10 Beloved Franchises That Haven't Been Good In A WHILE

There are certain gaming series that are synonymous with not just perfection, but consistency. Every time another Super Mario or Grand Theft Auto is announced, it's guaranteed to win accolades and break records.

But as we all know, even the best of the best can have a fall from grace. 

For a time, Pac-Man and Space Invaders ruled arcades and consoles. Nowadays, these relics are played mainly to scratch a nostalgia itch. Though there are countless shooters, platformers and RPGs that were at one point revered, the majority passed their prime many moons ago.

Now, that's not suggesting the entries on this list can't find their flow again or reinvent themselves for the better. Silent Hill, Tomb Raider and Resident Evil are stronger than ever, despite having the occasional slip-up or two... or five.

With that said, it's heartbreaking to see a formally promising brand toss out the same old unimaginative slop. While watching the latest sequels crash and burn, it's hard to believe these IPs were crushing it a decade earlier.

Though these franchises were once at the top of their literal game, recent instalments paint a very different picture.

For the longest time, Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear didn't have a single dud in the mainline series. Despite the fact Metal Gear Solid set the bar to an unprecedented level, the follow-ups matched it and arguably surpassed it. 

Metal Gear: Revengenace could've upset the apple cart, since it was a heavy departure in style, mechanics, and characterisation. But the spin-off turned out magnificently, proving the spy and espionage property was in good hands, so long as Kojima was around.

And then Kojima left in 2015. And when 2018's Metal Gear Survive was dubbed an unmitigated disaster, the brand no longer felt untouchable.

To be fair, Metal Gear should make a recovery, hence why it's low on this list. It's only had one bad game, and the MGS3 remake is sure to be a blinder. 

Having said that, it feels like Konami are playing it safe; re-releasing a cherished game rather than taking the plunge with something new. Even if MGS 3's remake turns out great, it's frustrating how players had to wait a decade to play a decent Metal Gear, and far longer to play a series original.