It’s a well-known fact that developers often become protective of their intellectual properties, especially when other creators try to enter the territory of well-established franchises. This is particularly relevant when competitors attempt to imitate the success of a renowned title, either by replicating its formula or encroaching on the genre it helped define.
Despite this competitive nature, several notable instances exist where the reins have been handed over to new developers, resulting in fresh takes on iconic franchises. While this strategy can sometimes backfire, it has the potential to revitalize long-standing series, introducing innovative concepts and gameplay mechanics that resonate with both old fans and new audiences.
This article spotlights games developed by teams other than the original creators, showcasing those titles that not only respect their lineage but also elevate the experience in meaningful ways. Just because a studio traditionally holds the keys to a franchise doesn’t mean they are the only ones capable of driving it forward.
10 Sonic Mania
Gotta Go Fast
We begin our list with a title that, while perhaps a bit controversial, is undeniably deserving of a mention. Team Sonic achieved what SEGA had struggled with for years: producing a high-quality Sonic game.
Sonic Mania was crafted by passionate fans of the franchise, led by Christian Whitehead, who delivered a beautifully executed 2D Sonic experience. This game balances nostalgia with innovative elements, creating a thrilling arcade-like atmosphere that makes speeding through stages fun again.
In fact, Sonic Mania stands as the best modern Sonic title, a sentiment that is hard to dispute among dedicated players.
9 Fallout: New Vegas
With The Big Iron On His Hip
Obsidian Entertainment faced extraordinary challenges when they inherited the Fallout franchise on a tight deadline, tasked with creating an expansive open-world experience in just eighteen months using an aging engine.
Remarkably, they rose to the occasion, crafting Fallout: New Vegas—a game that not only succeeded but also showcased what Bethesda struggled to deliver in terms of role-playing design and narrative depth.
This installment is celebrated for its thorough understanding of Fallout lore, and its array of downloadable content is frequently cited as among the best in gaming history, making it a worthy addition to the series.
8 Demon’s Souls
The Seed That Sowed Souls
When discussing visually stunning games, it’s uncommon for launch titles to come to mind. However, the PS5’s remake of Demon’s Souls stands out as an extraordinary achievement in visual design.
Bluepoint Games transformed the grim aesthetic of the original PS3 version into a modern visual masterpiece while maintaining its essential gameplay elements intact. While certain mechanics may still frustrate players, the core of the experience remains true to its roots.
This remake serves as the ideal way to experience the title that laid the groundwork for the beloved Soulsborne genre, making it one of the finest launch titles ever.
7 Final Fantasy Tactics
A Grid-Based Goliath
Given that a remake has just been announced, it feels timely to highlight Final Fantasy Tactics, a title developed under the guidance of Yasumi Matsuno, who transitioned from Quest after their success with the Ogre Battle series.
Matsuno and his team endeavored to create a tactical JRPG with a unique grid-based system, a bold endeavor that yielded incredible results.
Today, Tactics remains a hallmark of the Final Fantasy franchise, providing engaging tactical gameplay with a compelling narrative. With the anticipated remake, fans will once again be able to dive into its strategic depth and immersive world.
6 Spyro: The Reignited Trilogy
This Trilogy is Fire!
Throughout the PlayStation era, notable mascots emerged, with Spyro the Dragon being a standout creator of memorable moments for gamers. The original Spyro trilogy was filled with engaging gameplay, but updating these classics for modern audiences proved challenging due to dated graphics.
Toys For Bob stepped in to modernize this beloved franchise, successfully reimagining each entry while preserving the core mechanics that made them entertaining. Their efforts resulted in a sparkling visual upgrade for fans old and new.
While the franchise since has struggled, the Reignited Trilogy has sparked renewed interest, potentially paving the way for Spyro’s return.
5 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Bringing The Bandicoot Back
Next on our list is none other than Crash Bandicoot, the iconic mascot synonymous with PlayStation’s early days. The trilogy of Crash games from the PSX era holds a special place in gaming history, with waves of nostalgia surrounding each title.
Recognizing the need for a contemporary revival, Vicarious Visions meticulously remade each game, enhancing difficulty while respecting the original mechanics. Their hard work bore fruit as Crash was revitalized with a new installment titled It’s About Time, which further established the series’ relevance in the platforming genre.
4 BioShock 2
An Underrated Deep-Sea Gem
Ken Levine’s BioShock introduced players to the iconic world of Rapture, a game often hailed as a landmark in video game storytelling. As Levine moved on to different projects, 2K Marin was tasked with developing BioShock 2, which allowed players to step into the shoes of a Big Daddy.
Critics often dismiss this sequel, but it presents an opportunity to delve deeper into Rapture’s narrative and enrich the overall experience. While it may not surpass the original title, it offers a unique take that shouldn’t be overlooked—as many aspects outshine its successor, BioShock Infinite.
3 Tetris Effect: Connected
Shapes & Colors
Tetris is one of those timeless classics where the adage ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ perfectly applies. Despite being decades old, its gameplay continues to captivate players worldwide.
Monstars took the courageous step of improving this classic, resulting in Tetris Effect: Connected—arguably the most definitive version of Tetris to date. This iteration enhances the traditional gameplay with a focus on immersive visuals and audio, creating an almost synesthetic experience that resonates with players.
It also introduces a fresh take on multiplayer functionality, making it an engaging communal experience. Tetris Effect: Connected is a testament to the possibility of innovation within beloved classics.
2 The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Keys To The Kingdom
Interestingly, while Nintendo is known for tightly controlling its flagship franchises, the development of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap was entrusted to Capcom and Flagship.
This collaboration resulted in unique mechanics, such as scale-based puzzles, allowing Link to shrink in size for new gameplay dynamics. It introduced innovative powers that refreshed the franchise’s established formula.
While the Capcom/Flagship titles remain divisive among fans, I believe they deserve more recognition, serving as excellent handheld experiences that reveal Nintendo’s capability to support new talent while producing captivating games.
1 Baldur’s Gate 3
A CRPG Smash
For many younger gamers, Baldur’s Gate is primarily associated with the recent wealth of content in its third installment. However, the franchise has consistently delivered captivating CRPG experiences long before Larian Studios stepped in to reinvigorate it.
Historically helmed by BioWare, the series faced uncertainty as the studio’s fortunes declined. Larian Studios, coming off the critical and commercial success of Divinity: Original Sin 2, seized the opportunity to enrich the Baldur’s Gate legacy.
With this background, Baldur’s Gate 3 has emerged as a landmark title, often regarded as the best CRPG of all time, due to its deep role-playing systems, branching narratives, and cooperative gameplay elements. This title not only honors its predecessors but sets a new standard for the genre.
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