Many of you will have seen the unexpected news that iconic PS Vita classic Freedom Wars is making a comeback on PS5 and PS4 early next year. The title will be published by Bandai Namco, and it’ll also launch on Nintendo Switch and PC. So, what’s going on, considering this is an intellectual property wholly owned by Sony?

Well, if you watch the trailer carefully, you’ll notice it says “licensed by Sony Interactive Entertainment” in the corner. In other words, this is a rare situation where the Japanese giant is allowing another publisher to use its property – presumably in return for a cut of the profits. Obviously, it doesn’t look like it had any plans for the franchise, so this is the best possible outcome.

The game will run in 4K at 60 frames-per-second on Sony’s new-gen console, and will feature upgraded textures and various other quality of life improvements, like an improved weapon crafting system and difficulty settings. The core gameplay, however, will retain the charm and flow of the original release, which is how remasters like this should be handled.

We’re curious if this opens the door for other dormant PlayStation brands – we’ve already seen an outpouring of love for Soul Sacrifice, for example, which was a gothic Monster Hunter-style affair also for the PS Vita. Are there any long-lost Sony series that you’d like to see licensed out to other publishers? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.

[source youtube.com]