10 Video Game Franchises That Drastically Reinvented Themselves
1. Super Mario
Super Mario 64 - released in 1996 - turned the most iconic mascot of 2D platforming into a three dimensional character, reinventing the franchise, as well as the entire genre in the process. Not only did it implement dynamic gameplay within a 3D environment - which no other game had yet to achieve - it did so whilst preserving the charm and personality of previous instalments, perfectly translating the franchise into 3D.
If that wasn't enough, the game also introduced more open-ended gameplay, emphasising non-linear exploration, allowing players to tackle stages in whatever sequence they wished, and setting the standard for future instalments in the franchise.
Did it work?
Super Mario 64 successfully reinvented the most iconic franchise in gaming history, transitioning the previously 2D platformer into three dimensions, and producing one hell of a game in the process.
To date, the game is considered the best in the series – and despite a handful of issues, mainly relating to camera controls – completely holds up, which is miraculous when you consider the fact it was released over two decades ago.
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Are there any other games that completely changed their look and feel (and was it for the better)? Let us know in the comments!