10 Game Franchises That May Never Top Their Original

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen the rise and fall of countless gaming franchises, I must say these three games are nothing short of extraordinary. Each one has left an indelible mark on my gaming journey, and they remain etched in my memory as the pinnacle of their respective series.

Certain video game series have been part of our cultural landscape for decades, maintaining their relevance through either consistent quality, remarkable popularity, or devoted fanbases, making them a permanent fixture within the gaming industry.

However, despite some of them always popping up every few years with a new entry, there are some franchises that have never been able to one-up their original game.

As a dedicated admirer, I’ve been following this creative duo’s journey, striving tirelessly to recapture the magic of their initial masterpiece – that unique blend of genius and luck which seemed to illuminate their work. Yet, despite their best efforts, they’ve consistently fallen short in replicating that first electrifying spark.

However, is it a result of inexperience or the fact that their initial titles were exceptionally strong? Let’s explore some top-notch instances immediately.

10 F.E.A.R.

10 Game Franchises That May Never Top Their Original

I jump straight into an exhilarating first-person shooter (FPS) franchise that exploded onto the gaming world with jaw-dropping action and gunplay. However, despite a promising debut, it failed to maintain that momentum and expand upon its solid base. As a gamer, I’ve been left hoping for more from this series.

In the psychological horror game series known as F.E.A.R., you’re provided with an abundance of ammunition to eliminate the frightening foes hiding in the darkness. However, even with this arsenal at your disposal, you may find yourself tense and frozen with fear due to the cunning intelligence of the enemies within the game.

The advanced artificial intelligence in this game made it challenging, as enemies would strategically outmaneuver you, utilize the surroundings effectively, and force you into unfavorable positions. It often seemed as if you were facing off against a skilled team of tactical experts in every stage.

This game is truly exceptional, and although titles such as “Project Origin” are respectable with their quality expansions, there isn’t anything that quite rivals the original in terms of greatness.

9 Jak and Daxter

10 Game Franchises That May Never Top Their Original

Many people appreciated Jak’s turbulent years depicted in “Jak II: Renegade” and subsequent installments. However, despite attempting to replicate the success of Grand Theft Auto’s design, Naughty Dog was unable to surpass the greatness of their initial title in the series.

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy shines as a masterpiece in platforming game design. This title offers not just exhilarating, enjoyable, and polished platforming adventures, but it also stands out as one of the earliest console games to feature an open world, which was quite remarkable back in 2001.

This game was filled with engaging mini-games, intellectually stimulating puzzles, unforgettable instances, and, as you might expect, a multitude of witty remarks from Daxter.

The series would add vehicles, guns, and more mature themes to try and grow with their audience, but in the end, the most traditional attempt at a mascot platformer the series ever offered still remains the cream of the crop.

8 Dragon Age

It’s worth noting that the Dragon Age series has generated some remarkable games since its debut, with Inquisition and Origins being particularly popular among fans. While Dragon Age 2 also has its supporters, it doesn’t quite reach the same level as the other two games. For now, until the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, we consider Dragon Age: Origins to be the best in the series.

This excellence comes from its exceptionally complex battle mechanics, captivating array of memorable characters, and the opportunity for players to make significant, impactful decisions.

Fundamentally, this is an RPG that strongly focuses on role-playing. Admittedly, if you revisit it today, its graphics might seem a bit outdated. Nevertheless, it remains the finest Dragon Age game to date according to current standards. Here’s hoping that Veilguard will eventually surpass this title.

7 Dead Space

Speaking about the design of horror games, I believe only two game series have managed to create perfect frightening experiences, and those are Silent Hill and Dead Space. Silent Hill is well-known for having an outstanding sequel that many consider the best in the series. As for Dead Space, it was their initial attempt that continues to stand out as a shining example of horror mastery.

Initially, the game boasted an outstanding debut with its emphasis on classic survival horror gameplay mechanics, meticulously crafted visuals and audio for an eerie ambiance, and it was revolutionary in introducing the ‘Shoot-the-limbs’ mechanic that felt groundbreaking.

Let me clarify: Dead Space 2 was an enjoyable sequel, but it seemed to lean heavily on grandiose action sequences instead of relying on the genius of its original installment. As for the third game, let’s just say that EA’s handling of it unfortunately tarnished the overall trilogy.

6 Dark Souls

I might face some criticism, but I stand firm on this point: While both subsequent games in the “Dark Souls” series have been well-made, none of them could surpass the original game in terms of quality, as far as I’m concerned.

In Dark Souls 2, some people felt that it lacked the distinctive touch because Miyazaki was not part of the development team, making it seem like an imperfect replica of a Souls game in certain instances.

Personally, Dark Souls III came incredibly close to claiming the throne as my favorite, but in the end, nothing quite matches the immersive and intertwined world design of Dark Souls I. The gameplay flow, the lore, the roster of bosses, that breathtaking view overlooking Anor Londo – it’s all unforgettable.

