10 Video Game Franchises That Never Topped The Original
8. The Walking Dead
Telltale has fallen on hard times recently, undergoing major restructuring, game cancellations, and studio closures. For this reason, it's easy to forget how impactful Telltale's The Walking Dead was.
Players are compelled to make difficult choices, deciding what to do, who to kill, and who to spare, which drastically affects the plot and the survivors' relationships. The Walking Dead isn't just a brilliant game, but a beautiful story thanks to the tight script, soul-stirring soundtrack, and powerful performances. The bond between the leads, Lee and Clementine, is so flawlessly structured, it's impossible not to get invested.
After The Walking Dead single-handedly reignited the adventure genre, it wasn't a surprise when it generated a DLC, a spin-off, and three sequels. Since the first instalment was lightning in a bottle, it seemed impossible for the following entries to recapture it.
Sadly, that's exactly what happened. Although the follow-ups remain focused on tough choices and character conflicts - and are definitely good in their own right - they didn't have the emotional intensity as the one that started it all. The later games are worth checking out but players shouldn't expect the same experience as before.