9 Popular Gaming Franchises Where The Original Is Best

In a game series, a sequel represents a logical progression or development. It’s a method to enhance and expand upon the strengths of the initial game, while maintaining its essence, and transforming it into something new yet recognizable.

Sometimes, developers surpass expectations so dramatically with their debut game that they find it challenging to recreate that same level of excellence in subsequent projects.

We’d like to pay tribute to a number of classic games that have consistently outshone their sequels over the years, proving they are still the cream of the crop in their respective franchises.

To ensure a comprehensive list, we’ll focus on franchise series that boast a minimum of three installments. Therefore, series with fewer than three entries such as “The Last of Us” will not qualify.

9. Rayman

Timeless, Whimsical Fun

Among all the games, I find Rayman Revolution to be particularly exceptional, and Rayman Legends is undeniably a contemporary masterpiece. However, if I had to choose, I would say that Rayman’s initial game remains the most distinctive, visually stunning, and delightful game in our collection.

This game boasts an artistic flair reminiscent of the playful and inventive graphics from the PlayStation era. Its platforming mechanics are straightforward yet polished, ensuring that every colorful stage you traverse brings delight. Moreover, its music is truly exceptional too.

Yet, what truly captivates me is that this game appears to be quite simple at first glance, but it’s surprisingly challenging, especially as you progress through the levels. It’s a game that distinguishes casual players from dedicated platforming enthusiasts.

If you find either Legends or Revolutions superior to this one, I understand your perspective. However, in my opinion, the original remains everlasting, which is why it takes the crown for me.

8. Max Payne

Slo-Mo Action

Although numerous sequels to popular games have offered impressive follow-ups, none have surpassed their original counterparts. However, Max Payne stands out as a series with an intriguing narrative; while it had a powerful debut, it struggled to move forward in the logical progression following its initial title.

In the initial game, a groundbreaking aspect was the bullet-time function, enabling players to emulate Neo from The Matrix, dodge bullets mid-air, and fire back at enemies with rapid succession.

To add, this is the only instance where comic-book panel storytelling seems truly distinct and not merely a convenient, less inventive narrative technique.

Regrettably, Max Payne 2 didn’t quite capture the same intensity of Noir style as its predecessor, and Rockstar’s effort for the third game was disappointing, to be frank. Consequently, the original Max Payne stands out as the superior one due to its conceptually brilliant foundation that is in desperate need of an update.

7. Jak & Daxter

The Dynamic Duo In Effect

Among all the games in the series, I strongly believe that “The Precursor’s Legacy” stands out as my personal favorite when it comes to this particular duo.

In terms of being a pure mascot platformer, there’s nothing quite like the original for its extraordinary world design. This was among the first open-world games on the PlayStation 2 to captivate players with its technical brilliance.

Furthermore, the mini-games, transportation phases, and exclusive brainteasers for gathering Power Cells are exceptionally well-crafted.

While it’s true that the fighting may not measure up to later releases, the original game still reigns supreme in my opinion, and continues to be one of the greatest mascot platformers ever made.

6. Life is Strange

The Butterfly Effect

Even though numerous sequels and adaptations have followed its initial groundbreaking success, the original Life is Strange stands out as the most impactful in terms of narrative excellence and decision-making gameplay.

This game was an invigorating change back then, paving the way for a surge of games focused on immersive storytelling and active player involvement in their design. Furthermore, it provided a compelling narrative that delved into challenging themes.

Exploring topics such as suicide, mourning, despair, and teenage struggles, this work may require some mental effort to grasp fully. However, it remains engaging and captivating from start to finish.

Furthermore, it’s the game where Chloe and Max’s relationship is initially formed, and the series has attempted but ultimately fallen short in replicating that romantic spark between its characters since then.

In today’s context, it appears that the enthusiasm for games similar to this one has diminished significantly. However, during its peak popularity, Life is Strange stood out as a pioneer in the genre.

5. Dead Space

Survival Horror Royalty

In the end, it boils down to personal taste, but I’ll share the yardstick I use for making my choice.

