Fayceless on 11 December 2013
I think the OP makes a fundamentally flawed argument.
With the N64, Nintendo had little choice but to reimagine their franchises. The shift from 2D to 3D had a profound effect on gameplay. It really doesn't make sense to use re-invented franchises to make this argument, when the hardware is what dictates these changes, or allows them.
Besides, as we have seen time and time, and time, again, it isn't always necessary to completely change a franchise to keep it appealing, and that applies to Nintendo as well as anyone else. (see: Pokemon) It is necessary to change when the hardware warrants a change, or the franchise is in danger of losing its appeal.
