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Franchise vs. Original
Go with what you know, or try something new?
So, I'm looking over at my video game collection, and you know what I notice? A lot of my games have some sort of numeral at the end of the name, either Roman or Arabic. And a lot of the ones that don't are still either franchise games, or based on something else I'm into.
And then I was thinking, there was a news article a little while ago about Activision Blizzard dropping several games (among them Brutal Legend and Ghostbusters) because they didn't have as much sequel potential as tossing out another Spyro game.
Which, in a roundabout way, brings me to the central question: As a gamer, do you go mainly toward big franchises, sequels to games you liked, or do you like to take a chance on an untested new property?
I think I've usually been of the former grouping, snatching up the newest Resident Evils, Metal Gear Solids, and Final Fantasy's when they come out, but lately I've been trying to change that a bit. It's part of the reason I got into the Valkyrie Profile series, and why I'm slogging through Valhalla Knights 2. What about you guys, do you think you put more cash toward sequels, or do you go for new properties?
Comments
I don't think that it matters to me. Even though I do have a lot of sequels, I'm just looking for good games.
The problem I have with sequels is that if I haven't played the other parts, I tend to want go back and play them. I just got FEAR2 but I haven't played FEAR, so I went and got it. FEAR2 is still sitting in shrink wrap. I went back to play Half-Life but the game is so old now that I'm having trouble staying interested. GTA4 and MGS4 in waiting as well. A few exceptions to this, Killzone 2 and COD:4.
I understand why publishers want franchises but as a gamer who sadly doesn't have the time & resources to play whatever I want, it's much easier for me to play a new IP. That being said, I can't wait for GOW3.
it just depends, if the game looks good and gets good reviews, i will pick it up, no matter if it is a franchise or original. Though this was not the case when i had my PS2, i was almost solely franchise.
I'm with Voyou. My collection is rather mixed. Maybe a few more franchise games than originals, though. It's about 60/40.
@shagino
Unless there's an long ridiculously elaborate story, don't worry going back and playing originals. (addendum follows)
Example: Half life two is fantastic. Half life one was good too, but the graphics/story don't hold up. Starting with two is perfectly acceptable.
Example adjusted: You can play any Mario/Zelda/Sonic/Metroid/Final Fantasy without any previous knowledge of the franchise. BUT you should go back and play them because they are awesome in their own rights.
Example counterpoint: Metal Gear Solid. If you can understand what is going on in MGS4 without having played the earlier iterations, then give Mensa a call because they were looking for a new president.
Example wrap-up: Take a chance on some indie games that don't have a tried and true franchise behind them. (anything Tim Schaefer makes is a good place to start) They are often worth the money, and if no one buys them, they will stop getting made. : [
I loooove obscure games. Mirror's Edge and Flower immediately come to mind. I tend to get more excited about those games than the next RE or MGS. Although, if you wave the next Mario / Zelda / Sonic / SSMB in my face, I'm all about it and start foaming at the mouth. Call me a fan boy, but I can't help it. I grew up on those guys and am always hoping for a comeback from Sonic. No matter how many tries he gets. (PS: I loved Unleashed. The werehog? Not so much.)
@loltim
I think Half-life 1 is vastly superior. Imho, the environments, enemies, weapons, and atmosphere are all soo much better. The 'story' is minimalist, but it lets you feel like you are more in control of what is going on, instead of people telling you what to do all the time. The enemy AI is much much better. When I'm playing a game for a while, I usually find myself just getting accustomed to whatever kind of graphics they have. Every so often I'll notice something, but I don't think graphics could be a reason to rank HL2 above 1 for me at least.
HL is one of those series I think they really messed up. :p
I think it's reputation. Do you know how long and anticipated Left 4 Dead was for me. Totally original, and made by a studio I absolutely adore. It's all about marketing and how the studio leaks out news for gamer anticipation.
It all comes down to if the game is worth your $. Franchises having rep and expectancy power. All Valve has to do is say Portal 2 and I'm there. However, if Sega said Sonic 9000, I'd be like eh, who cares.
I think we're along OVER DUE for a new fighting franchise. Soul Caliber 4, DOA 4, Tekken 5, Virtua Fighter 5, HALP!