Much like the movie industry or an ongoing comic book series, if a video game is popular enough, it will more than likely be turned into a franchise with new installments being produced regularly. Some series have endured through console generations and entire decades with new entries in the Pokemon and Assassin's Creed franchises always seeming inevitable, while a little series called Call of Duty has become an annual release.
On the flipside, while some series only grow as the years go on, others sadly never seemed to get the chance to establish a permanent place in the gaming world. Many examples end up vanishing before a third mainline installment could be made. Many consider the concept of a trilogy to be the most complete arc for any narrative, and if Shenmue 3 can happen after so many years gone by, then these series need a proper conclusion as well before riding off into the sunset.
The Darkness 3
Based on the Image comic book series of the same name, The Darkness had a brief foray into video games during the seventh console generation with two solid first person shooters. While nothing completely groundbreaking, both titles captured the eerie and often darkly comedic essence of the comic books, all wrapped up with great visuals and satisfying gunplay. Sadly, The Darkness wound up being amongst the most unappreciated titles during the 360/PS3 generation.
After the launch of The Darkness 2 and that game ending on a huge cliffhanger, many fans had to come to grips with the reality that a third installment in Jackie Estacado's supernatural shooter series likely wasn't happening. Still, the two games already available still maintain a loyal cult following. Maybe with enough vocal support, developer Digital Extremes will consider finally bringing The Darkness back out into the light.
Infamous 3
Technically speaking, the Infamous series did receive a third entry on the PlayStation 4 with Infamous: Second Son. While no disrespect is aimed at that excellent game, it lacked the proper finality that a third game should have had. However, now that a new hero is established in Delsin Rowe, if the series can somehow find a way to revive Cole MacGrath after his death at the end of Infamous 2, developer Sucker Punch can deliver a superhero team up to end the series on a bang.
Although it has been years since Infamous: Second Son, Sucker Punch seems to be busy with its new series Ghost of Tsushima. Sony has reiterated it will never retire Infamous (or any franchise for that matter), so there remains a chance that a third installment is merely delayed rather than entirely shelved. Considering the power inside the PlayStation 5 to deliver huge environments and impressive visual effects, it feels like the perfect time for more super powered mayhem.
MediEvil 3
Serving as one of the granddaddy franchises in PlayStation's vast library, the original game and its sequel both launched for the PS1 two decades ago. Aside from the recent PS4 remake of MediEvil, the series has been as dead as Sir Daniel Fortesque over the years. The best things seem to come in threes, so with the franchise back to some degree after the aforementioned remake, maybe its time for a proper follow-up to one of the series that helped grow PlayStation into what it is today.
If more charming, cartoony titles like the critically acclaimed Sackboy: A Big Adventure are proven to have an audience on the PlayStation platform. Alongside more mature, narrative driven games like The Last of Us and God of War, there is surely enough room for the gothic wonders of MediEvil. More variety is never a bad thing, so perhaps its time for this undead hero to be brought back to life once more for a third adventure.
Half-Life 3
Although the lack of Half-Life 3 is basically an ongoing joke at this point, the lack of a mainline third game after nearly twenty years is frustrating for longtime fans of the Valve shooter franchise. Even with the excellent and hugely innovate VR title Half-Life Alyx last year, there remains the itch that can only be scratched by a Half-Life game with a big number '3' slapped onto the end of the title.
With other popular franchises in the genre like Call of Duty and Halo taking much of the spotlight in recent memory, its time for Valve to wake up Mr. Freeman and remind the masses why Half-life was such a beloved first person shooter to begin with. Some story details may indicate that Half-Life Alyx was hinting at a potential Half-Life 3, so maybe Valve is planning to finally acknowledge that '3' is indeed a number (good luck to Left for Dead and Portal).