Converting Original Concepts: When Video Games Fail to Fit an Existing Franchise

In the ever-evolving world of video games, it is not uncommon for game developers to face the challenge of fitting their innovative and intriguing concepts into pre-existing franchises. The success of a game often heavily influences its subsequent development and release path. Sometimes, these original concepts shine brighter on their own, leading to a phenomenon where they are merged into familiar franchises due to perceived lower potential for standalone success.

Nippon Ichi Software's Disgaea Franchise: A Case Study

Nippon Ichi Software, a renowned Japanese developer known for creating unique and innovative strategies and role-playing games, has seen one of its most celebrated franchises, Disgaea, rise to prominence. Originally, several of the company's earlier titles like La Pucelle Rhapsody, making waves in niche markets, but lacking the critical mass for mainstream success. These unique and cool mechanics, while praised by fans, did not achieve the widespread recognition needed to sustain continued development.

Disgaea, a title that stemmed from these various ideas, has proven to be a viable mainstay in the market. Unlike its predecessors, Disgaea has seen a more consistent release schedule, thriving as a self-contained series. The recent release of Disgaea 7 (exclusive to Japan on January 26, 2023), showcasing the continued evolution of the series, stands as a testament to the lasting appeal of its original concept. This stark contrast highlights the importance of allowing a title to stand on its own merits rather than being shoehorned into a larger, potentially incompatible franchise.

A Familiar Example: Doki Doki Panic Super Mario Bros. 2

A prime example of a game that could have gone either way is Doki Doki Panic. This unique platformer, with a Near Eastern theme and rooted in captivating gameplay, and innovative mechanics, caught the attention of Nintendo. However, in the drive to create a more polished and marketable product, Nintendo executed a significant respin of the game, fortifying it with more recognizable characters and branding.

Super Mario Bros. 2 that eventually reached the North American market was a reskin of Doki Doki Panic. The original game had a much higher difficulty level and distinct gameplay differences between Mario and Luigi, offering a unique experience that was later toned down for marketability. While the respin was successful in capturing the attention of a wider audience, it also raised the question of what Doki Doki Panic could have achieved on its own. Its heroes, Imajin Mama Lina and Papa, would have brought a fresh and distinctive voice to the Super Mario Bros universe, potentially broadening the series' appeal in ways that the original couldn't have.

Independent Projects Shaping Famous Franchises

It's not just Doki Doki Panic that falls victim to such reshaping. Rare and Nintendo have a rich history of projects that started as independent efforts before being integrated into their established franchises—namely, Diddy Kong Racing and StarFox Adventures. Both games originated as standalone Rare efforts, which, through various strategic decisions, became Nintendo exclusive titles.

Diddy Kong Racing, an arcade racing game with a unique twist involving the mischievous Harry Kong in place of Diddy Kong, would have been a standalone title if released by Rare. Instead, it found its place in a Nintendo-packed lineup, enriching the Kingdom Hearts universe. Similarly, StarFox Adventures, an innovative and visually-astounding platformer, found its way into the StarFox series, blending into an already celebrated franchise and contributing to its legacy.

These examples underscore the importance of recognizing the value of original concepts and allowing them to develop naturally. By inserting these games into existing franchises, developers can sometimes lose the unique appeal that initially made the game a standout. The Nintendo and Rare games mentioned here illustrate how barring a concept from its true potential can result in lost opportunities for both the game and the franchise.