What I don't get is what good is it to continually complain about how popular things are popular. Why did so many people see Jurassic World and Avengers 2 this Summer? Why was so much money given to Shenmue 3 and Mighty No. 9? Because people know what they are getting into. They know the worlds and characters and stories and creators. Even so, it is wrong to assume that sequels and follow-ups are all rehashed ideas. Look at how much Shenmue 2 improved on Shenmue 1, or how different Shenmue 3 is sounding from the past two games and the new ideas Suzuki has for the upcoming game. Remember Sonic 3 & Knuckles? Man was that a shitty rehash... oh wait, it kicked ass.
With new game concepts (or new things in any entertainment medium) of course it is difficult to break through, but it is not impossible and I think laying the blame on the well known sequels/spiritual successors is an idiotic way to go about it. It's just the way the industry works and its how normal people react to entertainment. Star Wars Episode VII is my most anticipated movie, X-Files is my most anticipated TV show, and Shenmue 3 is my most anticipated game. This is because I have a history with these franchises, I know what to expect, and I look forward to them building on the past and surprising me. Doesn't mean new franchises won't also become new favorites of mine, I just haven't experienced them yet.