Trope Finder

resolved

"Bland First Game Protagonist" Syndrome Videogame

The protagonist of the original game is more of a generic do-gooder with nothing particularly interesting about him. The sequels introduce protagonists with more in the way of personality, either by being Darker and Edgier, Denser and Wackier, insecure or another form of subversion of The Hero.

There are lots of reasons for that:

• The original game was created during a time where technology wouldn't allow for a complicated story, therefore only a generic good guy could fit in the narrative.
• The original game was geared towards kids. As fans of the franchise grew up, they could handle more complex characters.
• The Trolling Creator wanted to subvert fans' expectations.
• The sequels' bigger budget allows for professional writers giving the character a personality.
• It's easier to get used to the gameplay with a bland character. Once people know how to play the game, the sequel can feature characters who act different.
• A Periphery Demographic got into the game, and the sequel is pandering to it.
• Creators just need something different to keep people interested. Or, they're reacting to criticism (somethings steering into Totally Radical territory.)