(06-26-2012 10:29 AM)DarkGunn Wrote: Pokemon simply because it's the same formula people seem to love using on the Call of Duty series, "Same game, different weapons".
I never got why keeping a formula for a sequel is such a bad thing as long as it's done right. Why would you buy a sequel for any other reason than wanting more of what you just played, but with different content? I'd be disappointed if I bought a sequel for a game and they changed it completely since I loved they did before so much. If I wanted something totally different, I'd probably just buy another game.
For me Pokemon and Mega Man (classic) has always been good examples of how to create sequels while keeping the same forumla. Mega Man kept it the same but with just new stages to master, because that's what fans wanted. When they wanted to change Mega Man in anyway they just started another series (Legends, X, Battle Network). This is exactly how you should keep a game series going. If you can't keep the formula fresh, just stop doing that series.
As I just mentioned, Pokemon is another good example. When they create another game in the series they make A LOT of new content. Every game has been bigger than the generation before and there has always been a bunch of new stuff to explore, while keeping the same old formula of catching pokemon and plowing your way through the gyms and E4.
As for COD, I can't say much since I haven't played them. As far as I know they just made another game with the exactly same gameplay engine as MW2, which is pretty terrible considering the huge gap in the release of the games. But as I said, I haven't played them.