In a conference call today, THQ apparently put the kibosh on the Red Faction franchise, the company’s chief executive, Brian Farrell, reportedly stating that “we do not intend to carry forward with that franchise in any meaningful way.” That statement seems to leave the door open somewhat, perhaps for smaller digital download games or something. But it’s pretty clear that another main installment isn’t going to happen.
Blame for the franchise’s demise should land squarely on the disappointing reception for both recent Red Faction titles. Battlegrounds, the digital download vehicular combat game, was an odd choice for a spin-off and was largely panned. And Armageddon, the true successor to the spectacular (and successful) Guerrilla, moved away from many of Guerrilla‘s strengths and, although admired by many critics as a fun game, ultimately failed to impress on the level of its predecessors.
I’ve been a huge Red Faction fan since the very beginning, but the fact that I have yet to play Battlegrounds or Armageddon, probably never will play Battlegrounds, and really don’t even have a strong desire to dig into Armageddon at the moment, should speak volumes about the questionable direction the series has gone in since peaking with Guerrilla and why the series is now no longer with us, “in any meaningful way.” So R.I.P. Red Faction. I’m going to miss you!
But hey, maybe now that Volition has one less series to worry about, they can get around to creating the next Summoner game I’ve been wanting for so long. Yeah, I know — it’s not going to happen, but I can still dream!
THQ putting a stop to Red Faction franchise [The Inquisitr]
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Armageddon was a large dissapointment for me and most fans. The story was like a middle finger to the gamer. I mean, Aliens, and like two levels of actual enemies. There are only three drivable vehicles through the campaign. AI’s are way too easy on highest level. The peak of the franchise was RF:II or Guerilla.
Yeah, I still haven’t bothered to track down Armageddon, which saddens me to say since I’ve always been such a big fan of the series. Disappointing end after Guerrilla knocked it out of the park. THQ has been going through some rough times lately too, so I’d say it’s even less likely now that Red Faction will make a comeback.