Activision has released some very notable franchises/games over the years and so I thought, why not do a run-through of ten video games that we all have heard a lot about and/or have played a few dozen times?
Final 2 already? Here's a brief overview of the previous eight:
#10: "Crash Bandicoot" series
Starting out with an all-time classic, this series has been around for quite some time. However, in 2008, Activision took over as publisher introducing the franchise to wireless platforms.
#9: "Spyro the Dragon" series
Activision took over as publisher in 2008, and the series has sold more than 20 million units worldwide.
#8: "Marvel: Ultimate Alliance" series
Players are able to become a superhero and test out the abilities of Spiderman, Wolverine, Thor, and even Captain America in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (2006) and its predecessor (September 2009).
#7: "X-Men" series
After Activision presented X-Men: Mutant Academy, for Game Boy Color and PlayStation on July 6, 2000, gamers just couldn't get enough.
#6: "James Bond" series
Bond, James Bond, is a pretty popular guy, especially in the movies. So, Activision made a smart move in May 2006 and acquired non-exclusive rights to publish James Bond games. One year later, the rights became exclusive.
#5: "Prototype" series
The Blacklight doesn't stop Alex Mercer in Prototype (2009) nor does it stop James Heller in Prototype 2 (2012). Activision reveals the numerous abilities that can be exerted in the game, which definitely gives much room for exciting gameplay.
#4: "Tony Hawk" series
The franchise started in 1999, and thus began Tony Hawk's endless licensed video game titles distributed by Activision. He is considered one of the most successful and influential pioneers of modern vertical skateboarding.
#3: "DJ Hero"
Activision gives people the chance to become a DJ in their own home, completing song mixes from a creatively designed turntable.
Moving on to #2, we find yet another rhythm game...
#2 "Guitar Hero"
I fell in love with this franchise and am still in love with it-point blank. I mean, come on... I had a "guitar" in my hand and was completing an actual song by hitting the colored fret buttons to match the ones on-screen... I pretty much felt like a rock star in my own living room (Yes, even despite the synthetic nature of it all).
Guitar Hero was first introduced in 2005, but it was Guitar Hero II that was also published by Activision in 2006. The future of this series was bright and before we knew it, the following year fans welcomed Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Guitar Hero World Tour (2008), Guitar Hero 5 (2009), and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock also made their debut. Band-centric games, expansion games, portable games, and mobile series were also released.
Sales for the franchise eventually slowed and it came to no surprise to many. In 2011, former CEO of RedOctane Kelly Sumner stated, "They tried to get too much out of the franchise too quickly. They abused it. There's no reason why Guitar Hero cannot continue. It's a great product."
Whatever the case may be, the Guitar Hero franchise was a very innovative idea which grabbed millions of people's attention. It is game like no other and sure, maybe the back-to-back expansions and installments were released a bit too fast, but overall you've got to admit... Guitar Hero left its mark.
Be sure to check back for the final game in the countdown!
