Formula Changing Video Games
This iceberg chart will cover games that introduced new formulas to the series that either shaped the identity of a game franchise, or were not implemented in later games and remained the defining trait of one game. The formulas are usually in varying degrees of quality. All entries in this list are categorized by good, neutral, and bad examples.
Good examples
Mario Kart Double Dash
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
Pac-Mania
Dig-Dug II
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Jak II
Gex: Enter the Gecko
Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
Grand Theft Auto III
Phantasy Star Online
Super Paper Mario
Super Mario Bros 2 (USA)
Bad examples
Crash of the Titans
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
Mario Party 9
Ridge Racer Unbounded
Pac Man 2: The New Adventures
Contra: Rogue Corps
Metroid: Other M
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
Final Fight: Streetwise
Mario Kart 8
Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Neutral examples
Crash Tag Team Racing
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Star Fox Adventures