10 Great Video Games That Should've Started Franchises

Although deduction titles like Ace Attorney and Professor Layton could've been one-and-done, they've blossomed into successful franchises that are still going strong years later.

However, there's another detective game that could theoretically become an ongoing series. In Return of the Obra Dinn, you play as an investigator who must determine the fate of a ship's missing crew. Using a magical pocket watch, you can travel to the moment of each crewmember's death to uncover the truth. 

Although the 1-bit monochrome art, sound design, and voice-acting is 10/10, it's the concept that leaves the biggest impression. Even though the mechanics are masterfully utilised, there are countless other scenarios it could be used for. It'd be intriguing to see this detective investigate a mystery in a ghost town, a haunted mansion, or a prison. Rather than sticking with one setting, the protagonist could visit numerous places, adding variety to the gameplay.

New mechanics could be incorporated, including fast-forward, rewind, replay, or zoom to find clues. You could also interact with people in the past, but be limited in your actions to avoid time paradoxes, creating a strategic component.

Although the creator, Lucas Pope, stated he has no interest in devising a sequel, seeing more of this property would be a delight.