Although popular franchises dot the video game landscape, few stand the test of time.
Some capitalise on a spectacular idea and run the idea into the ground. Others are fine with building on the strength of a memorable story, but the best and longest-running series have a knack for reinvention.
The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros and Resident Evil constantly evolve and grow. The developers handling these franchises not only know when a formula is growing stale, but they also figure out how to forge a new path.
The Monster Hunter series fits that mould.
The series has become less complex and cumbersome and more accessible and streamlined over time.
Initially, players had to track monsters by throwing paintballs at them, but Monster Hunter World introduced the concept of scout flies that guide players to a target.