It is kind of interesting with Mario. After the runaway success of SMW they make SM64, a totally different game. That game sells millions and a identical sequel would have sold millions more, but instead they make a totally different game, Sunshine. Now there making Galaxy, something totally different from any other game.
Not saying that Nintendo doesn't do repetition (SuperSmashBros series, Pokemon series) but I do have to give them credit with the Mario franchise.








