A new franchise that starts off with an amazing title can be both a gift and a curse. While it's ideal for a new IP to find success with a game beloved by fans and critics alike, moving forward can be a burden as future games are left with the difficult task of catching the light in the bottle a second, third, or more time as fans and critics expect a similar or higher level of quality from subsequent titles.
Many franchises have died out after struggling to live up to their original releases, but fortunately there is a subset of IPs that started out with great success, and instead of defining them as legacies, they used them as a springboard for countless great games that made the franchises on this list cornerstones of their genres.
fate
First release – DOOM (1993)
Other notable releases:
- DOOM 2: Hell on Earth
- Doom Eternal
- DOOM: Dark Ages
text fate is one of the most influential video games of all time thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, mix of 2D and 3D graphics, and multiplayer deathmatch.
The franchise stuck to its winning formula. fate In subsequent releases such as sequels, DOOM 2: Hell on Earthand 1997 Doom 64. The series was then discontinued. Doom 3aimed to modernize the franchise by updating the visuals, adding much more storytelling through cutscenes and voice acting, and even taking into account the horror aspects of the series. The game was well received by critics but received a mixed response from fans. fate No games at all.
For a while fate 3It seemed like the series might not have another major release. However, a reboot of the franchise was released in 2016 to great critical and commercial success. Doom EternalAnd the prequel, DOOM: Dark AgesThis changed the fast-paced combat into a slower, more methodical approach.
crash bandicoot
First release – Crash Bandicoot (1996)
Other notable releases:
- Crash Bandicoot: Twisted
- crash team racing
- Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
that crash bandicoot The franchise had tremendous expectations placed on its shoulders before it even hit stores. Because Sony was pushing the orange marsupials as PlayStation's answer to Mario and Sonic, the original game's developer, Naughty Dog, had little room for error. Although some aspects of the game have not aged well, especially the save mechanism, the game was great for its time and a worthy competitor to Nintendo and Sega's mascots. Naughty Dog continues to evolve. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, Crash Bandicoot: Twistedand crash team racingThese are three games that, along with the original, will define the PlayStation 1 era.
Once Naughty Dog ceased development of the franchise's games, the series suffered a noticeable decline in quality, and many thought the IP had run its course after a string of disappointing results. Crash: Mind Over Mutant. However, Bandicoot is a remaster of the original trilogy and Crash Team Racing – It has influenced a surge in remakes and remasters across the gaming industry, along with brand-new adventures. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Timewas released to a very positive response, showing that platform heroes can still succeed in the 2020s.
The Legend of Zelda
First release – The Legend of Zelda (1986)
The Legend of Zelda
- released
-
February 21, 1986
- ESRB
-
E for everyone due to mild fantasy violence
Other notable releases:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
text The Legend of Zelda The game is one of the most important video game releases in history. The game launched one of gaming's most legendary franchises and was instrumental in reigniting Western audiences' interest in home consoles following the video game crash of 1983, offering a level of freedom unprecedented at the time. It may be hard for young gamers to believe when they revisit the original. The Legend of ZeldaHowever, the 1986 release surprised audiences by giving them complete control over where they moved and when they took on certain dungeons on a map that felt much larger than almost anything else seen at the time.
that The Legend of Zelda The franchise has become a cornerstone of the action-adventure genre. ocarina of time, wind wakerand breath of the wild It is considered one of the best games ever released across any genre.
halo
First release – Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Other notable releases:
- halo 2
- halo 3
- Halo: Reach
Bungie is in a similar boat as the aforementioned Naughty Dog. crash bandicoot When it comes to development Halo: Combat EvolvedThe Xbox One's launch titles came with pressure not only to sell the console, but also to prove that Microsoft's system was a worthy competitor to offerings from Sony and Nintendo.
Thanks to Microsoft and first-person shooter fans, Halo: Combat Evolved It exceeded expectations and immediately established itself as a must-play FPS game. that halo The franchise has become one of the biggest names in action gaming thanks to the numerous excellent single-player campaigns it offers, along with its multiplayer offerings, which have played a large role in the rise of online gaming as a whole.
god of war
First release – God of War (2005)
Other notable releases:
- god of war 3
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- God of War (2018)
first god of war The game immediately captivated gamers with its ancient Greek setting, which seemed exceptional at the time, its memorable story and boss fights featuring icons from Greek mythology, and its outstanding hack-and-slash gameplay. The rest of the original trilogy didn't disappoint, and the PSP games were some of the best ever released on a handheld console.
that god of war The franchise went on hiatus for a few years after a rather disappointing run. God of War: AscensionSome have questioned whether it will return. but, god of war (2018) was a huge hit and did not disappoint with its modernized hack-and-slash gameplay, transition from Greek to Norse mythology, and surprisingly emotional storytelling. god of war ragnarok.
metroid
First release – Metroid (1986)
Other notable releases:
- super metroid
- metroid prime
- Metroid Dread
that metroid The franchise will forever be an important and studied video game release thanks to being one half of the titular Metroidvania, a subgenre of action-adventure games. metroid and castlevania Franchises are recognized for their creation.
that metroid The franchise wasn't content with simply being a pioneer of the metroidvania subgenre. The franchise has constantly strived to maintain the highest standards of the gaming style it created through titles such as: super metroid, Metroid DreadAnd even 3D metroid prime The series lays its foundation and continues to find new and exciting ways to improve and innovate.
resident evil
First release – Resident Evil (1996)
resident evil
- released
-
March 22, 1996
- ESRB
-
Ages 17+ // Blood and gore, language, violence
Other notable releases:
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- resident evil 4
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
When you think of horror video games, resident evil Franchise is the first name that comes to mind. The first game in the franchise is credited with shaping the survival horror genre. resident evil 4 What stands out is the bold shift in direction of the franchise towards an action-oriented direction that allows you to look over your shoulder. resident evil 7 Known for taking the franchise into the dark depths of pure horror.
These three games are probably the most noteworthy. But the franchise has put out a number of excellent releases across numerous subgenres of horror, and it doesn't look like it's slowing down anytime soon, thanks to the excellent form of remakes and original releases that continue to impress fans and critics.