The Dead Space series is primarily known for its survival horror genre, and among all three games, it’s the first one that stands out as the superior survival horror experience.

In the second installment, there was significantly more action and dramatic sequences, while discussing the cooperative-oriented third game might not be advisable. However, the first one truly excelled in horror design, delivering a haunting atmosphere, confined settings that induced claustrophobia, and an unsettling, creepy vibe at every corner.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly recommend experiencing the updated version as the best way to enjoy this classic story. Although the core elements of the original are still preserved, give it a try and dive in headfirst!

4. Deus Ex

Play Your Way

Immersive simulations are a specialized genre of games, often challenging to develop and perfect. Given that Deus Ex serves as the ideal model for creating immersive simulations, it’s tough not to view it as the pinnacle within the series.

Human Revolution and Evolved Versions of Humankind opted for a transition towards an action-oriented, contemporary style incorporating slight elements of immersive simulation, while the original remains purely an expansive espionage sandbox offering virtually endless avenues of development.

Through diverse modifications, multiple starting points, numerous interactive elements, and many other options, you can customize the storyline for each mission, allowing you to accomplish your objective in countless distinct manners. This means that every player’s experience is likely to be different from one another.

The game throws you straight into challenging situations, requiring you to think critically, which is one reason I believe the fearless and innovative design of Deus Ex remains unsurpassed in my opinion.

3. Dragon Age

The Best Origin Story

As a devoted fan of the Dragon Age series, I’ve noticed a pattern over the years that, in my perspective, hints at an answer they’ve had within reach all along.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed a shift in the series towards a more contemporary Action-RPG structure, which seems like an effort to capitalize on current trends. Yet, it’s the intricate RPG mechanics that captured our hearts back in Origins, and I can’t help but miss that depth in the new installments.

At its heart, Origins is a role-playing game (CRPG), but what sets it apart is the strategic element involved in combat, making battles exciting. Moreover, it possesses the signature Bioware flair for engaging storylines, complex character interactions, and choices that significantly impact your party’s destiny.

Each subsequent game seems to veer away from what made Dragon Age exceptional, and unfortunately, Veilguard didn’t manage to deliver on the expectations that fans had set. It’s becoming increasingly challenging for me, as a dedicated fan, to envision Dragon Age reaching the glory days of its origins once more.

2. Dark Souls

Don’t Go Hollow

Leaving aside comparisons with other Soulsborne games, it’s hard to argue against the idea that the first Dark Souls stands out as the most powerful within its own trilogy.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to highlight that Miyazaki’s masterful world design integration is a key factor behind this immersive experience. His skillful framing technique enables me, throughout my voyage, to effortlessly discern expansive vistas inviting exploration at every turn.

Yet, it’s not just because of the numerous impressive bosses or the tough levels that don’t hold back, but also because this game builds on the structure of Demon’s Souls to create an accessible yet demanding gaming experience.

Dark Souls 3 nearly matches it in terms of visual splendor and series closure, but the original Dark Souls stands as the Soulsborne genre’s spark for good reason.

1. Bioshock

A Man Chooses…

It’s indisputable that Ken Levine is a brilliant mind, but what he might not have foreseen is that his genius would become a burden of sorts, constantly accompanying him throughout his career.

The extraordinary realm of Rapture captivated the imaginations of video game enthusiasts all over, enveloping them in a surreal setting that combined ideals, turmoil, and genetic experimentation.

Moreover, not only did Bioshock boast an exceptional environment, it also delivered precise shooting mechanics, immersive storytelling with rich background details, role-playing aspects, and a plot twist that left a lasting impact on gaming enthusiasts. In essence, when it comes to blockbuster games, Bioshock certainly holds its own among the best.

Essentially, Ken Levine faced the challenge of surpassing this extraordinary work, but despite his lofty efforts, he hasn’t quite reached that peak yet.

Bioshock 2 is often overlooked but deserves recognition, and Infinite stands on its own merit. However, to truly surpass the original Bioshock, a game would need to be among the best ever made. Yet, if any developer can achieve this feat, it’s Ken Levine.

2025-04-14 14:12