Nice example!
Nintendo took something that was familiar like "Metroid", but turned it into something "new" by turning a side-scrolling platforming adventure game, into a first person shooter adventure game. I enjoyed Metroid Prime, even the second one... got a bit redundant with the third... and now I'm wondering what's going on with Metroid Other M...
Kingdom Hearts is the same game, with the same mechanics. Very little is done to add anything new, but try make up for this by adding extremely odd mini-games and say "NEW CONTENT!" when there's nothing really substantially new at all.
That's their fault, just because it's new doesn't mean it's good. One time Squaresoft tried something different from their Final Fantasy route... came up with Chrono Trigger. I don't have to tell anyone how much of a good idea that was...
Actually, I think the name plays a big part in established works... I mean, why did Squaresoft start the Final Fantasy franchise if each game was different from the previous one? Because a recongised name from a previous success is able to sell more, that's why.
Of course there are risks. But so far the game companies think we're retards who react poorly to new ideas and want only remakes and sequels. Unfortunately, it seems they're mostly right.
The combat was very similar to the first game, with a few added moves here and there. To say "overhauled" would suggest going from "Attack/block" to "Ninja Gaiden battle controls", which isn't the case.
Also, they started with a new character, zomg! What a risk! I wonder how Final Fantasy VIII ever survived when Squall appeared instead of Cloud! Also note the new character was in the introduction, before playing the entire game as Good ol' happy go lucky Sora.
True, but remember that it's us who pay the money for their product. It'd be nice to know my money went towards a project that was difficult, but rewarding in the end... not just some game they whiped together in a 5 minute meeting.
True dat...
Well it severely depends. If their new game was bad, then it deserves to do poorly. If it's average, then no one should expect great sales... However, make an excellent game and surprise the hell out of people, then all their money are belong to us.