It’s disheartening to witness Netflix diminish beloved series in pursuit of extending their life beyond a satisfying conclusion. Whether driven by corporate greed, a lack of creativity, or simple indecision from showrunners, the outcome remains the same: a cherished favorite becomes tarnished, and there’s no reversing that disappointment.
This sentiment extends to many renowned gaming franchises. Popularity alone doesn’t warrant disdain—after all, being dismissive for the sake of it is a tired trope. Instead, it’s the glaring absence of freshness and innovation within these franchises that raises concerns. These series have had remarkable runs, which highlights an essential truth: there’s little justification for adding more installments. If you’re eager for something innovative, consider diversifying your gaming experiences for a month or two before returning to these classics.
10 Grand Theft Auto
Out With A Bang
While Grand Theft Auto III didn’t create the open-world genre, it undeniably laid the groundwork for modern interpretations. Rockstar has consistently produced outstanding titles since then, yet momentum dwindled dramatically after Grand Theft Auto V. The lengthy wait for GTA VI has shifted the franchise’s identity from chaotic single-player escapades to a sprawling, crime-ridden sandbox reminiscent of Second Life.
Considering the extensive resources devoted to developing GTA VI, which arguably rivals the construction of the Burj Khalifa, Rockstar is unlikely to rush into a seventh installment in the near future. And frankly, they shouldn’t. GTA VI is poised to be the pinnacle of the franchise. Although graphical enhancements are perpetual, the gaming experience promises to be unparalleled given its scale.
Instead of setting the stage for another lengthy sequel, Rockstar should focus on delivering an exceptional final product with GTA VI, allowing it to solidify its legacy.
9 The Elder Scrolls
Do Not Buy Skyrim Again
If Rockstar’s delay in following up on Grand Theft Auto V seems lengthy, Bethesda’s wait for The Elder Scrolls VI has become a saga worthy of tales. Released in 2011, Skyrim swiftly earned its status as a pinnacle RPG, showcasing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
In a bid for perfection, Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI in 2018, yet the silence that followed has been deafening. The anticipation has been dampened, especially with the release of the Oblivion remaster, which proved once and for all that the former outshines Skyrim in many ways.
The Elder Scrolls VI has the potential to rival Oblivion’s advancements, but matching the expectations surrounding it will be an uphill battle. For die-hard fans, perhaps a modern adaptation of Morrowind on current platforms would reignite excitement.
8 The Sims
Drowning in DLCs
Once synonymous with warmth and creativity, the discussion around The Sims has shifted significantly with the advent of The Sims 4. While the premise of a life simulator remains charming, the conversation now revolves around bugs and the exorbitant costs of expansion packs.
Transitioning from The Sims 3 to The Sims 4 didn’t excite me until I found myself playing after losing saved games, finding enjoyment in its offerings since its 2014 launch. EA’s decision to make the base game free was a strategic move to maintain relevance.
However, this success might have backfired.The Sims 4 now boasts an overwhelming number of mods and expansions covering countless themes, making it challenging to see what a hypothetical Sims 5 could contribute, especially when many players haven’t even shifted from Sims 3. The franchise seems to have matured, leaving little room for reinvention.
7 Far Cry
A Far Cry From Its Roots
To fully appreciate the first Far Cry, one had to experience its impact firsthand. The visual and narrative journey with Jack Carver in a blood-soaked scenario against a tropical backdrop remains iconic. Crytek’s initial offering exceeded its marketing promise, exploring deep themes within a compelling narrative.
However, that focus on controversial topics has faded over the years. The introduction of repetitive gameplay elements in Far Cry 4 began the conversation about creative stagnation, which continued through to Far Cry 5’s flawed brilliance and Far Cry 6’s reliance on star power alone.
As Ubisoft remains tight-lipped about the franchise’s future, it may be prudent to cease further developments. The series, having reached its peak, risks tarnishing its legacy with future entries.
6 Need for Speed
Too Little, Too Late
There was a golden era when neon lights and cool beats defined the Need for Speed experience. The franchise once dominated street racing games, but setbacks in recent years have eroded its once-strong reputation.
After the disastrous Need for Speed: Undercover, EA struggled to breathe life back into the franchise.The reboot in 2015 resulted in a series of uninspired offerings, with attempted innovations like loot box integrations failing to resonate with fans.
