Well sometimes I feel like the games that changed too much should have been a different game altogether[spoiler]a new title, that does not in anyway include the old title or it's universe[/spoiler]...a new series if you will...this is a generalized statement though, not actually in reference to gears. Just in general....because as you've said, basically people that are fans of a series have an expectation. Which isn't breaking news...we all kinda know this...but a lot of games change...sometimes in subtle ways and sometimes in not so subtle ways. As far as if a games past its prime....it's as you've said. Opinions. That, and stuff like generation gaps ..old vs new...gamers of yesterday vs gamers of today...a lot of that also influences opinions. Nostalgia as well. Sometimes it isn't a matter of a game bring past it's prime. Some don't really care about that...it's a trip...this conversation just reminds me of boxing...a weird analogy...but a boxer past his prime almost always continues to box for longer than needed. People still pay to see these guys, bones rattling, jaws clenched...shadows of their former selves..yet...people still pay to see a guy past his glory days, because they're fans. They want to see that guy fight. They want to play those games. No matter how overdone someone else thinks it is, no matter if they don't want to admit it....and of course with a decent fan base....why not make the next installment [i]right[/i]? I don't believe all company's are in that thought process....some have a story to grow, and a game to deliver with promise, or so they hope. They will always chase the limelight. To bask in it for their first time, or chase it and hope to bask in it again. Hard feat to accomplish, but good motivation none the less, regardless how futile someone may think it is.