10 Iconic Video Game Franchises That Can't Catch A Break

Just like any form of media franchise, a video game series can never consider itself truly safe. Even if you're currently the best selling title on a console and everyone is praising you, in just a few years you could be the laughing stock of the entire industry with just one medicore game. It's a shame, because it leads to some beloved franchises loosing their footing and never recovering.

This has led to some game franchises just completley dropping off the planet, such as the Duke Nukem series, despite being fan favourites back in the day. Other franchises may still continue, but only as a husk of their former selves, which is arguablly worse than just finishing all together.

However sometimes there are titles that seem to be doing well that just can't seem to catch a break. For some reason these franchises either can't seem to get the love and attention they deserve from developers or the games themselves don't manage to track well with audiences, despite being well developed and fun experiences. Either way, the franchise suffers as a whole.

Punch Out is one of Nintendo's oldest franchises and made its first debut in 1983 in arcades. The fighter quickly gained popularity due to it's engaging and funny mechanics, over the top characters and overall presentation. The game then went on to receive a new entry in the franchise somewhat regularly until Punch Out on the Wii.

Punch Out on the Wii released in 2009 and was the last entry of the series. It's strange, because the game was well received by critics and fans alike and there doesn't seem to be any reason that the franchise hasn't seen a new release. A Punch Out game could work really well on the Switch, yet nothing has even been hinted at. Little Mac appearing in Smash is the best fans have gotten.

It just goes to show that even if a game series is doing well with sales and is critically acclaimed, doesn't mean it's safe from being left in the dust. There is always a chance this franchise could make a return, but it's been pretty unlucky to be put on a decade long hiatus.