Despite hope in collaborations with Criterion Games and Codemasters, those prospects were dashed. With numerous quality racing alternatives available, it’s time to gracefully retire this once-revered franchise before its legacy suffers further devaluation.
5 Mass Effect
Please Andromedon’t
While other entries on this list highlight conceptual shortcomings, Mass Effect faces deeper systemic issues rooted in its parent company, Electronic Arts. The ongoing turmoil at BioWare, marked by frequent layoffs and uncertainty, casts a shadow over the potential for future installments.
Despite the fray, BioWare remains somewhat dedicated to reviving the series, but the prospect feels daunting for a considerably diminished team.Successful Mass Effect titles demand extensive resources and creative freedoms—a reality curtailed by EA’s corporate strategies.
Ideally, EA would recognize the value in investing adequately in BioWare to produce a worthwhile successor, but it’s likely more sensible to lay the franchise to rest at its zenith.
4 Final Fantasy
How About The ‘Final’ Part
William Faulkner’s advice to “kill your darlings”could resonate with Square Enix as it navigates the Final Fantasy franchise. Final Fantasy XVI, while technically sound, lacks the magic of its classic forebears.
Since the advent of Final Fantasy XV in 2016, the franchise’s highlights have revolved around the much-anticipated remakes of Final Fantasy VII. Each entry provides a clean slate, yet the lingering shadows of its legacy hinder new titles from flourishing.
When a game is branded Final Fantasy, it faces the weight of unachievable expectations, undermining its standing as a standalone title. Perhaps it’s prudent to allow the Final Fantasy lore to fade gracefully, but please ensure a remake of Final Fantasy VIII surfacing beforehand.
3 Call of Duty
No More Tacticool Nonsense
Initially positioned as a superior alternative to Medal of Honor, Call of Duty evolved into an annual release schedule resembling that of traditional sports franchises. While its debut in 2003 coupled compelling storytelling with historical authenticity, the series has since transformed into something quite different.
The transition into Modern Warfare and Black Ops solidified its popularity, yet a consistent quality has diminished since Black Ops II in 2012. Despite the decent reboot in 2019, subsequent releases have failed to deliver.
Given that the series has pivoted primarily toward multiplayer, perhaps it’s time for Activision to retire the Call of Duty name. A consolidation of its traditional elements into Warzone could mark a dignified end.
2 Kingdom Hearts
Death By 1000 Xehanorts
Fact: Kingdom Hearts II stands as one of the finest video games ever created. Yet, in a disappointing turn, the series took 14 years to present a sequel that lacked both depth and engagement.
Tetsuya Nomura is undeniably creative, as evidenced by his contributions to the Final Fantasy series, but the excitement surrounding Kingdom Hearts IV has dwindled. After Birth By Sleep’s convoluted storytelling and Kingdom Hearts 3’s lackluster closing, anticipation for the next installment seems muted.
While Kingdom Hearts X began as an intriguing mobile venture, its narrative became increasingly convoluted. It was disheartening to see once-engaging stories become watered down for profit. The teaser for Kingdom Hearts IV feels reminiscent of a high-school tribute to Final Fantasy XV, devoid of the grandeur that once defined the franchise.
1 Assassin’s Creed
How To Murder A Legacy
Assassin’s Creed began as an exploration of the timeless struggle between assassins and Templars, but the series has since lost its focus.Every fan has a distinct moment when they believe the narrative diverged too far, with opinions varying on whether it was with Odyssey or earlier installments like Black Flag.
Regardless of your viewpoint, the franchise has transitioned from a nuanced stealth experience to one steeped in myth and fantasy. While some recent titles still hold merit, the essence of what made Assassin’s Creed unique has diminished.
Take Black Flag for instance—it offered one of the best maritime experiences in gaming history, yet it marked a shift away from the series’ original themes. Instead of cultivating the rich lore, Ubisoft has shifted Assassin’s Creed into a routine franchise akin to FIFA or Call of Duty, releasing new versions imbued with only superficial changes.
With a demonstrated capacity to create stunning open world experiences, Ubisoft should channel that expertise into crafting standalone historical adventures rather than further diminishing the remarkable legacy of Assassin’s Creed.
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