Ten Game Sequels That Surpassed Expectations and Ten That Fell Flat

Game sequels can be a gamble for developers and players. An original game often captures attention and admiration, but the follow-up can either elevate the experience or fall short of what fans hoped for. This post looks at 10 game sequels that exceeded expectations and 10 sequels that disappointed fans.

Game Sequels That Surpassed Expectations

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

   
   

   

   
   

   Breath of the Wild transformed the open-world genre by immersing players in a vibrant, interactive world. With over 12 million copies sold globally, it introduced innovative mechanics such as climbing and gliding, allowing players unparalleled freedom to explore Hyrule.

   
   

2. Mass Effect 2

   
   

   

   
   

   Building on its predecessor, Mass Effect 2 raised the bar for storytelling and character depth in video games, with player choices profoundly impacting the narrative. It earned a Metacritic score of 96, praised for its compelling character arcs, such as the life-or-death fates of squad members based on player decisions.

   
   

3. Super Mario Galaxy 2

   
   

   

   
   

   Super Mario Galaxy 2 brought fresh ideas to platforming. It improved upon the first game's level design with innovative mechanics like Yoshi's abilities, contributing to a 98 Metacritic score. The game features creative levels that would enthrall players, balancing nostalgia with new challenges.

   
   

4. God of War (2018)

   
   

   

   
   

   The 2018 reboot of God of War reinvented Kratos' narrative, focusing on his relationship with his son, Atreus. This emotional depth resonated with players, leading to over 5 million copies sold in the first month and earning numerous Game of the Year awards.

   
   

5. Portal 2

   
   

   

   
   

   While the original Portal set a high standard, its sequel enhanced the puzzle experience with a richer narrative and character development. With a co-op mode introduced, Portal 2 became a landmark title, enhancing the franchise's allure and drawing in players with its wit and engaging level design.

   
   

6. Batman: Arkham City

   
   

   

   
   

   Expanding the universe of Arkham Asylum, Arkham City offered players a vast world filled with iconic villains. The game received rave reviews, earning a 91 on Metacritic by providing enhanced combat and a storyline that felt like stepping into a Batman comic.

   
   

7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

   
   

   

   
   

   After its predecessor, The Witcher 3 delivered a meticulous and rich world filled with intricate quests and memorable characters. The game received a 93 Metacritic score and sold over 30 million copies, captivating players with its branching narratives and immersive storytelling.

   
   

8. Final Fantasy VII Remake

   
   

   

   
   

   Fans of the original Final Fantasy VII were doubtful about this remake, yet it exceeded expectations with stunning graphics and a reimagined combat system. With much of the original's charm intact, it introduced new players to a classic, selling over 5 million copies in its first month.

   
   

9. Dark Souls III

   
   

   

   
   

   Dark Souls III brought closure to the critically acclaimed series while introducing refined gameplay mechanics. The game received a score of 89 on Metacritic and continued the legacy of its predecessors, offering an intricate lore and a beautifully crafted world that hooked players.

   
   

10. Overwatch 2

Though the original Overwatch set a high bar, Overwatch 2 evolved the team-based shooter landscape with new characters and PvE modes. The sequel kept its fanbase engaged by maintaining core gameplay while expanding the universe, making it a relevant title in competitive gaming.

Game Sequels That Seriously Disappointed

1. Aliens: Colonial Marines

   
   

   

   
   

   With hopes high for a compelling Aliens game, Colonial Marines was disappointing due to numerous technical flaws and lack of narrative depth. Gamers expected thrilling encounters, but it fell flat, leading to widespread disappointment.

   
   

2. Dead Space 3

   
   

   

   
   

   While the first two Dead Space entries thrived on horror, the third installment shifted to action, diluting its eerie atmosphere. This disappointing change led many fans to express dissatisfaction, with the series losing its horror essence that appealed to fans.

   
   

3. Doom 3

   
   

   

   
   

   As a reboot of a classic franchise, Doom 3 emphasized story and atmosphere but sacrificed the fast-paced action that fans cherished. This experimental shift resulted in mixed reviews, and many long-time players found it less engaging.

   
   

4. Fallout 76

   
   

   

   
   

   Following the success of Fallout 4, the online-only Fallout 76 faced backlash for a buggy launch and lack of meaningful quests. Players felt the multiplayer focus diminished the series' rich storytelling, sparking widespread criticism.

   
   

5. Assassin's Creed III

   
   

   

   
   

   While ambitiously designed, Assassin's Creed III struggled with pacing and character development. Fans found the historical narrative less engaging compared to previous titles, leading to mixed reviews and disappointment among series enthusiasts.

   
   

6. Mass Effect: Andromeda

   
   

   

   
   

   After the beloved trilogy, Andromeda suffered due to character glitches and a disjointed narrative. Critics pointed out its lack of polish and emotional depth, leading to a very mixed reception compared to its acclaimed predecessors.

   
   

7. Sonic the Hedgehog 2006

   
   

   

   
   

   This title is notorious for its myriad bugs and poor design. While it aimed to bring back the franchise's charm, it ended up as a chaotic experience that frustrated both new and veteran players.

   
   

8. Battlefield V

   
   

   

   
   

   Following the success of its predecessors, Battlefield V struggled due to its focus on lesser-known WWII narratives and perceived lack of content at launch. This led many players to feel it was a missed opportunity for a series known for its grand battles.

   
   

9. Evolve

   
   

   

   
   

   Marketed as a groundbreaking 4v1 multiplayer experience, Evolve disappointed with repetitive gameplay and character balance issues, resulting in a decrease in player interest shortly after launch.

   
   

10. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5

After years of waiting, fans had high hopes for the new installment. However, it was marred by technical issues, leading to a rushed feel and disappointing many loyal series fans.

Reflecting on the Impact of Game Sequels

Examining game sequels brings a mixture of nostalgia, excitement, and caution. While the best sequels can enhance and innovate beloved franchises, others serve as reminders of the risks taken in the gaming industry. As developers explore new ideas, the successes and failures of these sequels underscore the delicate balance between evolving gameplay and honoring what fans love. The journey through sequels illustrates how challenging it is to follow a hit while striving to create memorable experiences.

• STAFF: Lost Nachos Gaming®