The Heartbreak of Canceled Games

Gamespot has a piece running today revisiting some of the late and lamented game titles that never made it out of the development phase. Though the article covers all genres, there are a depressing number of canceled Massive titles on the list. From the article: "You'd be hard pressed to find a game whose cancellation caused Xbox owners to shout "D'oh!" louder than True Fantasy Live Online. The ambitious game was slated to be the system's first MMO and it was being crafted by seasoned Japanese developer Level 5, whose resume includes such gems as Dark Cloud 2 and Dragon Quest VIII. The game had all the signs of being one of those special landmark titles for a platform--more than just a seminal moment in the console's software library. The game's ambitious use of Xbox Live, which would have been the most extensive use of the service in a game ever, was more in line with the level of sophistication seen in a PC game. Unfortunately, it appears that Level 5's ambition was what led to TFLO being shelved. The game's scope and rich experience presented a sizable challenge for both the developer and Microsoft within the given time frame."

Comments

Where is "Sam and Max: FP"?

[WidescreenFreak]

This list is missing a lot of in-progress-then-cancelled games for the PC. Where is Sam and Max: Freelance Police from that list? It was one of the most anticipated games in LucasArts' "Coming Soon" line-up with an estimated completion of 85-90% (based on statements by its developers) when LucasArts suddenly pulled it citing market reasons.

How about Full Throttle 2?

(Does Duke Nuke 'Em Forever count or is that "still" in development?)

They forgot Master of Orion 3

[ValuJet]

I refuse to accept that steaming pile they released as an actual game. Biggest. Dissapointment. Ever.

Re:Sam & Max

[xenomouse]

hey, there are plenty of other places on the web to catch some S&M.

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