The term jumping the shark is often used in the realm of entertainment to denote a moment when a series strays so far from its original intent that it becomes unrecognizable. This phrase originated from an infamous episode of the television show Happy Days in which the character Fonzie performs the bizarre stunt of jumping over a shark while water skiing, symbolizing the point at which the show began its decline.
Video games, much like TV shows, can experience their own moments of dramatic shift that signal a departure from their established identity. Even beloved franchises can falter, producing installments that feel misguided or disconnected from the essence of what made them great. This article explores various video game series that have veered significantly off course, straying far from their roots.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
10. Assassin’s Creed
Revenge is Cold and Boring
While Assassin’s Creed has had its ups and downs, some fans point to Assassin’s Creed: Shadows as a definitive moment of decline. With its dull narrative centering on revenge, players found themselves growing disinterested, especially with the narrative split between two characters. A particularly jarring moment is when the character Yasuke engages in combat to the backdrop of a peculiar mix of hip-hop and traditional Japanese music, leaving players wondering about the game’s direction and intent.
Moreover, Yasuke’s over-the-top abilities, like running through walls, further stray from the series’ original grounded tone, leaving fans feeling alienated from a franchise they once cherished.
9. Far Cry
Pets Gone Wild
Once hailed as a gritty exploration of survival and human conflict, the Far Cry series has begun to embrace whimsical elements. Starting with the introduction of animal companions in Far Cry Primal and continuing into Far Cry 6, the overall tone has shifted dramatically. Players now encounter absurdities, such as a shirt-wearing alligator and a robot dog, diluting the authenticity that once came with the series’ storytelling.
This shift from realism to cartoonish antics presents a disconnect that detracts from the serious narratives the series aimed to deliver, even leading to the underutilization of talents like Giancarlo Esposito.
8. Silent Hill
Not My Silent Hill
Despite being successful, Silent Hill F deviates from the essence that defined the franchise. While it maintains some horror elements, the introduction of bizarre mechanics—like the Beast Arm weapon, which transforms you into a half-monster—irreparably alters the atmosphere of dread that characterized previous titles. This left players feeling disconnected from the chilling world that made Silent Hill a staple of survival horror.
7. Dynasty Warriors
Just Be Yourself
The Dynasty Warriors franchise has long relied on its consistent formula, but the release of Dynasty Warriors 9 marked a departure into open-world design that many fans found jarring. While the recent Origins installment attempted to reinvigorate the series, the focus on a singular, unremarkable character made players long for the diverse roster of heroes previously available.
This shift not only stripped the title of its flair but also introduced a character that felt more like an uninspired placeholder than a compelling protagonist in an epic conflict.
6. The Legend of Zelda
Link Doesn’t Feel Like Link Anymore
As one of gaming’s most iconic franchises, The Legend of Zelda has evolved over time, but Tears of the Kingdom introduced gameplay mechanics that veered too far. The emphasis on a building system mimics elements of survival games, detracting from the rich exploration and puzzle-solving that fans have come to love. The necessity to build makes the gameplay experience feel more laborious than adventurous.
A return to the series’ roots, emphasizing storytelling and exploration, is crucial to restoring the title’s legacy.
5. Gears of War
The Cool Kids Suck
Gears of War initially showcased exceptional balance between action and narrative. However, Gears of War 5 saw a disjointed narrative after shifting focus to a new protagonist, Kait. The integration of open-world mechanics led to unnecessary side quests that disrupted the flow and tone of the series, frustrating long-time fans.
In this shift, the relentless intensity and emotional weight that once defined the series became lost, emphasizing a need for future installments to reinstate the elements that originally captured players’ imaginations.
4. Call of Duty
War Is Stupid
Once a series that took a serious approach to war narratives, Call of Duty has increasingly embraced a more fantastical and absurd style. Elements like battling against wild characters and outlandish scenarios have turned the once-grounded franchise into a spectacle that many find hard to take seriously. The series has transitioned into a hyperbolic representation of warfare, drawing comparisons to the cinematic realm of over-the-top action films without meaningful substance.
While this has engaged millions of new fans, it presents a dilemma for purists who crave the narrative depth and realism of earlier titles.
3. Saints Row
Tarnishing the Name
Starting as a parody of the GTA series, Saints Row evolved into a fan-favorite known for its eccentric humor and outrageous gameplay. However, with the release of the 2022 reboot, the series falters by diverging dramatically from its established identity. The new iteration lacks the chaotic charm and humor that once defined the franchise, instead opting for a disappointing narrative filled with uninspired jokes and mundane gameplay.
This drastic change left many fans longing for the wild escapades that had made them fall in love with the Saints.
2. Batman: Arkham
Lost in Gotham
Following the monumental success of Batman: Arkham City, the franchise took a significant misstep with Batman: Arkham Knight. Although players had eagerly awaited the chance to utilize the Batmobile, its excessive inclusion overshadowed the core elements of the dark narrative. Heavy reliance on vehicle mechanics led to mundane gameplay, detracting from the excitement of traditional combat and boss encounters.
Memorable villains were reduced to absurd combat scenarios, particularly a weak showdown with Deathstroke that left many feeling unsatisfied. This represents a stark departure from what players had originally cherished about the series.
1. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
How to Kill a Franchise
Dragon Age: The Veilguard fails to honor the series’ legacy despite being a decent stand-alone game. The first three installments established a dark, immersive world, but Veilguard shifts to a tone reminiscent of a lighthearted superhero film, laden with feel-good quips. This transition erodes the maturity and depth that fans valued in the original trilogy.
Furthermore, the lackluster villains presented fall flat compared to their complex predecessors, compelling many to consider the series effectively over after the game’s release. The need for a return to the franchise’s roots is more critical than ever.
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