GTA 3 was revamped from GTA 2, but from GTA 3 to Vice City, it was just the same game, instead with 80's stuff. I mean yes I can listen to some bad ass 80's tunes if I wanted too, but I can play GTA 3 and have Devo playin in my CD player, extra bonuses does not make a game original.
Final Fantasy continues success because its Final Fantasy. After VII the games really started slacking and produced Graphics > Gameplay. While I did like VIII an X, and despised IX, the overal quality of gameplay is lacking. Yes they did change the foundation of the game, but the title Final Fantasy is only making the game decent, because it is final fantasy.
Syphon Filter has gotten crappier after every release...no explanation there.
never played Suikoden, Dark Cloud I love to pieces.
Silent Hill is just another Resident Evil, but done much much much better, in terms of everything, but its the same story, just like Resident Evil.
Halo could follow a Final Fantasy way. You know its going to be a follow up, the covenant is going to be stronger, what other baddies and fun toys you can get. The story would be different, but linear, somethin Final Fantasy Series sorta lacks...
KOTOR is unique, its a loose RPG, that you can control the character, and you make the decisions, like Morrowind, but Morrowind is just....out there.