Now Loading: PlayStation Franchises That Need a Break

Sony has some of the most recognizable franchises in all of gaming. Games like God of War, Uncharted, Rachet & Clank, and SOCOM have defined console generations. That said, sometimes these series can lose a bit of their luster through sequels, and it’s not uncommon to see three or more entries in a comparatively short amount of time. Did God of War: Ascension really help that brand any?

That’s why the question we posed in this week’s Now Loading was “Sony has a lot of recognizable series, but they sometimes go back to the well too often. What PlayStation franchises need a break?”

Check out the gallery below to find out what the staff thought of this week’s question:

Now that you’ve seen our answers, we’d love to see hear your thoughts on the matter at hand. Feel free to chime in below with your answer to this week’s question. We can’t wait to hear about what PlayStation franchises you’d like to see go away for a while. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

We’re always looking for suggestions for our next Now Loading. If you’ve got a good one then let us know via email (or leave a comment below), and we might feature it next week. If we do, we’ll make sure to include a special thank you to the sender!

Now Loading is a weekly recurring feature where the PlayStation LifeStyle staff discusses anything video game-related ranging from hot topics to more whimsical subjects. Past editions can be found here.

Essential Reading:

Now Loading: Sony Go Away

What Sony Series Needs a Break?
Blake Grundman

I hate to be that guy, but isn’t it about time to put Knack to bed? I was shocked to see that they even bothered to make a second game, but they seem hell-bent on turning it into a franchise.

Come on, Sony. Give it a rest...
Chandler Wood

Sony is pretty smart with its various franchises and how it spaces them out. I've never felt overwhelmed by any Sony property (except maybe Ratchet and Clank, but that has now been on a long break). Sony really doesn't have any franchises suffering fatigue right now. The closest would be Uncharted, but it also seems like Naughty Dog has put that one to bed themselves, at least for the time being. Remember that The Lost Legacy was simply expanded from what was originally DLC for Uncharted 4, so Naughty Dog technically still did plan for Uncharted 4 to be the big conclusion. More often it's yearly franchises like Ubisoft's Assassin's Creedthat begin to suffer and need to go on a break, and look what happened with Origins once it did!

In fact, I think the time is nigh for more Sony franchises that are returning from breaks than any notable ones that need to be put to bed. Just look at the likes of God of War, emerging from the slumbering cocoon as a different and evolved beast after a long winter's nap.
Elizabeth Henges

I really have to say Uncharted needs a break. While they're consistently well recieved games, it just seems like Naughty Dog needs the chance to work on other games. Yes, they are working on The Last of Us Part II, but the developer seems stuck in this particular niche and it'd be nice to see them return to their roots.
Keri Honea

My vote is also going to Uncharted. Sometimes stories need to come to an end without any spin-offs. Uncharted is one of these stories. I'd rather see that part of Naughty Dog move toward a new IP. We know they can create great stories and gameplay from the ground up. It's time they take another The Last of Us-esque risk.
Michael Briers

Uncharted, for sure. I firmly believe the series still has a future, but with Naughty Dog said to be mulling over ideas for a new IP beyond The Last of Us, it'd almost be a sin to restrict such a talented studio to only two PlayStation franchises.
Tyler Treese

I think the answer has to be Uncharted for me. We've gotten five games in a pretty quick succession, and the formula hasn't improved all that much (although the writing has). If there's to be more of the series then it needs a God of War-style drastic change since we've seen all that series has to offer mechanically and it hasn't been interesting in quite some time. Also, let Killzone continue its current break forever. Nobody needs more of that.
Zarmena Khan

Naughty Dog has already hinted that Uncharted's going to take a rest - temporary or permanent, we don't know yet. Nathan's story is definitely done, but I think they might want to explore other characters or some sort of spin-off. But knowing Naughty Dog, I don't think we'll see that any time soon. What I am worried about, however, is God of War. Ascension was fun but didn't stand out in any way. If the upcoming title (which seems to be trying a different formula) doesn't work out, then it's time to let it go.