10 Great Video Games That Should've Started Franchises

Developed by PlatinumGames, Vanquish was a kickass title that combined high-octane combat, cover-based shooting, acrobatic gameplay, and kinetic pacing.

At the time, the third-person shooter genre was overcrowded with titles like Uncharted and Mass Effect, so it was no surprise when Vanquish didn't do great financially, despite receiving solid reviews. PlatinumGame's other major title, Bayonetta, sold well the previous year, so the company decided to focus on that series over Vanquish. 

It was a sensible decision, but it doesn't seem fair, considering how revolutionary Vanquish's gameplay was. It beautifully incorporated bullet hell and beat 'em up mechanics, which was a rarity in 3D shooters at the time. The boost-slide, which allowed players to jet around the battlefield at breakneck speeds, was a breathtaking mechanic, which is just as exhilarating and addictive now as it was when Vanquish was released.

Though the political tension and space warfare themes were touched upon, there was a lot more to examine. Sam Gideon felt like an archetypal hero, so it would've been nice to see him fleshed out in future stories.

There's never been any serious buzz about Vanquish being turned into a franchise, but it would be nice to revisit.