FromSoftware, the acclaimed studio behind challenging action RPGs like Dark Souls, Demon's Souls, and Bloodborne, has a history that extends beyond its current mainstream success. While fans anticipate a potential Bloodborne remake, a lesser-known title from the company’s past deserves a revival: Lost Kingdoms.

A Unique GameCube Exclusive

Released in 2002 as Rune in Japan, Lost Kingdoms was a GameCube exclusive. The game’s premise centers on Princess Katia, tasked with saving a world threatened by an encroaching fog – a theme frequently revisited in FromSoftware’s later works.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

Unlike the direct combat of the ‘Souls’ series, Lost Kingdoms features a unique gameplay style. Players command monsters who fight on their behalf, granting Katia special abilities and powers. This strategic approach, where the player acts as a commander rather than a direct combatant, sets it apart.

Games like Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Lost in Random offer similar mechanics, but none fully capture the strategic depth of Lost Kingdoms. The game blends deck-building elements, reminiscent of titles like Slay the Spire, with real-time battles.

A Sequel and Subsequent Dormancy

A sequel, Lost Kingdoms 2, followed in 2003, also exclusively for the GameCube. However, the Lost Kingdoms IP has remained dormant since, seemingly abandoned by FromSoftware. The complex rights ownership – developed by FromSoftware, published by Activision, and exclusive to Nintendo – further complicates any potential revival.

The Risk of Becoming Lost Media

Currently, the only way to experience Lost Kingdoms or its sequel is through the original GameCube hardware. This risks the games becoming lost media, fading into obscurity and potentially being forgotten. This is a concern shared by fans of Bloodborne, though that game has received an animated adaptation.

Preserving gaming history is vital, and Lost Kingdoms represents a unique and valuable part of FromSoftware’s legacy. A remake would introduce a new generation to this hidden gem and demonstrate the studio’s commitment to its entire catalog.

A Potential Revival?

Considering FromSoftware’s recent success with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon – a revival of a previously dormant franchise – a similar treatment for Lost Kingdoms isn’t far-fetched. The game’s strategic depth and real-time combat could resonate with modern audiences seeking fresh, challenging experiences. A remake could refine and expand upon the original concepts, creating a truly exceptional experience.