The gaming industry has had quite a long history, but given its strong connection with technological advancements, each new tech leap brings about significant changes in the realm of interactive entertainment.
As a result, numerous video game franchises have changed significantly over time, adjusting to accommodate new technologies and consumer preferences. However, they often seem to drift away from the features that initially made them successful.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed that some beloved game franchises have taken unexpected turns over the years. What was once familiar has morphed into something new and different. These ten long-standing series that now look almost unrecognizable compared to their beginnings demonstrate just how dynamic our gaming industry has become.
10.
Syndicate
A Changed Gem
| First game |
Syndicate (1993)
|
| Latest game | Syndicate (2012) |
Upon stumbling upon the shooter game called Syndicate for the first time, I must admit that I was genuinely astounded by its captivating universe, thought-provoking topics, and relentless campaign. It left an indelible mark on me.
At that moment, I discovered it was a re-creation of a title with the same name that was released in 1993. Being a fan of timeless adventures, I knew I couldn’t wait to obtain it.
To my astonishment, it wasn’t another first-person shooter game; instead, I encountered an isometric real-time tactics (RTT) title. Remarkably, while sharing the same universe and certain elements with the latest installment of the series, this game felt remarkably distinct – much like its sequel, Syndicate Wars.
Moving from real-time strategy games to first-person shooters represents a substantial shift, and even though the remake didn’t gain widespread popularity, it was a seamless adaptation that aligned perfectly with the series.
9.
Sonic
And It’s Still Running
| First game | Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) |
| Latest game | Shadow Generations (2024) |
Experiencing the transformation of Sonic through playing at least one game from every generation since its debut has been an exciting journey.
Originally, I found myself exploring a 2D world in a platformer game, but as time went on, the adventure transformed into a thrilling 3D journey. Now, this game offers not just platforming, but also racing tracks, arcade challenges, beat ’em up battles, role-playing quests, and even visual novel experiences. It’s amazing how much it has evolved!
Regardless of their shared genre, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Adventure, and Shadow the Hedgehog: Generations present a significant distinction, as they each offer unique perspectives, particularly in the way they feature Shadow as the main character.
As a franchise, Sonic is consistently evolving within the industry, a trait that keeps it contemporary even amidst its fluctuations.
8.
Prince of Persia
Many Genres for One Franchise
| First game | Prince of Persia (1989) |
| Latest game | The Rogue Prince of Persia (2024) |
The Prince of Persia franchise, originating in the 1980s, remains significant even today, although it may not have reached its peak in recent generations.
Initially, a sequence of platform games with rotoscoping in two dimensions transformed into 3D in 1999, and subsequently incorporated action-adventure aspects, most notably with the iconic Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
For decades, this groundbreaking game served as the foundation for our beloved franchise, slowly evolving beyond its roots in mechanics. Yet, despite its greatness, the current state of the series isn’t where we want it to be. Consequently, we’ve decided to steer the ship once more, aiming to bring back the magic that made this game a classic.
By blending elements from the Metroidvania and roguelike game genres, as seen in The Lost Crown and The Rogue Prince of Persia, the series has never felt more engaging and enjoyable.
7.
Final Fantasy
More and More Action
| First game | Final Fantasy (1987) |
| Latest game | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (2024) |
Similar to Prince of Persia, Final Fantasy represents a timeless masterpiece that significantly influenced the gaming world, offering approximately four decades worth of distinctive journeys.
Over such a long period, undergoing major changes was only natural; it evolved dramatically, moving from a simple, 2D, pixelated JRPG to an immersive, action-based RPG boasting top-tier graphics.
There’s a massive gap between the original Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy 16, but the core spirit of the series remains consistent. Remarkably, even with unique titles like Final Fantasy 14 (an MMORPG), Square Enix has kept their mainline games fresh and contemporary.
Despite my preference for a different combat style and my wish for fresh entries over remakes, there’s something about this series that resonates with me deeply, offering emotional epics in the RPG genre unlike any other.
6.
God of War
Development at its Best
| First game | God of War (2005) |
| Latest game | God of War: Ragnarök (2022) |
From its debut, God of War has consistently stood as a PlayStation emblem of excellence. The initial trilogy represents an unparalleled hack-and-slash expertise, while both its handheld versions and the occasionally debated God of War: Ascension offer enjoyable gaming experiences.
Despite this, it was ultimately the realization that the genre was nearing its end that guided Santa Monica Studio towards creating an unprecedented God of War (2018), which fundamentally transformed the series for us in a way we hadn’t anticipated.
The transition was made from a slash-and-bash game to an action-exploration title that bore a stronger resemblance to Dark Souls than Devil May Cry. Meanwhile, Kratos resurfaced in a fresh mythology, abandoning Olympus to delve into the Norse pantheon and display depth beyond his usual traits of vengeance and desire.
