[KillerGremlin]

Nintendo has been milking certain average/below-average franchises like Mario Party for money for a looooooooong time. Now some of their main franchise games get a whole new face and totally rock (like Super Mario 64 > Mario Sunshine > Mario Galaxy). Others fall between, like Metroid Prime > MP2 > MP3 (although you argue the controls in MP3 are big enough of an evolution).

I think even you would agree with me, being that we are both huge 007 fans, that the series had its low points (like the end of the Connery and Moore era). Same goes with Godzilla, the movies don't exactly vary much, and it sort of built this cult following because of that. But I don't know if I would compare movies to gaming.

This discussion isn't about Nintendo though...I didn't mean to derail your lovely thread. My comment was mostly out of jest. Every company seems to be abusing their franchise games with endless sequels these days. Part of me appreciates everybody's desire to experience a new adventure with Mario or Master Chief, another part of me thinks..."jeee...last 2 Halo single player games were crap. Why not let awesome game developer Bungie try making something new."

Edit: When companies try new things...we get games like Half-Life, or Pikmin. Games that are maybe a little outside the box for their time, and totally awesome experiences. The risk is high to develop and try something new, but seems like the payoff is good too.