The Red Faction series, known for its terra-formation and destruction of the red planet, Mars, has always been pretty good – but it’s never quite reached being great. And it never will, as THQ has confirmed its abandoned the franchise.
Red Faction began its life as a first-person shooter on the Playstation 2 and PC, with a short, but critically acclaimed sequel following a year later. This generation it began life anew as a the interesting, but flawed third-person sandbox actioner Red Faction: Guerrilla.
Red Faction Armageddon, the latest title in the series, was met with a warm critical reception – but failed at lighting up sales charts. "We are disappointed in our first quarter financial performance. Sales of Red Faction: Armageddon and our licensed kids titles were below our expectations, and the late release of UFC Personal Trainer also adversely impacted the quarter," said THQ CEO Brian Farrell.
As a result of the lackluster retail performance , the company confirmed it’s pretty much left Red Faction out to die. "We do not intend to carry forward with that franchise in any meaningful way," said Farrell in an investor call.
Developer Volition Inc, also responsible for Saints Row, is owned by THQ, so unless they sell the IP, there’s very little chance of us geo-modding Mars again. What do you think? Is it the sad demise of a franchise with great, untapped potential – or can we we say good riddance to bad rubbish?
Source : Eurogamer
Last Updated: July 28, 2011