Soulcalibur, Doom, Fallout, and Mario and Luigi were all at their best later. Soulcalibur II, DOOM 2016, New Vegas, Bowser's Inside Story are way better than the first one. Agree with the other ones, though.

Mega Man X

@SoniqueBaianor YES, I thought of that one earlier while I was doing something else and then forgot. thank you

I don't know which of these would be considered a hot takes, but: Batman Arkham Asylum, Crysis, Dead Space, Deus Ex, Clock Tower, and if we're feeling particularly bold, Tomb Raider.

@Uni I've been trying to stick to a definition of "series" as "more than 3 games" just to make the critiera tougher (made an exception for Dark Souls) ... but you make me want to include Dead Space at least for sure. Deus Ex fits my criteria but it feels so much like two different series ...Tomb Raider I bet I will agree with once I play those, I just have a feeling

i would definitely say super monkey ball falls on here... though i know a lot of people prefer the second

@Pangburn Ooh that's a good one but it's definitely a close call for me because I had so much fun with friends on the minigames in 2. I'm due for a replay of those anyway so I should figure it out

@DJSCheddar You're welcome

Dont agree with dark souls but luigis mansion and megaman x very true

Not sure if this is a suggestions welcome kinda list or a personal one, but i would say:
Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
Donkey Kong Country
Katamari Damacy
maybe Metal Gear Solid? that one I'm less sure on
neat list

@consciovs yeah, absolutely. It's a mix of both I guess, happy to hear suggestions. With you on Klonoa and Donkey Kong, added, but can't personally go there for Katamari or MGS, but I can see the arguments. Thanks!

I would say Bayonetta