Brand new game series’ are usually few and far between, and good ones are even more unlikely.  The current generation has seen it’s fair share of potential new franchises, but many new notables have yet to have produced proper sequels.  The cycle of innovation, refinement, then innovation is the foundation that the games industry is built upon.  So, here are some recent gems that are definitely worth revisiting.

Dead Rising (Xbox360)

You, trapped in a mall with thousands of zombies and the freedom to use practically anything as a weapon.  It’s no wonder we haven’t seen this game concept done earlier.  The zombie playground idea could be applied to almost anywhere too. Amusement park, airport, or even a small, open-world town would all be great locales.  Throw in a bunch more interactive objects for creative, new ways to kill the walking dead and you’re all set.  Oh yeah, how about some online co-op, please?

Zack and Wiki (Wii)

It’s the brilliant, Wii, point-and-click adventure that was a critically success, but a retail failure.  Sadly, we probably won’t ever see a sequel any time soon.  Some of the later puzzles were down right diabolical, but when you finally did figure it out, that “eureka” moment was pure magic.  The cute, lovable animations, the multiple solutions, and the clever use of items and enemies all worked to create an experience that could only be compared to the days of playing an old-school, LucasArts adventure game.  More of the same is all I ask.

Portal (PC/PS3/Xbox360)

The shining jewel of Valve’s Orange Box compilation, from start to finish, Portal was probably the best 4 hours of gaming I’ve ever experienced.  The unique brand of genuine comedy that you so rarely find in games.  The innovative, first-person puzzle elements that flipped the shooter genre on it’s head.  The awesome song at the end that tied everything up in a neat little bow.  Sequel rumors seem to hint at a possible multiplayer mode in the works.  At the very least, I’d settle for an Aperture Science portal gun cameo in HL 2: Episode 3, but a true sequel, GlaDOS and all, would be ideal.

Crackdown (Xbox360)

Piggybacking on the coattails of the Halo 3 beta, this game didn’t get nearly the respect it deserved when it came out.  The true, open world gameplay and over-the-top comic book style action made it a joy to play.  The real drug, though, was the agility orbs.  A new, vertical-friendly city to leap around in would be amazing.  And how about some bosses that can do some of the things you can do?  Also, make the agent vehicles even more tricked out and crazy, because after all, stealing regular cars, GTA-style, was just plain useless.

Elite Beat Agents (DS)

This screen-tapping rhythm game was actually based on a Japanese series called Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, and both were awesome handheld music games that could kick the ass of Guitar Hero: On Tour, any day of the week.  The US-inspired Elite Beat Agents had an interesting and varied mix of American music, but it was the quirky side stories and addictive, circle-tapping gameply that made it.  If the developer could produce a sequel with a song catalog that equaled the first game’s, and include the game engine refinements that the second Japanese game brought, I’d be one happy DS gamer.

Dead Space (PC/PS3/Xbox360)

It might be a little early to wish for a sequel to this incredible, survival-horror game.  Knowing EA, though, I’m sure a second game in the eventual series isn’t more than a couple years off.  Not a bad thing in this case though, considering how polished and satisfying it was for me.  My only real gripes were the utter uselessness of a few of the weapons and lack of more zero gravity platforming segments.  Everything else was gravy, so come on EA, keep ‘em coming.

New Super Mario Bros (DS)

Okay, so this wasn’t really a new franchise, but I suppose you could call it a re-imagining of the classic, 2D, Mario series.  Whatever you want to call it, the DS game was near platforming perfection and I simply don’t understand why we haven’t seen the same treatment done to others in the series.  You could have New Super Mario Bros 2 that modernized and tweaked the SMB2 gameplay.  Naturally, the 3rd game could offer a fresh new take on SMB3, and 4th game could tackle Super Mario World.  Seems like a no-brainer to me, but then again who knows how Shiggy and the rest of Nintendo decide what games to make these days.

And here are a few, new IP titles that are known to have much anticipated sequels coming..

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (PS3)

Nathan Drake offered a fresh, new take on the Lara Croft’s ailing Tomb Raider franchise.  It had the energy and action of an exciting summer blockbuster, with the gameplay we’ve all grown to know and love.  Fortunately, Naughty Dog has a sequel planned for 2009, although this time it’s set in an icy, snow environment.  Expect the same caliber of cover-based gunplay, stealth action, and 3rd person platforming that the first game did so well.

Mass Effect (PC/Xbox360)

Bioware’s most recent console foray was a testament to their incredible ability at making outstanding, decision-driven RPGs.  We already know Mass Effect 2 is on it’s way.  Expect to find much improved optional, planetary side quests and hopefully more involved squad-based gameplay.  As long as they do what they do best, I have every confidence the sequel will be just as good as the first game.

Patapon (PSP)

Last year’s sleeper hit on the PSP combined two things extremely well: deep RPG elements, and a simple and addictive rhythm game.  Both return in the sequel, that’s already out in Japan, and soon to hit US shores early in 2009.  The gameplay is now much more streamlined and forgiving, and the addition of evolution trees to unlock new units makes the deep, item drop-based gameplay even better.  Toss in a new multiplayer mode and you’ve got what looks to be a very strong PSP game.

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