outside company (Bethesda, Bioware step up!), 1313 seems more like 0000.
Release Date: Unknown
Best Guess: ????
Status: Vaporware
So what do you guys think? Are these titles dead in the water or do they have some life still left in them with a possible release? Make sure you comment below and let your voices be heard. Until next time, folks!
