We should remember that there is almost no such thing as new and unique experiences whether we’re discussing games, film, or literature. All art especially story telling art is iterative. We build upon decades of previously existing systems, mechanics, and story elements. Hell plenty of absolutely stunning narratives were simply mechanical reproductions of formulaic elements.
The reality is that anything can be a good game. It doesn’t have to be unique, it doesn’t have to be ground breaking, it doesn’t have to be retro, super new graphics, or anything. It merely has to be well conceived with a structured design philosophy from the get-go.
And even it might not even be a commercial success.
Art as a business is not a simple thing especially when budgets get large. You think of it purely from an end product standpoint. You have to remember that hundreds of people’s jobs depend on the next multi million dollar project going well. That is what the producers and marketing department are trying to consider when deciding how to make the most profitable product. You do poorly enough in sales because you took chances that didn’t pay off and soon you’re just another Activision.