G Aming has always followed a certain format. Whether it’s racing games like Need For Speed and Asphalt, or first person shooting (FPS) games like Modern Warfare or Call of Duty , there has always been a formula behind these concepts that make them popular.
However, there are games that have gone beyond these concepts and have managed to create completely new franchises based on their unique gameplay. Here are my top 5 most unique gaming franchises, ranked by their uniqueness and popularity.
Football manager
Photo from the FMScout website
Many casual fans will be able to instantly name famous soccer games like FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) , and after that, Football Manager usually appears despite their vastly different mechanics.
The early games are more focused on controlling the movement of individual players in order to score or prevent goals, with the player only defining limited tactics such as team mentality (from all-out attack to all-out defense) and overall player positioning. Basically, the gamer behaves as if he were a football player himself.
However, Football Manager is the complete opposite of this, as the player now takes on the role of manager (which goes without saying from the name). When it comes to attacking and defensive play, there are more advanced variations, with more technical terms used to simulate being in the seat of a manager. You are also only allowed to remain active in each save file for 30 in-game years (before you “retire”), which will add more realism to the game.
It adds a fresh perspective for sports fans who want to try something different, and also more relaxing due to the level of competition (there are no tournaments for this, so you don’t need to worry about your level; this is one of the currently few games in which can be played randomly without being criticized for poor play). It can also be played offline, so you can enjoy it even without an internet connection.
Sims
Photo from WallpaperAccess website.
Then comes The Sims , another fantasy game that brings a certain level of realism to their gameplay. The gamer controls the character (or sim) and performs tasks similar to those that a person would go through in real life.
You usually start at a young age in a new home where you need to take care of your Sim by providing for his needs (such as food, toiletries, social media, etc.). After that, you make new friends, start work and, in fact, advance in the virtual world, as usual in reality. The only difference is that there will be no consequences if you do not fulfill any of the above needs.
Several different side effects and sequels have been released over the years based on different themes, at different times and places. However, in essence, it is still the best role-playing game (RPG) that determines what you would do in each of these different situations.
The Sims has grown in popularity over the years and it’s easy to see why. It’s always nice to have the freedom to do what you want without fear of repercussions, but the game also gives players the ability to do what they usually can’t do in reality, and these additional features further enhance their appeal. After all, it’s always fun to be able to become a real estate tycoon, even if it’s only in the virtual world.
Batman: Arkham Series
Photo from WallpaperFlare website.
Next comes the Batman Arkham series . The games represent a kind of evolution of The Sims as you are no longer just a random young man. In these games, you take on the role of a crusader in a cloak, fighting to save Gotham City from the multitude of threats emanating from the gallery of its villains. This ranges from restoring order after Joker staged a prison break in the original Batman: Arkham Asylum , to stopping the Arkham Knight from destroying Gotham in the final installment, Batman: Arkham Knight.
The series can be seen as revolutionary as, before its inception, the superhero genre consisted mostly of simple 2D games or poor adaptation of their counterparts on the big screen. However, what sets the Batman: Arkham series apart from other games in the genre is its game mechanics.
Batman: Arkham games feature an open world ready to explore, allowing fans to fully explore Gotham for the first time. These games aren’t just about fighting scenes and walking through villains like many of their predecessors. There are decisions to be made, hidden areas to explore, gadgets to use, and even a Batmobile to drive.
These additional features are enough to make the game memorable for any fan of the genre. Now you can finally have a more immersive superhero experience by playing as if you were Batman himself. Since then, similar games have appeared, most notably the Spider-Man series.
Pokemon
Photo from WallpaperCave website.
What makes the Pokémon franchise unique is that while it’s also an RPG like other games, the gameplay mechanics and fantasy level are far superior to those of their predecessors.
When you create a new save file, you are transported to the world of Pokémon, where you embark on a journey to become the “Champion”. Along the way, you will make new rivals, challenge strong trainers (such as gym leaders) and even fight criminal organizations.
Pokémon is most likely the most famous franchise on this list as it has generated the most profit from every media franchise worldwide , according to CBR . It is even the third largest video game series in the world (after Tetris and Mario ), further demonstrating the success of the franchise.
The franchise is also very different from other entries due to the concepts involved. Collecting creatures and using them to challenge others with unique combat mechanics is an idea exclusive to Pokémon (although, to be honest, there are a few fakes, but they don’t even come close to the popularity of the original), and is perhaps the reason behind his success. It is unlikely that we will ever see such a unique concept anytime soon.
mine craft
Photo by Stampf from Pixabay.
We finally have Minecraft . The game breaks the most ordinary rules of the game, but at the same time remains perhaps the most popular game in the world. It lacks a story mode (you are only allowed to choose between creative and survival modes), it has a deliberately “retro” 8-bit graphic style and no clear objectives (except for the “survival” mode, where there is a clear, but all the same general purpose).
However, what makes Minecraft so appealing is probably the fact that it has the most potential of any game. You can build whatever you want, in any way you want, without worrying about space or time constraints. In addition, it is unlikely that it will fall into the same genre of gameplay as any other, once again emphasizing its uniqueness.
You can also use play as a creative tool and build any structure you can think of. This is one of the best stress relief games as there is no need to complete any tasks or complete missions. It’s just you, your creativity and an infinite number of possibilities.
Image of Marwan Bauth on Dribbble.
Overall, these are just a few unique game concepts. However, there are definitely more hidden gems just waiting to seduce you with their unique gameplay. All you have to do is play and explore.
