I remember when even as kids we were finding something like Yoshi's Story way too easy and we had to handicap our playthrough to make it somewhat worthwhile.
yoshis story might be the most disrespectful followup to a classic game in all of videogames
Chrono Cross
At least that one came with an amazing OST and a pretty cool battle system. Plus, all things considered, the graphics were dang good too. That they went off the deep end with regards to the story and really overdid it with the party member collectathon is a crying shame for sure, but all in all you can still have a good amount of fun with it.
How about the Star Fox sequels. I never was a great fan of the initial games, but what came after was travesty after travesty. Granted, one could argue the franchise never took off in the first place, but what little promise there was has been stomped out and dirtied beyond recognition by now.
The Mana franchise is another joke with no punchline. The Gameboy game was, uh, unique, and after that came three games with great potential that were oodles of fun and that oozed a certain magic. Afterwards, a whole lot of fruitless experimentation, half-assed pandering and low budget money grabbing attempts. SquEnix just won't be happy until the last Mana fan on Earth is a bitter and burnt out husk hell-bent on the destruction of all that is good and just.
Another point could be made for the Final Fantasy franchise, but that particular dead horse has been beaten into subatomic particles and reconstituted so often, it's no longer worth even considering.
I also submit Metroid Other M. I mean, it can't get any worse than that. When the creator itself grudge-fucks the savaged corpse of your beloved franchise and makes you pay for the privilege to watch, Clockwork Orange style, you know you're in for a trauma or three.
