Ten Greatest Gaming Franchises

[by FireEmblem54]

As the next generation of gaming approaches, gamers of all three companies will begin to see the emergence of new franchises. However, they’ll also be seeing the evolution of those series that have already established themselves in the industry. So let us take a look back, and to the future, with the Ten Greatest Gaming Franchises:

10. Donkey Kong
The tenth spot could have been filled in numerous different ways, but DK set the stage for the monstrous villains in today’s games. These days, it’s not uncommon for a baddie to be seen chucking barrels and kidnapping princess. In modern gaming, DK has evolved into a hero, and his series continues to shine through clever level design, phenomenal boss fights, and hilarious characters.

9. Tony Hawk
Though THUG and THUG2 were considered disappointments by many, the original three changed gaming with their customizable characters, levels, boards and tricks. They gave the gamer options he or she had never seen before. Now, American Wasteland changes gaming once more with 1 giant level, free of visible load times- a trend that very well may be picked up by others.

8. Metroid
I know many people think Metroid should be higher on the list, but that’s all a matter of opinion. What’s not though is the fact the Metroid revolutionized side scrolling action. It gave not only set the idea of power ups in motion, but it was the first to bring a full, in-depth story to a side scroller. Once the transition was made to 3D, with Prime, the series expanded even more- mixing FPS with action. With the Revolutions controller, the possibilities are endless.

7. Mega Man
I’m not going to lie; I’ve never played a MM game in my life. Really, I have no desire too, but after talking with fellow gamers, this is what I’ve come up with. This seems to be one of those franchises that is consistently strong. It sets standards high for its genre and is constantly successful. A lot like Metroid, helped to make side scrollers what they are today.

6. Madden
Undoubtedly, the best sports series ever. Each year, the graphics are always top of the line, the soundtrack is amazing, and it plays like a dream. All it takes is a new new names, and POOF, it debuts at the top of the sales chart. Ever sports game out there dreams of being as big as Madden (no pun intended) but none has ever come close.

5. Sonic
So many gamers think the Sonic series died when it made the jump to 3D, but others know better. The ability to work at lightning fast speeds while still maintaining solid gameplay was crucial to developing the series. One of a few series that has lasted the test of time and continues to deliver, Sonic will keep running from one generation to the next.

4. Final Fantasy
For every person out there who loves FF, there’s one who thinks it’s far overrated. I’ll admit to being one of the latter, but nobody can deny the greatness of this franchise. Every great RPG has taken something from FF. From the story, to the characters, to nearly every other detail RPGs are known for.they all originated here.

3. Pokemon
I don’t care if it’s “kiddie”, “dumb”, or “stupid”. Pokemon changed gaming and then some. It was one of the first of venture outside of gaming and be successful. From an unbeatable multiplayer, to a single player mode that can be played for hundreds of hours, it’s always been a solid experience. Pokemon took what FF began, spun it around a bit, took some things out, added others and what came out was a worldwide phenomenon.

2. Zelda
Very few can argue the top two; however, their order could go either way. If you haven’t played a LoZ game, you haven’t gamed. After starting strong on he NES, Link and company made the transfer to 3D and ended up with what’s considered by many to be the best game of all time. Gamers had never seen boss battles like this, never been so engrossed in an experience in this way. The series has very possibly come as close to “perfect” as anybody will ever see. With Twilight Princess only months away, LoZ continues to be the best of the best.

1. Mario
Recognized across the globe as the mascot of not only Nintendo, but gaming, Mario is the #1 reason gaming is what it is today. Even with such a simple concept, the Mushroom Kingdom crew has changed multiple genres. Platformers, sports games, party games.all have been greatly affected by the world’s favorite plumber. As the next generation approaches, it’s unlikely his influence will die out anytime soon. When it comes down to it, every game, on every system have one thing in common.they all have a little bit of Mario in them.