When embarking on a new video game series, the natural inclination is to start with the first installment. This initial entry offers a glimpse into the origins of iconic franchises, revealing where characters began and how pivotal plot threads first emerged. It also provides insight into the evolution of beloved gameplay mechanics.
However, for some established series, the debut title may be better experienced through a synopsis or cutscene compilation. These inaugural games can be rough around the edges, marred by unpolished presentations, weak writing, and clunky mechanics, often a result of developers overreaching. While some argue that these unrefined aspects highlight a franchise's growth, they can also be a grating experience.
The Witcher
The titular monster slayer, Geralt, is intended to be a rough-and-tumble figure, but the original 2007 game, The Witcher, presents a world of drab environments and unappealing character models. As CD Projekt Red's debut title, it shows its age. Players often find themselves traversing these zones repeatedly, frequently waiting for NPCs. The plot, while serviceable and drawing heavily from Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, lacks the political drama and social depth that define later installments. The gameplay attempts a blend of action and BioWare-style RPG elements, which feels awkward and unrefined.
Assassin's Creed
The Assassin's Creed series, centered on a clandestine order of assassins battling Templars throughout history, has seen significant evolution. However, its 2007 debut was a bare-bones affair. The narrative and characters were often mere vehicles to guide players toward repetitive stealth missions like tailing and eavesdropping, tasks that were performed nine times over. While the focus on stealth was present, the mechanics felt underdeveloped. The counterattack system, for instance, allowed players to dispatch entire groups of guards effortlessly, making the core gameplay loop feel simplistic and dated.
Metroid
Samus Aran's initial outing in 1986's Metroid established the series' core elements of exploration and isolation on perilous alien worlds. However, the original title suffers from significant drawbacks. The labyrinthine map, a hallmark of the series, is presented without any in-game mapping system, forcing players to navigate through trial and error. Enemy encounters can be frustrating, compounded by Samus's inability to crouch, making her vulnerable to low-lying attacks. The lack of clear direction and the punishing respawn system make the journey a challenging one, potentially obscuring the game's unique gender-reveal ending.
Grand Theft Auto
Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto franchise is renowned for its expansive open-world crime sandboxes. While 2001's Grand Theft Auto 3 popularized the 3D formula, its 1997 predecessor is largely overlooked. The original Grand Theft Auto placed players in the roles of aspiring criminals across three cities. Without the narrative depth and satirical humor of later titles, the game functions more like an arcade experience focused on scoring points. However, clunky controls, basic graphics, and a disorienting top-down perspective hinder immersion, reducing it to a mere vehicle-centric gimmick game.
Street Fighter
The Street Fighter series is synonymous with competitive fighting games, featuring a global tournament that pits diverse characters against each other. The 1987 original, however, struggles with execution. Controlling Ryu, players advance through a series of opponents. The primary challenge lies not in the combatants but in the cumbersome controls. Basic actions like throwing a punch are difficult to perform, and special moves like the Hadouken are even more challenging to execute, making the combat feel cumbersome and detracting from the game's potential.
