Majora's Cat
How about that
Okay, I understand there are enough threads that revolve around this subject. Even one of my very own threads is centered around this idea, but I want to set the record straihgt. I have seen too many lists of the greatest franchises that are completely absurd. Franchises like Metroid and other greats are not included in these lists. One of such lists even lists Zelda as tenth. Tenth?! So, without further ado, from my experiences I shall put together a list of the truly great game franchises. 
1. Zelda - This needs no reason - Zelda obliterates all game franchises with its level design, music and legendary reputation.
2. Mario - Some will agree, some will argue. Mario is considered by critics to be one of the greatest, but I cannot say the same for the regular gamers (especially those Microsoft and Sony fans). Plus... about 75% of Mario games are total garbage and should never see the light of day (although most of them have sold millions - no clue why :S).
3. Metal Gear Solid - Heavily praised by critics and PlayStation fanboys, MGS is always given extremely high praise, but usually not by Nintendo fans.
4. Halo - Okay, you guys can bash me all you want, but Halo's impact on the gaming industry is undeniable. Each Halo game was followed up by another smash-hit. If you were to compare Halo to a baseball game, it would be hitting a grand slam.
5. Metroid - Here's where I went wrong before. Metroid fansites have started blooming (one of which I have joined), and Metroid becomes more popular by the second. This franchise introduced gaming's iconic woman, Samus. The first successful franchise with a woman starring as the protagonist won over the hearts of many, and her constant success has other franchises frothing with jealousy.
6. Half-Life - Half-Life often escapes the minds of many gamers, but true gamers will always have a place for HL in their hearts. This franchise has been very successful, its games garnering high praise and large crowds of fans everywhere.
7. Final Fantasy - Ah, where would RPGs be without FF? Easily the greatest RPG franchise of all time, FF will always be a winner in gamers' eyes.
8. Grand Theft Auto - Let me say this: GTA may be one of the most hated franchises ever. It is extremely controversial. Praised by critics, criticized by gamers. Nonetheless, GTA revolutionized open world gaming as we know it.
9. Resident Evil - There are some fantastic installments in the series, but a few of the other games (usually unnoticed) are trash.
10. Sonic - I honestly don't believe that the Sonic franchise was as good as people make it out to be. There are only a few gems in the gargantuan mass of trash, even moreso than Mario's trash bin. Even with all this, a few Sonic games rise above and beyond, letting the blue hedgehog weasel his way into this list.

1. Zelda - This needs no reason - Zelda obliterates all game franchises with its level design, music and legendary reputation.
2. Mario - Some will agree, some will argue. Mario is considered by critics to be one of the greatest, but I cannot say the same for the regular gamers (especially those Microsoft and Sony fans). Plus... about 75% of Mario games are total garbage and should never see the light of day (although most of them have sold millions - no clue why :S).
3. Metal Gear Solid - Heavily praised by critics and PlayStation fanboys, MGS is always given extremely high praise, but usually not by Nintendo fans.
4. Halo - Okay, you guys can bash me all you want, but Halo's impact on the gaming industry is undeniable. Each Halo game was followed up by another smash-hit. If you were to compare Halo to a baseball game, it would be hitting a grand slam.
5. Metroid - Here's where I went wrong before. Metroid fansites have started blooming (one of which I have joined), and Metroid becomes more popular by the second. This franchise introduced gaming's iconic woman, Samus. The first successful franchise with a woman starring as the protagonist won over the hearts of many, and her constant success has other franchises frothing with jealousy.
6. Half-Life - Half-Life often escapes the minds of many gamers, but true gamers will always have a place for HL in their hearts. This franchise has been very successful, its games garnering high praise and large crowds of fans everywhere.
7. Final Fantasy - Ah, where would RPGs be without FF? Easily the greatest RPG franchise of all time, FF will always be a winner in gamers' eyes.
8. Grand Theft Auto - Let me say this: GTA may be one of the most hated franchises ever. It is extremely controversial. Praised by critics, criticized by gamers. Nonetheless, GTA revolutionized open world gaming as we know it.
9. Resident Evil - There are some fantastic installments in the series, but a few of the other games (usually unnoticed) are trash.
10. Sonic - I honestly don't believe that the Sonic franchise was as good as people make it out to be. There are only a few gems in the gargantuan mass of trash, even moreso than Mario's trash bin. Even with all this, a few Sonic games rise above and beyond, letting the blue hedgehog weasel his way into this list.