- Debut
- 1985
- Studio
- Nintendo
- Genre
- Platformer
Super Mario
Mario first appeared as Jumpman in Donkey Kong (1981), but Super Mario Bros. (1985) launched the series that has defined Nintendo hardware ever since.
Gallery four
Biggest Franchises, Remakes & Remasters
The series that survived every hardware shift, and the craft of bringing classic games back for new generations.
Ten franchises that shaped gaming
Debut years refer to the first game in the series. Ordered by debut.
- Debut
- 1986
- Studio
- Nintendo
- Genre
- Adventure
The Legend of Zelda
Repeatedly reinvents itself, from top-down dungeons to the systemic open worlds of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
- Debut
- 1987
- Studio
- Square
- Genre
- RPG
Final Fantasy
Each numbered entry is a new world, which lets the series experiment with combat and tone while keeping its identity.
- Debut
- 1987
- Studio
- Capcom
- Genre
- Fighting
Street Fighter
Street Fighter II (1991) set the template for competitive fighting games and arcade rivalry that continues in tournaments today.
- Debut
- 1991
- Studio
- Sega
- Genre
- Platformer
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sega's speed-focused answer to Mario powered the Genesis era and has since expanded into films and multi-platform releases.
- Debut
- 1996
- Studio
- Capcom
- Genre
- Survival horror
Resident Evil
Popularised survival horror, shifted to action with Resident Evil 4, and found new life through first-person entries and remakes.
- Debut
- 1996
- Studio
- Game Freak
- Genre
- Creature RPG
Pokémon
Launched in Japan on Game Boy, with link-cable trading at its heart. It grew into cards, anime and mobile games.
- Debut
- 1997
- Studio
- DMA Design
- Genre
- Open world
Grand Theft Auto
A top-down original gave way to Grand Theft Auto III's 3D city in 2001. The studio became Rockstar North.
- Debut
- 2001
- Studio
- Bungie
- Genre
- Shooter
Halo
Launched with the original Xbox and proved shooters could work on a controller. Later entries moved to 343 Industries, now Halo Studios.
- Debut
- 2003
- Studio
- Infinity Ward
- Genre
- Shooter
Call of Duty
Began on PC as a Second World War shooter; Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) reshaped online multiplayer progression.
What keeps a franchise alive
- A recognisable core: a feel, character or loop players can identify instantly.
- Willingness to reinvent: Zelda, Resident Evil and God of War all changed dramatically and grew stronger.
- Hardware showcases: many series debut new features, from analog control to haptics.
- Life beyond games: films, merchandise and communities keep series visible between releases.
Remake, remaster or port?
A remake rebuilds a game largely from scratch with new assets and often redesigned mechanics. A remaster keeps the original game underneath and upgrades resolution, textures, frame rate or quality-of-life features. A port brings a game to new hardware with minimal changes. Publishers do not always use these terms consistently, so read the details before buying.
Twelve notable remakes and remasters
| Title | Year | Type | Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy | 2017 | Remake | PlayStation, 1996–1998 |
| Shadow of the Colossus | 2018 | Remake | PlayStation 2, 2005 |
| Resident Evil 2 | 2019 | Remake | PlayStation, 1998 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening | 2019 | Remake | Game Boy, 1993 |
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | 2020 | Remake | PlayStation, 1997 |
| Demon's Souls | 2020 | Remake | PlayStation 3, 2009 |
| Mass Effect Legendary Edition | 2021 | Remaster | Trilogy, 2007–2012 |
| The Last of Us Part I | 2022 | Remake | PlayStation 3, 2013 |
| Metroid Prime Remastered | 2023 | Remaster | GameCube, 2002 |
| Resident Evil 4 | 2023 | Remake | GameCube, 2005 |
| Silent Hill 2 | 2024 | Remake | PlayStation 2, 2001 |
| The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered | 2025 | Remaster | PC and Xbox 360, 2006 |
Are remakes good for gaming?
The case for
- Makes classics playable on modern hardware
- Introduces great design to new players
- Often adds accessibility and difficulty options
The case against
- Can replace the original in stores, hurting preservation
- Resources go to old ideas instead of new ones
- Changes may alter what fans loved
Continue the tour
See which games and platforms have been officially announced.
Upcoming Releases