The identity of a game series or franchise is often rooted in its predominant genre. For instance, when you hear “Call of Duty, ”the immediate association is with first-person shooters, as each entry stays true to this classification. However, it’s important to note that a franchise’s genre can evolve over time.
These genre shifts may stem from developer experiments or changing market demands, leading franchises to explore new genres. This transformation is not limited to spin-offs; occasionally, the core identity of a series can realign with a completely different genre, setting a new standard for future titles.
Sometimes such shifts revive franchises, aligning them with current market trends, while in other cases, they may lead to unforeseen challenges. Below are some significant examples showcasing both positive and negative outcomes from such transitions.
10 Banjo-Kazooie
Collect-A-Thon to Vehicle Builder
The original Banjo-Kazooie titles, launched on the Nintendo 64 during the iconic era of collect-a-thon platformers, naturally adopted this framework. They followed a design reminiscent of Super Mario 64, featuring a plethora of collectibles spread across expansive maps.
After the release of Banjo-Tooie, the duo of Banjo and Kazooie disappeared for almost eight years. Their return with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts marked a significant departure from previous games, shifting from platforming to a focus on building and customizing vehicles.
Although the game still encouraged exploration, collectibles became part of specific challenges rather than being freely available within the world. Personally, I enjoyed Nuts & Bolts as a vehicle-builder; however, many felt it lacked the essence of its predecessors.
9 Fallout
Traditional RPG to First-Person Action RPG
The early Fallout installments were classic turn-based RPGs viewed from a top-down perspective, where combat relied heavily on character statistics. These titles catered predominantly to PC players and retained an intricate structure befitting a tabletop gaming experience.
This perspective shifted dramatically with the release of Fallout 3, developed by Bethesda, which redefined the franchise towards a hybrid format, blending first-person shooter mechanics with action RPG elements. While the complex systems from the original games remained—accessible via perks and character statistics—the gameplay morphed into a real-time shooting experience.
The introduction of VATS, enabling players to pause and target specific enemy body parts based on skill and distance, successfully preserved some traditional traits. As a newcomer to the series with Fallout 3, I can understand the wave of popularity that followed its success.
8 Yakuza/Like A Dragon
Action Brawler to Turn-Based RPG
The Yakuza franchise has predominantly embraced action brawling combined with sandbox elements, granting players freedom to explore vast urban environments and engage in street fights. As the series progressed, this framework centered around the protagonist Kazuma Kiryu remained intact until the introduction of Ichiban Kasuga in Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
To reflect Kasuga’s distinct worldview, the gameplay transitioned to a turn-based RPG format, integrating party mechanics and class-switching options along with more elaborate special moves. This shift continued with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, formalizing the franchise’s title change.
While traditional action brawling titles exist within spin-offs, the core series has embraced turn-based gameplay, a surprising yet welcomed shift for fans who began with earlier entries like Yakuza 0.
7 Rayman
Platformer to Mini-Game Collections (and Back)
The initial trilogy of Rayman games were rooted in traditional action platforming, evolving from 2D graphics to 3D environments. In 2006, the franchise took an unexpected turn with Rayman Raving Rabbids, a mini-game collection that focused more on humorous challenges against the comical Rabbids.
This spin-off unexpectedly skyrocketed in popularity, shifting the franchise’s identity and leading to Rayman’s diminished role in subsequent titles. After a two-year hiatus, Rayman returned as the central character in Rayman Origins (2011) and Rayman Legends (2013), which were celebrated for their return to platforming roots. As a long-time fan, I find it frustrating that the Rabbids overshadowed Rayman himself during this period.
6 Resident Evil
Puzzle-Action to Third- and First-Person Shooter
Though firearms are abundant in the Resident Evil series, the original games focused more on strategy and puzzle-solving rather than gunplay. In the initial trilogy, survival often required evasion over direct confrontation, fostering a gameplay style that emphasized clue-hunting and problem-solving.
With Resident Evil 4, the series transitioned from its puzzle-centric roots to embrace a more action-oriented approach. This pivotal change set the tone for future installments, which maintained a balance between gunplay and puzzle-solving elements. Even with the heightened focus on combat, the franchise hasn’t completely abandoned its strategic gameplay, as seen in recent titles like Resident Evil 7 and Village.
5 Warcraft
RTS to MMORPG
The original Warcraft titles, starting with Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994, primarily focused on real-time strategy gameplay. Players directed troops, developed bases, and engaged in tactical warfare. The series’ third installment remains iconic within the RTS genre.
However, the landscape changed significantly with the introduction of World of Warcraft in 2004, which redefined the franchise as an MMORPG, emphasizing a massive, shared world, character customization, and social engagement. This shift resulted in the near-complete cessation of traditional Warcraft games, with focus turning solely to expansions for World of Warcraft.
4 Castlevania
Linear Platformer to Its Own Genre
Beginning in 1986, the Castlevania series initially consisted of traditional sidescrolling platformers. The franchise established many enduring elements, including difficult platforming experiences. The introduction of Symphony of the Night marked a significant turning point, transitioning from linear gameplay to a more open-ended exploration format.
This pivotal game not only expanded the gameplay mechanics but also ignited a new genre now affectionately known as “Metroidvania.”Although some subsequent titles have revisited the linear format, the major releases have embraced the exploration aspect, presenting a welcomed change for gamers who prefer a less restrictive gameplay experience.
3 Dynasty Warriors
Fighting Game to Musou
At its inception, Dynasty Warriors was primarily recognized as a one-on-one fighting game, akin to titles like Tekken and SoulCalibur. Released in 1997 for the PlayStation 1, it adhered to more traditional fighting game mechanics. However, with the launch of Dynasty Warriors 2 in 2000, the franchise transitioned to the Musou format, allowing a single hero to face hordes of enemies.
This shift established a new identity for the series, leading to its recognition as a frontrunner in the Musou genre. Officially considered the first “true”Dynasty Warriors title, this change enabled the franchise to flourish, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020 despite its original release predating it by three years.
2 Jak & Daxter
Platformer to Third-Person Shooter
The original Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy was an early PS2 title that encapsulated the collect-a-thon genre. Characterized by quick, fluid gameplay and power-ups, it established its platformer roots. However, in Jak II, released in 2003, the franchise embraced a darker tone and introduced third-person shooting mechanics along with its platforming foundation.
This transformation included new features such as Jak’s Morph Gun and introduced a series of transformations that became staples in subsequent games. While the initial installment focused heavily on collecting items and exploration, the shift towards third-person shooting diversified the gameplay and expanded the series’ appeal.
1 God Of War
Hack-and-Slash to Action RPG
The inaugural God of War (2005) epitomized hack-and-slash gameplay, inviting players to embrace its brutal combat style, akin to Devil May Cry. The gameplay leaned heavily on button-mashing and less on intricate mechanics.
After a brief hiatus following God of War: Ascension, the franchise returned in 2018 with a fresh approach that transformed the overarching narrative and gameplay mechanics. Although action remained at the forefront, significant elements of role-playing became integrated. Character progression now involved collecting gear with unique attributes and a more nuanced storyline that resonated deeply with players.
This marked a strategic move to mature Kratos alongside the evolving audience; an effort that not only revitalized the franchise but ensured it maintained relevance in the ever-competitive gaming landscape.
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