As we all know, eventually series either stop succeeding critically or financially as they once did or disappear for a long time and eventually are rebooted. The question I'd like to pose is when you deem such a move is necessary. I'd like to offer two recent examples-one which recently released in the videogame division and another forthcoming in movies.
The Rayman franchise experienced its high noon during the N64/PS1 generation with Rayman 2, which received nearly unanimous praise as one of the best in its genre for its particular time. Unfortunately, from there the series went downhill and never quite recovered...until now. Enter 2011. Rayman Origins was praised for its colorful design, great multiplayer, and a return to form for the franchise. In fact, the game was rated higher than all of Nintendo's 2D Wii platforming endeavors.
Spider-Man has always been a cherished franchise since the moment the spider hero first started doing acrobatics and attacking criminals over half a century ago. In recent years, a trilogy was released with the hero fighting such evil forces as the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Venom, Sandman, and more. Unfortunately, the last of these was perceived as an incredible low point, which overemphasized action and had too dim-witted a story to tell. This year's reboot by Sony Colombia Pictures aims to change that with some scenes resembling the game Mirror's Edge as well as a dynamic and refreshing villain in the form of Lizard. The story also appears to be far more engrossing.
My question to you today is when are reboots needed? How long after the last release in an entertainment franchise should a reboot be initiated? What declining or vanished series would you next like to see rebooted?
Rayman Origins
The Rayman franchise experienced its high noon during the N64/PS1 generation with Rayman 2, which received nearly unanimous praise as one of the best in its genre for its particular time. Unfortunately, from there the series went downhill and never quite recovered...until now. Enter 2011. Rayman Origins was praised for its colorful design, great multiplayer, and a return to form for the franchise. In fact, the game was rated higher than all of Nintendo's 2D Wii platforming endeavors.
[video=youtube;nF6G72Z0Rw0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF6G72Z0Rw0[/video]
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man
Spider-Man has always been a cherished franchise since the moment the spider hero first started doing acrobatics and attacking criminals over half a century ago. In recent years, a trilogy was released with the hero fighting such evil forces as the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Venom, Sandman, and more. Unfortunately, the last of these was perceived as an incredible low point, which overemphasized action and had too dim-witted a story to tell. This year's reboot by Sony Colombia Pictures aims to change that with some scenes resembling the game Mirror's Edge as well as a dynamic and refreshing villain in the form of Lizard. The story also appears to be far more engrossing.
[video=youtube;TJIZUjaNL8E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJIZUjaNL8E[/video]
My question to you today is when are reboots needed? How long after the last release in an entertainment franchise should a reboot be initiated? What declining or vanished series would you next like to see rebooted?
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