Some video game series have a lot of games in them. A series of action-adventure games, for example, is usually made up of nothing more than action-adventure games. While that makes sense, it can sometimes lead to a lack of iteration, and a need to try something new or different.
One of the ways in which long-running game series can reinvent itself or try something new to appeal to larger, newer audiences is to switch genres. Not many video game series do this, however. There are risks associated with it, such as alienating longtime fans of the series. But there are some video game series that ought to give it a try anyway.
8Super Mario
TheSuper Mario seriesis often seen as a series of family-friendlyplatformers, sometimes in 3D and other times in2D. There’s only so much a modern platformer can do, however, without major reinvention of the genre.
Outside of platformers, Mario has dabbled in racing, sports games, puzzle games, tactics-based games, and more. But Mario has never fully embraced the shooter genre.The Mario + Rabbids seriesproves that Mario can wield a gun and maintain his family-friendly appeal, so a Mario shooter can work.
Here is our review of Mario’s 2023 foray into 2D platform territory:Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
7Monkey Island
TheMonkey Island seriesis a well-known point-and-click adventure series all about the wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood. In 2022, series creator Ron Gilbert finally closed out his story withReturn to Monkey Island.
However, in 2023, Rare came along and created a 3D, first-person version of Monkey Island in their game,Sea of Thieves. And it worked. The Monkey Island content in Sea of Thieves proved that Monkey Island as a series could not only live on but expand beyond its 2D, point-and-click origins.
Here is our review ofReturn to Monkey Island.
6Gears of War
The mainGears of Wargames have been around for a while now. Each iteration tightens up the combat and cover mechanics and usually adds new features and moments of experimentation.Gears 5, for example, added open-world elements, plus some light RPG mechanics like upgrades and skills.
Gears successfully switched genres withGears Tactics, an isometric, tactical game set in the Gears universe. It proved, if nothing else, that the series can adapt to different genres. One avenue for future games is to go full-blown horror, toning down the combat and increasing the isolation. Or, perhaps even venturing into RTS territory with full-blown gory battles.
Here is our review ofGears Tactics.
5Fortnite
Fortniteis a gaming platform that continues to evolve and grow. It began just like many multiplayer shooters, and then it truly hit its stride with the introduction of a battle royale. Since then, the game has added aracing game, aLEGO version of the game, aguitar hero-style rhythm game, and it’s dabbled in other genres too.
One genre Fortnite has yet to truly explore is that of the fighting genre. With so many licenses and iconic characters from famed franchises, Fortnite could create a true competitor to the likes ofSuper Smash Bros., assuming they can nail down the mechanics and maintain the licenses.
4Horizon
The first twoHorizongames are vast open-world experiences with varied environments, plenty of weapons, and numerous ways to traverse it all. They’re all light RPGs with dialogue choices, skills trees, and plenty of customization, too.
WithHorizon: Call of the Mountain, the series branched out and tried a more linear, action-focused approach to the series in VR. VR may havelimited its appealand reach, but a story and character-driven action-adventure game that toned down the open world and role-playing elements could serve as a cool, new way of playing the Horizon games. Think Uncharted, but Horizon.
Here is our review ofHorizon: Call of the Mountainon PlayStation VR2.
3Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima would have you callDeath Strandingthe first of its kind. A Stranding game. Death Stranding is, however, anopen-world gamefocused on traversal and exploration, with some combat mechanics mixed in. In short, it’s not for everyone.
Were Kojima to consider changing the genre of the game into something more accessible and obviously entertaining, then a shift to a more action-adventure style of gameplay could help. It would not only appeal to a larger audience, but it would also help Kojima focus on his cinematic tendencies too.
Here is our review ofDeath Stranding: Director’s Cut.
2Mortal Kombat
TheMortal Kombat serieshas been at the forefront of fighting games for a long time. But in recent iterations of the games, the story and the characters have been pushed more and more into the spotlight. Meaning there’s room for a full-fledged story focused Mortal Kombat game.
Mortal Kombat has ventured into different genres before. With a series of action-adventure spin-offs proving it can work. A modern take on this type of game, with new mechanics, visuals, and a greater emphasis on story, could help bring in new fans of Mortal Kombat.
Here is our review of the latest Mortal Kombat game:Mortal Kombat 1.
1Destiny
Destinytells an epic science fiction story with fascinating characters across a depth-filled world. However, its ongoing multiplayer focus limits its appeal. Players who want to experience the story are limited by how they can do that, and because of itsever-expanding nature, it can be daunting to enter for a first timer.
A single-player-focused take on the series could alleviate these issues. One that maintains the enjoyable first-person mechanics, the story, locations, and characters could satiate the desires of players who dislike multiplayer games.
