Classic Franchises That Need to Die and Dead Ones that Need New Life

[D-FENS]

Slayer- While I really like your idea, I think you're taking far too broad of an approach. It's REALLY hard to generate good discussion when you list DOZENS of games to be saved or graved. (Too diffused of an argument.) For the sake of ease, and because everybody likes lists, here's my top five in both categories. [WARNING! Heavy sarcasm! I WILL say things that are inflamatory, but there are in JEST!] GRAVED 1. Madden (Not only do I HATE John Madden personally, I really hate the disgusting amounts of sales this title gets from herds of sheeple lining up to pay $50 - $60 for their ROSTER UPDATES) 2. Sonic (Sonic, I never liked you, ever. Yes, I understand that lots of poeple loved and adored you, and that's ok, but now you're pathetic. Now you're little better than Al Gore running around warning everyone about Manbearpig, just to get attention [FTR: I'm a Democrat, and I do believe in Manbearpig, but give it a REST!]) 3. Dead or Alive (Do we really need another Fighting franchise, really? And this game, and its "volleyball" spinoff are disgusting and pathetic reinforcing examples of the idea that most gamers are creepy, middle-aged, virgin males living in their mother's basement) 4. Tom Clancy ANYTHING (Who gives a **** WHO'S name is attached? Did Tom Clancy code this game? Can we play him as a secret character? Are any of his over-written, steaming piles of jargon really worth a videogame adaptation?) 5. Grand Theft Auto (These games are perfect for us Americans - they're just like a huge buffet! Think about it, instead of getting one fantastic, specially prepared dish, you can sample from dozens of lukewarm ones that have been sitting under the heat lamps for hours! These games do many, many things, but none of them well, but just like a buffet, we can't help ourselves and keep gorging on mediocre fare.) SAVED 1. Crystalis (The best RPG on the NES, period. Imagine everything that Zelda did, only better. It had leveling, magic, a huge inventory [for the time], detailed dungeons and overworlds, and a PLOT [you know, something a little more than: "PAY FOR DOOR REPAIR CHARGES!"] Unfortunately, it came out late in the development cycle and was, mostly, overlooked. Plus, it would be great to include the original opening text "October xx, 1997, the END DAY!") 2. Actraiser (This game was a great combo of side-scrolling and simulation, and it had amazing music. Imagine a COMPETENT 3D version with some COMPETENT RTS missions . . .) 3. Battle of Olympus (Boy, was this game frustrating, but it did a pretty good job of the [pre] Super Metroid style of adventuring and opening up new areas with new items and abilities. Plus, it is still THE closest game to capture the true spirit and look of ancient Greek mythology. Kratos who? Try Orpheus, one of the CLASSIC heroes, you meat-headed, EDGY, emo fraud.) 4. Gradius (These games were HARD! I hated every single one of them! Especially the stupid Moai stages! Please make another one. . ." 5. Goldeneye (Is it TOO MUCH to ask to get a decent sequel? Is it? Huh? It's been, what, ten years?)