Amazingly, a series likeDiablois still popular almost three decades after launching. One of the things that keeps it fresh is that it has no central protagonist. Each game has a new set of classes for players to jump into and create their protagonist from their image. Yet, what about long-running franchises with big returning characters like Link fromThe Legend of Zelda?
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Link remains an iconic character and protagonist of The Legend of Zelda series, so it begs the question that if Nintendo hasn’t killed off or replaced one of its most iconic characters, then why have other franchises sought to do the opposite? These games tried to bring in a new face to lead the game, but the lack of familiarity turned fans away.
7Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorneywas the beginning of what was probably going to be a new trilogy that replaced Phoenix Wright with the titular Apollo Justice. The game was still agood mystery game, but Apollo just didn’t have the same charisma fans adored. It took a long time to get the true Phoenix back as well because following several spinoffs.
Two including Miles Edgeworth, Phoenix’s rival only one of which launched in the West. Not counting the bizarre crossoverProfessor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix would not return as a major protagonist untilPhoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destiniesnine years afterApollo Justice: Ace Attorney.
6The Last Of Us Part 2
The Last of Ushasn’t exactly had an army of sequels and spin-offs, but it is an iconic franchise with its own HBO show, remake, and divisive sequel,The Last of Us Part 2. The review scores for it were high, but even positive critics and fans that enjoyed it had onemajor problem: Abby. The game starts with Joel and Ellie, but before the two can reunite, Joel is murdered by this new character, Abby, for reasons that unfold throughout the game.
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The game centers on Ellie seeking Abby to exact revenge on her, but after they finally reconvene, the game flashes back to Abby post-killing Joel. The second half then puts players in her shoes, which felt wrong in the eyes of some. Based on the ending, it could imply that Ellie is no longer able to keep on fighting. Could Abby be the next full heroine of the sequel? That seems like a weird avenue to traverse, which could rile fans even more who adored Joel and Ellie’s bond.
5Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect: Andromedais another case where the developers wanted to leave theoriginalMass Effecttrilogybehind to start something new. Instead of Commander Shepard, players took on the role of Ryder. This game was plagued with a plethora of problems, so it’s not exactly fair to say it was all of the protagonist’s fault although the loss of Commander Shepard didn’t help either.
The glitches inMass Effect: Andromedawas probably the worst thing about it from silly things like T-poses to devastating things like game crashes. Suffice it to say the launch was a mess. This was released in 2017 and there has since been a new game announced but it is not going to be about Ryder, presumably. Going back to Shepard would be the way to win fans back but realistically all they want is a good game Shepard or not.
4Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Libertyis the ultimate example of this idea that sent fans off. It was the ultimate magic trick thatHideo Kojima pulled. The press was shown builds off this game wherein Snake was playable during the ship and plant sections. Trailers fromMetal Gear Solid 2showed this too, making everyone believe Snake was going to once again be the hero.
However, Raiden replaced Snake after the ship and it was not what fans were expecting. Raiden’s constant whining did not invoke the vibe ofMetal Gear Solidin the hearts of some. Thankfully, Snake technically returned full-time after this through prequels and it should be noted that Raiden did have a brilliant character redemption inMetal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
3Metroid Prime: Federation Force
Metroid Prime: Federation Forcewas another dupe, but this time it was from Nintendo. Metroid fans are a diehard and patient bunch because there are often large fans in-between sequels.Metroid: Other Mwas released for the Wii in 2010 and as the years went on, fan outcry got louder and louder. WhenMetroid Prime: Federation Forcewas released in 2016, it was a real monkey’s paw situation.
Yes, there was a new entry but it did not starthe iconic Samus Aran. It is the only game in the entire series, which began in 1986, that did not star Samus. Focusing on random federation soldiers was a mistake, as was making a 3DS game compared to something for consoles. To Nintendo’s credit, a year later they did releaseMetroid: Samus Returnswhich was received well for a 3DS remake in the same year that the Nintendo Switch was released.
2Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Uncharted: The Lost Legacyis a good game and some may say that it is better thanUncharted 4: A Thief’s End.Uncharted: The Lost Legacywas released a year after Nathan Drake’s final adventure, and as a sequel, It starred Chloe and Nadia, with perhaps a cameo or two from other characters.
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It was like a proof of concept to show that the series could continue even withoutthe hilarious Nathan Drakewho pretty much hangs up his gear at the end of the fourth game. Even thoughUncharted: The Lost Legacywas reviewed well, it seemingly went nowhere as it has been six years since an update on these characters. Was it because Chloe replaced Nathan, or is Naughty Dog just too busy to revisit theUnchartedfranchise at the moment?
1Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Wolfenstein: The New Orderwas a reboot of the iconic franchise that spurred new games from 2014. It had the unique idea that Nazis wonWorld War 2and took over the world. Protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz survived to take on as many Nazis as possible though.Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, yet, the next title released wasWolfenstein: Youngblood,which skipped the timeline to introduce Blazkowicz’s kids.
It set things in the future wherein B.J.’s two daughters were all grown up. He became indisposed and it was instead up to his daughters to save the day. Based on this new lore, it was a clever direction to take the series, but fans were left disappointed by this time skip that brought in two new protagonists. MachineGames is currently working on anIndiana Jonesproject, with the likelihood of anotherWolfensteinentry unlikely.
