Do Game Series Have To Technologically Evolve?

When you pick up a game off of the store shelf and look on the back of the box you are inundated with USPs (unique selling points) stating all of the new features that it contains; 3D compatibility, HD graphics, online modes, advanced AI, etc. The question is, are all of these features needed to make a good game?

The Suikoden JRPG series is my most revered and this weekend I continued to play through Suikoden V again on the Sony PlayStation 2.  I realised that I was not as emotionally invested in it as I had been with the previous games in the series and began to ask myself why.

The original Suikoden game was released on the original Sony PlayStation. Despite the fact that the PlayStation was capable of 3D graphics, Suikoden was developed in 2D. Although similar to 32-bit games before it, its graphics were beautifully designed and drawn; environments bustled with culture, character sprites were highly detailed, character portraits were masterfully painted and the magic special effects were captivating. Suikoden II was also released on the PlayStation almost a year later and, if possible, improved upon the original in every aspect.

Suikoden II - Incredibly detailed environments and characters

However, the dawn of the Sony PlayStation 2 was rising. Suikoden III was released on it and developed in 3D with Suikoden IV, Tactics and V following suit, which were still excellent games in their own right but they were not executed as successfully as the first two. The cultural environments became slightly spacious and sparse and character models, although professionally created, consisted of bland and pixelated textures with frozen expressions. The series was also heralded for its intricate plots of betrayal, tensions and war but with often and long loading times for each scene, the flow and pace of the latter games was disruptive and jarring. Voice acting was also included and although there were some key performances, the majority were grating and often dispersed the serious themes that were present.

Suikoden IV - The worst offender; dull and sparse

Should game series technologically evolve simply because new technology exists? Is a game series outdated if it is not developed using the latest technology available? Should developers come to the realisation that a series can continue to be successful if they retain their original format?