Just replaying Metro Exodus and it's just so clear how much of the game's soul is missing compared to previous games because it sought out "broad appeal" and made creative decisions based on that rather than trying to just make a good Metro game.
It begs the question - we've seen so many games sacrificed at the altar of "broad appeal" but has a game ever been made better by stepping out of their niche to try get a better audience?
Nothing has ever been improved by dumbing it down. It might sell better, but that doesn’t make it better.
Except for Demon’s Souls original weapon upgrade system, that’s one thing I’m glad they dumbed down for the future games.