Do you feel some games are rated better because of the franchise name?

[RCTjunkie]

The original game has to be so awesome that it makes a lasting impact for future, potentially not as good games.

I see and agree with your point, but I think there's more to it. The environment always plays a huge role in the game even with identical mechanics. A game that plays exactly like Mario Kart but had generic-looking everything will get rated much lower, in part because of the lack of brand, but also the lack of charm or familiarity. Basically, gameplay isn't everything, even if we like to boast that it is.