Over the years, Xbox has built up a powerful lineup of franchises — some legendary, some forgotten. While juggernauts like Halo and Gears of War continue to dominate the spotlight, there’s a vault of older IPs that once defined the platform’s identity but have since vanished into the archives.

With Xbox Game Pass, Unreal Engine 5, and Microsoft’s recent push for studio acquisitions, there’s never been a better time to resurrect some of these classics. From mech warfare to monster gardening, these are 10 Xbox franchises that absolutely deserve a comeback.

10. Blue Dragon (Mistwalker / 2006)

When Xbox 360 tried to appeal to the Japanese market, Blue Dragon was one of its biggest bets. Created by Final Fantasy’s Hironobu Sakaguchi with art from Dragon Ball Z legend Akira Toriyama, this JRPG was bursting with heart and classic turn-based charm.

A revival could thrive today with modern visuals and open-world exploration — especially as Game Pass fans continue to demand more high-quality JRPGs on Xbox.

9. Crimson Skies (FASA Studio / 2003)

A mix of pulp adventure, dogfighting, and 1930s style, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge was one of the most unique exclusives on the original Xbox. Its aerial combat and personality made it stand out from every other shooter of its time.

Imagine this franchise returning with today’s graphics, online multiplayer dogfights, and full campaign co-op. The skies have been empty for far too long.

8. MechAssault (Day 1 Studios / 2002)

Before Titanfall and Armored Core, Xbox had MechAssault. It let players stomp across cities in towering war machines, blasting everything in sight.

The franchise was huge for early Xbox Live — and with modern mech games making a comeback, this series could absolutely thrive again. Even Phil Spencer himself said he’d like to revisit it.

7. Lost Odyssey (Mistwalker / 2007)

An emotional, mature JRPG masterpiece, Lost Odyssey still stands as one of the best-written games on Xbox. The story of immortals dealing with loss and memory made it a cult favorite.

It deserves a remaster or even a full sequel — Xbox could easily fill its single-player RPG gap by bringing this one back.

6. Perfect Dark (Rare / 2000)

Joanna Dark was once Xbox’s answer to James Bond — sleek, stealthy, and futuristic. While a reboot is technically in development by The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics, it’s been quiet for a long time.

Fans want to see Perfect Dark return to its roots: stylish sci-fi espionage, wild gadgets, and bold storytelling.

5. Viva Piñata (Rare / 2006)

Part animal-care sim, part creative sandbox, Viva Piñata was pure charm. Managing a garden full of colorful candy creatures made it one of the most relaxing, imaginative games on Xbox.

A sequel with online co-op, expanded environments, and cross-platform play could easily find a new audience today — especially among Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley fans.

4. Banjo-Kazooie (Rare / 1998)

Few platformers capture nostalgia quite like Banjo-Kazooie. This goofy bear-and-bird duo defined the 3D platforming golden age, and fans have been begging for a comeback ever since.

With Crash Bandicoot and Spyro proving that mascot platformers can thrive again, Banjo-Kazooie deserves to fly high once more. A remake, remaster, or even a new 3D adventure would be an instant hit.

3. Killer Instinct (Rare / 2013 reboot)

The 2013 Killer Instinct reboot was a cult success, blending fast-paced combos and flashy visuals with a killer soundtrack. Unfortunately, its support faded too soon.

Fighting games are booming again thanks to Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, and Xbox desperately needs one in its lineup. A new Killer Instinct could be that game — with crossplay, esports support, and a bigger roster.

2. State of Decay (Undead Labs / 2013)

While not entirely dormant, State of Decay deserves a full-on AAA reinvention. The zombie survival-base-management formula has incredible potential.

A next-gen entry with The Last of Us-level visuals, deeper character systems, and co-op world persistence could turn it into Xbox’s definitive open-world survival game.

1. Jet Force Gemini (Rare / 1999)

One of Rare’s most ambitious Nintendo 64 titles later became an Xbox property under Microsoft. Jet Force Gemini was a wild mix of sci-fi, shooting, and exploration — a hidden gem bursting with ideas ahead of its time.

With the resurgence of colorful space shooters and cooperative gameplay, Jet Force Gemini could easily make a stellar comeback. Imagine it remade with today’s lighting tech, open-galaxy worlds, and seamless multiplayer.

⚡ Honorable Mentions

  • Blinx: The Time Sweeper — Xbox’s forgotten mascot could return as a quirky platformer.
  • Project Gotham Racing — a slick racer that once rivaled Gran Turismo.
  • Brute Force — a squad-based shooter that could be perfect for Game Pass co-op.
  • Fuzion Frenzy — Xbox’s answer to Mario Party deserves another go.

Xbox has no shortage of untapped potential hiding in its back catalog. These franchises didn’t just entertain — they defined eras, experimented with mechanics, and helped shape what the Xbox brand is today.

Now, with modern tools, Game Pass distribution, and a massive audience hungry for nostalgia, reviving these classic franchises could remind players why Xbox became a gaming powerhouse in the first place.

Which classic Xbox series do you want to see return? Drop your pick in the comments below — and maybe, just maybe, Phil Spencer will listen.