Fan games...

[X_marks_the_ed]

The plot is what really matters.

So long as the plot is similar to the original game(s), it's fine to me. However, like Braveheart said, those who make a fangame with nothing to do about the series usually is not any good.

It is preferred if an original plot and series is involved. I usually play a few mario fangames, they all have their own plots and don't tie together in some way. That's why I never actually get past the first level on those games.

Kinda off-topic: Then there are those games who hope to get somewhere just by adding a popular character from another series in it as a cameo. I think Kingdom hearts is one big cameo. Yet then again, I haven't played it so my opinion doesn't really matter then.

[WarxePB]

MIC
Just like I said, making it a fangame doesn't mean it will suck, it just means that it will (probally) lack originality in many cases where a non-fangame would have it in massive quanities.

What if I made a game where the nameless chosen hero went to collect crystals of power to seal away the evil force that wants to destroy the world for no apparent reason, yet all of the characters were original designs? Would that truly be better than a fangame?

[Blazingheart]

I dont think so..really....