>>719092943
You do make a good point when it comes to Mario and DK. Mario is a mascot, and Nintendo has always been upfront about stripping its characters of personality beyond the odd catchphrase, so players project themselves onto the game. Zelda is usually taken more seriously. Yeah the reincarnation thing is just an excuse to recycle the IP but there's no Zelda bowling, Zelda tennis, Zelda Kart Party Jamboree Deluxe Ultra. The IP takes itself more seriously, and it bothers to explain (in a hamfisted way) why the world looks like it does. Mario is just whatever pops into Koizumi's head at the time, and this works for a series that is entirely gameplay-focused. A direct sequel to a story-driven game should make sense within the context of the original.