First Game is the Best

[Signalstar]

What are some series or franchises where you think the first game is the best one?

This could be because there was a noticeable drop off in quality after the first game or the sequels just not capturing what made the original so special?

This could be more common among games that never made it past one sequel as that poor followup likely killed the franchise.

But are there long running series with multiple entries where you still the first game is the best of all.

For me one example is Bayonetta. I played all three Bayonetta games for the first time on the Switch over the last few years. I think the original Bayonetta is great. I thought Bayonetta 2 was so overrated and Bayonetta 3 was just fine. The sequels aren't bad, but I feel the first game was already so over the top and epic that the sequels were grasping at straws in comparison.

Another case is Bioshock. While I know Bioshock Infinite has its fans (and detractors), I think it is clearly established that the original Bioshock is the most beloved. No one could seriously argue that Bioshock 2 is the best entry in that franchise.

Other examples include Viewtiful Joe. The first game is a knockout, but Viewtiful Joe 2 was just okay and the spinoffs nothing special.

Got any examples or hot takes to share?