Hochiminh’s Rant Day 4

This is kind of a continuation of yesterday, but this time I’ll take the time in talking about sequels to franchises and why there must be NEW ones.

First, there seems to be a problem in sequels to popular franchises lately due to non-innovative ideas.  They either just don’t sell well or are just plain as butter.  They have the same features, just with more options and levels.  If someone hasn’t played Super Monkey Ball that much, for instance, could they tell the difference between Monkey Ball 1 or 2.  Not really.  You could say it has more mini-games and levels, but the gameplay is the same as well as the genre. 

Secondly, spinoffs of popular franchises usually do well.  Sonic Riders, all the Mario sports and Kart racing, Crash Nitro Kart, Tetrisphere, etc…: They all tried to attempt to change there original ways, some for the better or for the worst.  In my opinion, I especially liked Tetrispher for the N64; it was a refreshing new take on the Tetris franchise.  Now, did it do well?  No it did not.  They never made another one, but that’s what a spinoff can do to a franchise.  They are rare gems, even if they don’t sell well.

Lastly, we NEED new IP’s (franchises).  The world is changing, you are changing, the economy is changing, so video games must ALSO change.  That in mind, I think developers are just to preoccupied or are just to downright lazy to keep rehashing franchise that some people may not want to see again.  Remeber Bubsy 2, Lufia 2, or Rogue Squadron 3.  None of these sold well, but it does represent that developers did run out of ideas.  Then you got the sports series once a year.  I absolutely LOVE buying Madden and Tiger Woods once a year, but there REALLY isn’t anything different between, let’s say, 2003 and 2006.  They may have new features, but when is the last time that you have seen a Madden behind-the-scenes title or Tiger Woods local golf?

That, my friend, is the final word.

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