This unique game, though surpassed by multiple Game of the Year nominees in a row, remains so significant and emblematic that it may never be surpassed or equaled.

5 Sonic the Hedgehog

Whether you view Sonic Mania as a ‘new game’ or more like a carefully crafted remaster or reboot, it seems appropriate to include it in this list. The Sonic series is arguably the epitome of a gaming franchise that thrives on its past achievements and the passion of its devoted fanbase.

Regardless if we mention “Sonic the Hedgehog 06” or “Sonic Boom”, it’s clear that the dedicated fan base of Sonic has faced numerous devastating incidents where their cherished blue hedgehog character was mistreated.

However, it should be noted that Sega faced a challenging task when following up on their classic Sonic games from decades past. These early Sonic titles deliver some of the smoothest, enjoyable, and fast-paced arcade-style platform gaming experiences ever seen on screens.

Ever since then, I’ve been eagerly waiting for a new Sonic game that truly captures the thrill of speed like the original did. While there have been some fantastic titles such as Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Frontiers, none have quite managed to surpass the excitement and charm of the classic series.

4 The Last of Us

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As a die-hard fan, let me share my thoughts on The Last of Us series, which so far has only two mainline games. Despite its brevity, I think it’s essential to highlight the first game, as I firmly believe that no future installments, should Naughty Dog decide to create another, will match the unique magic of the original.

It’s worth noting that the follow-up excels in graphics, playability, and subtle aspects, yet for games like this, storytelling holds the crown.

In a nutshell, The Last of Us Part Two delivered an intense, impactful narrative, no doubt about it. However, due to some contentious plot choices, as well as less engaging character interactions and relationships compared to the first game’s unforgettable Joel and Ellie dynamic, this sequel found it challenging to scale the great heights of its predecessor.

“This gaming series might have been one of the pioneers in capturing mainstream attention, demonstrating that video games can convey powerful emotional narratives comparable to films and television shows.”

In essence, it highlights the challenging nature of the initial game, with future endeavors promising to maintain that difficulty.

3 Deus Ex

Amazingly, even after so many years, I find myself still in awe that Deus Ex might just be the most stunningly immersive sim ever released in the gaming industry – from my perspective as a fan.

In this game, you take on the role of character JC Denton. Throughout multiple missions, you have the freedom to explore and handle each obstacle according to your own strategies, creating a unique and dynamic gaming experience that is rarely seen.

From the release of its groundbreaking title, the Deus Ex series hasn’t quite been able to produce a game as expansive and polished as that one. Over time, the quality and fundamental gameplay aspects have naturally evolved with the changing times, as we find ourselves in the role of Adam Jensen.

However, because player choice is perceived as more of a superficial element than a genuine consideration, and there’s a greater emphasis on combat and action, fans of the series are yet to experience a contemporary Deus Ex game that truly embodies the spirit of the franchise’s immersive sim style.

2 Pokémon

When it comes to enduring and thriving video game franchises, few can rival the popularity of Pokémon compared to Mario. The Pokémon series has been a staple since the era of Game Boy Color, and although there have been numerous successful additions since then, many still believe that none have surpassed the original versions, Pokémon Red and Blue, in terms of their genius and cultural significance.

Exploring Kanto, one of the beloved regions within the Pokémon series, was made possible by games like Pokémon Red and Blue. These pioneering titles also introduced us to the initial set of 151 Pokémons, a group that continues to hold a cherished spot in the hearts of all dedicated Pokémon enthusiasts.

Ever since then, the Pokémon series has frequently revisited Kanto, thanks to games like Fire Red and Leaf Green, along with Let’s Go, Pikachu and Eevee. This demonstrates the enduring affection fans have for the initial Pokémon journey.

The Pokémon series has certainly evolved over time, and it’s likely that we wouldn’t have the enduring franchise we know today if it weren’t for the initial releases of Red and Blue.

1 Bioshock

To conclude, let me mention the game that’s often the topic of conversation when discussing original titles within this franchise, and which is widely believed to be unsurpassed for all time.

Regardless of the widespread acclaim for Bioshock 2 and the spectacular FPS display in Bioshock Infinite, no other experience can match the initial journey to Rapture – an underwater utopia turned into ruins, where we found all that we desired.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but rave about this game. From its mind-blowing narrative, captivating lore, enchanting atmosphere, meticulous world-building, and immersive setting, it sweeps you off your feet and plunges you right into an extraordinary adventure. But what truly sets it apart are the larger-than-life characters and the one-of-a-kind FPS gameplay that showcases Rapture’s iconic plasmids. It’s simply out of this world!

Additionally, there’s an unexpected element that challenged our shared perspective on fairness among gamers, making us reconsider our assumptions.

“Bioshock is a peerless work of art that has yet to be matched, and it remains one of those essential video games every gamer should experience. If you haven’t played it yet, I strongly recommend giving it a try.”

2024-09-02 16:09