Given that God of War: Ragnarök also includes roguelike DLC, there’s no doubt that it has significantly changed its fundamental aspects. Yet, given the deep-rooted affection for this franchise, such a bold step is applauded for its daringness and excellence.
5.
Castlevania
A Fragmented Identity
| First game | Castlevania (1986) |
| Latest game | Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 (2014) |
Discussing video game franchises that made significant impacts, it’s worth noting that Castlevania has been active longer than my lifetime, consistently delivering impactful content.
Originally created by Konami as an action-platformer, it later became the cornerstone of what’s now known as “Metroidvania” genre, with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night serving as its defining moment.
Using Role-Playing Game (RPG) features, action-platforming dynamics, and unique level layouts, while being heavily inspired by Metroid, this game pioneered a fresh genre, which it dominated for years, until Castlevania: Lords of Shadow emerged, transitioning into hack-and-slash gameplay.
Even though there hasn’t been a new installment in the Castlevania franchise since 2014, the trilogy created by MercurySteam remains my top pick because it preserved the essence of its heritage while still offering something innovative and intriguing.
4.
Fallout
From Classics to Moderns
| First game | Fallout (1997) |
| Latest game | Fallout 76 (2018) |
Without a doubt, Fallout can be included on lists featuring top-tier CRPG (Computer Role-Playing Game) titles as well as outstanding Open-World RPGs. This placement underscores just how significantly the series has evolved over time.
During the time when the franchise was managed by Interplay and Black Isle, it was recognized as a collection of trimetric role-playing journeys, distinguished for their immersive atmospheres, challenging gameplay mechanics, and occasionally unpredictable elements.
Following the transfer of the project to Bethesda, Fallout 3 became easier to play with the introduction of a toggleable first- and third-person view and gunplay that set the standard for future installments such as Fallout: New Vegas by Obsidian.
The latest iterations of the franchise include Fallout 76, which focuses on multiplayer gameplay, and Fallout Shelter, a mobile tycoon-style game that doesn’t cost anything to play. It’s clear that Fallout is part of this list, though not everyone views this as positive news.
3.
Metal Gear
A Natural Evolution
| First game | Metal Gear (1987) |
| Latest game | Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater (2025) |
The Metal Gear series, renowned for stealthy infiltration and strategic gameplay, now presents a unique take on these core aspects compared to earlier installments.
As a devoted fan, I’ve witnessed the organic growth of this series, driven by Hideo Kojima’s passion for cinema. This journey led us down an unique pathway where filmmaking and gameplay intertwined, transforming our simple adventures with clear-cut goals and conversations into profound and introspective journeys.
In 1998, Metal Gear Solid significantly altered nearly all aspects of its precursors such as the camera angles, narrative structure, boss battles, movement mechanics, and level design. This game laid the foundation for its subsequent sequels which progressively introduced political, cultural, mechanical, and visual complexity to each new installment.
Regardless of games like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Metal Gear Survive, the gap between the original Metal Gear and its most recent installment is enormous, and there are numerous valid explanations for this.
2.
Resident Evil
Different Perspectives
| First game | Resident Evil (1996) |
| Latest game | Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) |
From the many iconic video games throughout history, there are several Resident Evil series titles that deserve mention, as this franchise has consistently proven its staying power, even amid occasional lapses in consistency.
Over numerous generations, Capcom consistently delivers horror games that revolutionize the genre, always willing to experiment with new ideas within their core formula.
The Resident Evil series has shown a knack for reinventing itself, sometimes with mixed results, yet it’s never remained stagnant. I started with Resident Evil: Code Veronica and recently played Resident Evil Village. The series has evolved from its fixed camera in the original games to third-person perspective in Resident Evil 4, action-oriented gameplay in Resident Evil 5 and 6, and first-person view in Resident Evil 7.
1.
Assassin’s Creed
Complete Change of Course
| First game | Assassin’s Creed (2007) |
| Latest game | Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025) |
Growing up, I really enjoyed the Assassin’s Creed series because each new adventure brought something fresh and enriching to the blend of stealth and jumping around.
The franchise consistently expanded upon its initial base by adding fresh content and refining the existing elements, employing the Animus as a means of depicting the transition from hand-to-hand combat to naval battles.
Over time, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate encountered a creative hurdle due to its familiar, worn-out format. However, the series was poised for transformation yet again, and this change was brought about by Assassin’s Creed Origins.
Instead of maintaining its primary focus as an action-adventure, stealth franchise, Assassin’s Creed has significantly evolved into a role-playing game (RPG), featuring expansive worlds, level progression systems, skill trees, and formidable bosses—as is evident even today, as demonstrated by Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.
Although I found myself struggling with the direction taken since Origin, the more recent entries in the series have proven to be successful. However, my personal preference will always lean towards the classic Assassin’s Creed style over its modern counterpart.
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2025-05-27 19:12