Microsoft, with its impressive portfolio of development studios, possesses an incredibly extensive, arguably unparalleled, library of gaming franchises. Within this vast collection, certain titles consistently stand out as strong contenders for a potential return. In a recent interview with IGN Japan, Xbox head Phil Spencer explored a range of topics, notably addressing some of the most highly anticipated game revivals.
Spencer highlighted that from Microsoft`s legacy catalog, the most frequently requested games for a comeback are the Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey, alongside the Western-developed action titles Crimson Skies and MechAssault.
Both Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey are JRPGs originally developed by Mistwalker, the studio founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, widely recognized as the creator of Final Fantasy. Blue Dragon marked Mistwalker`s inaugural project and featured character designs by the iconic Akira Toriyama, celebrated for his work on Dragon Ball and Dragon Quest. Lost Odyssey, in contrast, showcased character designs by Takehiko Inoue, renowned for Slam Dunk and Vagabond. While Inoue may be less familiar in the West compared to Toriyama, both are immense figures in Japan, making these series particularly cherished by Japanese gaming enthusiasts.
Crimson Skies and MechAssault originated during the early days of the original Xbox. These titles were born from a collaboration between Microsoft and FASA, the publisher at the time for popular franchises like BattleTech and Shadowrun. Crimson Skies offered an action-flight experience set in an alternate 1930s America, where air travel and combat were primary. MechAssault, conversely, was an action-shooter featuring the formidable mechs from the BattleTech universe and notably pioneered Xbox Live multiplayer functionality.
Regarding the possibility of these games` resurgence, the JRPGs appear more feasible. Mistwalker remains an active studio and retains ownership of both Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey. The Western titles, however, face greater obstacles due to complex rights issues. Windows Central noted that although Microsoft previously included Crimson Skies in its backward compatibility program, MechAssault was not. With Topps now holding the rights to FASA`s intellectual properties, a revival of Crimson Skies appears more probable than MechAssault, despite both titles facing ongoing rights challenges.
Beyond discussing these fan-requested franchises, Spencer also touched upon other subjects, including the decision to set Forza Horizon 6 in Japan. This location has been the most requested for the series throughout its 13-year history, a choice Spencer attributed to the nation`s “fantastic” topography. He briefly mentioned Xbox`s collaborations with Japanese developers on upcoming projects such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and Beast of Reincarnation, stating that further details about these endeavors would be shared by the respective development teams.