The series ultimately has some real artistic merit behind it, even if all of its creative swings don’t ultimately connect. But just because a game isn’t fun doesn’t mean it shouldn’t exist. Now, even as a fan of the series (especially the second game), I’m under no illusion that another entry in this series would be a hard sell not only to developer IO Interactive but to audiences who have no appetite for such a nihilistic experience. But after both of these incredibly short campaigns are finished, and every podcast and video essay on them have been heard and seen, it still feels like the themes of the game could be further explored. But despite how hideous the games are, both in very different ways from one another, the series has remained fascinating to play, and even more to discuss. In an industry that often rewards brightly colored worlds and lighthearted tones with critical acclaim and high sales, this series envelopes you in a dark universe full of terrible men doing terrible things.

The Kane and Lynch franchise, however short-lived and obscure it is, has remained a point of fascination for many game enthusiasts.