10 Risky Sequels That Saved Dying Video Game Franchises

7. Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider, even at its worst, has always been one of the biggest names in the gaming industry. Lara Croft is still synonymous with the medium at large, and that brand recognition meant the franchise could survive the odd bomb here and there, and generally just coast along on brand recognition without delivering properly great titles.

The series didn't totally tank, but by the end of the 2000s it became increasingly hit and miss. For every Legend there'd be an Angel of Darkness, and for every Anniversary there'd be an Underworld. There was no real singular event that broke the camel's back, but a general feeling that Lara's time had passed. The industry was entering an era of gritty, modern action games, and Tomb Raider's old-school sensibilities didn't cut it.

Consequently, the franchise was put on ice in 2008, with a new publisher taking over after that. 2013 saw the franchise return, but it was radically different, taking an Uncharted approach with a far more violent, action-oriented gameplay style and a slightly less crazy narrative.

It was a top-to-bottom revamp which rejuvenated the franchise - it's just a shame the following sequels didn't live up to the potential it established.