What makes a successful sequel?

When a game comes out for the first time and it turns out to be great, it gets popular, which leads for higher expectations when a sequel is announced. We were all excited for MGS2 when it was announced for instance then we were excited for MGS1 (because back then, it was a new franchise for us).
Then when the sequel comes out, it either wins or loses. In my opinion, the sequel loses even if it came with the same high standards as its predecessor, the reason is that I think the sequel should deliver something bigger, add new things and should fix the problems excited in the first game; while at the same time it should make us feel that this is a game from the same universe, not change how the game feels like.

I’ll give you an example of sequel from this gen that I think is successful; Condemned 2. When you play both games you’ll notice the improvements in the controls, graphics and the overall presentation.  Things that were annoying in the first game (some controls) were changed/fixed, and the good things in the game were improved (like graphics), at the same time, the kept the taste of fear the game gives you, as a matter of fact, they made it scary, Condemned 1 nowhere as scary as 2.

Another example of a good sequel is LittleBigPlanet 2, the reason is obvious, the first game was just a platformer, but the second game is massive, allowing players to make games from different genres is a huge step.

I would also like to add Uncharted 2, this game outshined the original in every way possible, it was a huge success and I think this is how sequels should be like! <3 and of course there are way too many games to list here, like Portal 2 and the GTA series.

What I call a bad sequel is a game that has the same problems like the game before it, like for example Dead Rising 2. This game is the same annoying saving/check points problem the first game had, they never fixed that, apparently they never listened to the reviews of the first game! It’s like, when a boss kills you, you are back 23468 kilometers away from the boss, so you have to walk all the way there again, pick the same weapons again, and go wait for the boss to fight him AGAIN. Not to mention the long loading times!

What’s your opinion? what else would you like to add? Are there other sequels you think are good? Or sequels that disappointed you? Share!

Originally posted on Hamda’s Blog

Jill Valentine

I'm a gamer ever since I was 4, my favorite series of all time is Resident Evil <3

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