In my opinion, Final Fantasy had it right with games like Final Fantasy VI, VIII and X. When they focused on the gameplay and characters. The problem still is there however. The series feels like it has to change with every sequel and as a result, they completely let go of any progress each of those games had created and started from scratch with the next game. Ideas like junctioning magic to weapons or evolving characters stats along a sphere grid weren't refined over subsequent sequels. Instead, they were completely dumped and replaced by new ideas in a sequel.
As a result, it was inevitable that people would start to single out certain games as not being as 'fresh' or 'good' as others. Simply because they think one game has more fun ideas than the other. Or because they liked the ideas in a previous game more.
Six upcoming games you should look into:
