Video game genres tend to favor sequels more than films do, viewing each new installment as an evolution and enhancement rather than rehashing old ideas. Yet, not every sequel stands on equal footing, and some games that warrant another look have been overlooked by fans due to the legacy of their titles alone.
One common explanation for such intense disdain towards a particular video game lies in several factors. Primarily, it’s often due to the sequel featuring a different playstyle than its predecessor, which can lead fans to immediately disapprove of it since it deviates from what they enjoyed about the original game.
Occasionally, I find myself deeply disappointed when a game’s narrative veers off course, seeming to disregard the essence of the original. When it comes to cherished games, I can’t help but feel let down by sequels that alter characters I hold dear or steer the storyline away from where I envisioned it would go.
Regardless of the initial response, certain sequels are worth revisiting because the harsh criticism they faced during their debut might have been unwarranted.
10. Super Mario Bros. 2
Insert Obligatory Doki Doki Panic Reference Here
In a slightly different wording, you could say: Super Mario Bros. 2 presents an unusual experience because certain elements introduced in this game, like vegetables playing a significant role in gameplay, were eventually phased out by the time the third installment was released.
Newcomers to the series might find the peculiarities of this particular Super Mario Bros. game a bit disconcerting, especially since they’ve played earlier versions first. Despite being acknowledged as a dream world, the unusual nature of the second Mario game can still catch people off guard.
People who are drawn to the vegetables and slot machines in Super Mario Bros. 2 might overlook its quirks, but they should give it a second look. This game, despite its unusual elements, is truly remarkable, particularly the remakes on the SNES and GBA which significantly enhanced its playability and graphics.
One potential rephrase: The main drawback when playing the GBA remake lies in its inclusion of bothersome voiceovers, particularly for players controlling Toad. Therefore, it could be beneficial to opt for the version found in Super Mario All-Stars instead.
9. Yoshi’s Story
A Game That Was Too Short For Its Price Tag
Initially, the Yoshi series originated from the highly acclaimed game Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. Over time, it evolved into an independent franchise featuring the main character Yoshi and his friends.
Initially, Yoshi games garnered a reputation for being less challenging compared to Mario series. One of the early casualties of this perception was Yoshi’s Story on the N64. Not only was this game simpler than its predecessor, but it was significantly shorter too, leading to some unfavorable critiques.
In the past, when Nintendo 64 games were novel and costly, Yoshi’s Story faced criticism due to its relatively short playtime. Given this context, it’s understandable why some gamers may have been less than enthusiastic about the game.
On the other hand, you’ll find Yoshi’s Story among the games accessible through Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pass. This means that if you’re interested in playing it, you can do so affordably.
8. Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link
The Brutal Return To Hyrule Was Too Much For Some
In this period, the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) became famous for its challenging games, particularly those developed by third parties. During that time, video game rental stores were popular, which led developers to create tougher games since rented games needed to be beaten quickly to maximize profit. However, Nintendo-produced games usually offered a more lenient experience as they tended to be less demanding and more accessible.
A notable exception to this rule is Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, which presents an extremely challenging first part due to its tough dungeons and bosses. However, as Link progresses and acquires improved equipment and abilities in the second half, the game becomes slightly less demanding. Yet, even the final bosses remain merciless until the very end.
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reflect on Zelda II. It deviated from the traditional gameplay we’re used to, offering 2D action sequences and dungeon exploration that set it apart. Some fans argue it doesn’t align with the series due to this unique style, even though it serves as the conclusion for one of the Zelda timelines (excluding Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom).
Among the games in the series, Zelda II stands out as one that many fans find difficult to enjoy due to its higher level of challenge and unique playstyle, which may be different from what they’re accustomed to.
7. Chrono Cross
Good Game, Bad Sequel
Chrono Cross, while generally praised for its quality, tends to shine best when judged independently. However, comparing it to Chrono Trigger as a sequel can be problematic, as it falls short in certain aspects when held up against its predecessor.
The primary challenge in Chrono Cross lies in its depiction of the unfortunate outcomes that befall the principal characters from Chrono Trigger, following their joyful conclusions.
Additionally, it’s a disadvantage that the vast array of characters in Chrono Cross aren’t quite as engaging as those in Chrono Trigger. This is largely due to the fact that their dialogue varies in amusing ways but lacks depth when it comes to contributing to the narrative.
If you approach Chrono Cross without comparing it directly to its prequel, you’ll find that it stands perfectly well on its own merit. This is quite a challenge given the high acclaim and legendary status of its predecessor, which is often considered among the best video games ever made.
6. BioShock 2
Rapture’s Full-Price Expansion Pack
Many players often criticize BioShock 2 for its similarity to downloadable content (DLC), as it essentially offers more Rapture-set adventures rather than introducing a significantly new storyline like BioShock Infinite. This familiarity has led some fans to view it less favorably.
It’s not all that bad to have more BioShock, considering the original is among the top games from the PS3/Xbox 360 generation. Though BioShock 2 might not measure up to its forerunner or sequel, it’s still a game worth exploring.
Over the years, BioShock 2 has experienced a mix of reactions from both critics and fans following its release. Initially, there were varying opinions about it, which fluctuated up and down. At first, it faced criticism for not living up to the original BioShock, but with time, people have come to acknowledge its unique qualities.
Even though Ken Levine, the creator of BioShock, wasn’t involved in making the sequel, his praise for its impact on the series serves as a strong incentive to revisit Rapture. If this doesn’t convince you to go back, then perhaps nothing will.
5. Dark Souls II
Too Much Armor – 7/10
In contrast to the quality-of-life enhancements it introduced, which were eventually incorporated into the remastered versions of Dark Souls, Dark Souls II frequently receives criticism for being overly similar to its predecessor. Many of its bosses and locations are perceived as reskins or replicas of content from the original game.
There seems to be confusion about why certain FromSoftware enthusiasts harbor such a critical view toward Dark Souls II, considering that it remains a high-quality game. If being more of the same Dark Souls is not a negative aspect, then what could possibly be the issue?
Perhaps it’s simply because Hidetaka Miyazaki didn’t contribute to Dark Souls II that some fans find it lacking compared to his other works. To certain devotees of FromSoftware, departing from Miyazaki’s style in this game is seen as blasphemy.
It’s possible that the reason Dark Souls II is often considered an outlier within the FromSoftware franchise is because its mechanics were either similar to previous Souls-like games or simply didn’t offer significant advancements compared to those other titles, which were more expansive in scope.
4. Dragon Age II
Not Enough Maps To Go Around
In my gaming experience, Dragon Age II took a completely new route compared to its predecessor. The grand narrative of saving a continent from an onslaught of monstrous forces was nowhere to be found. Instead, it delved deep into the simmering conflicts between mages and Templars within Kirkwall’s walls. My character, having escaped the war from the first game, was now more concerned with finding a secure home for my family rather than saving entire continents.
In terms of gameplay, Dragon Age II remains exceptional, boasting an even more refined and polished feel compared to its predecessor. Regarding the narrative, it took a distinctive turn from the original, although some might find the conclusion for the Mage and Templar storyline somewhat lackluster.
Among the main criticisms leveled at Dragon Age II is the repetitive use of a limited number of locations, which can make the game feel less diverse and more monotonous. After becoming aware of this issue, it becomes quite challenging to ignore the repeated appearances of familiar landscapes.
The following installment in the series appeared to be a return to its roots, as it featured a global-saving plot like the original. This indicates that the creators and publisher paid attention to the feedback on Dragon Age II and made efforts to correct the franchise’s direction – at least for this particular game.
3. Final Fantasy II
Punching Up To Get Stronger
It took courage for SquareSoft to venture off into uncharted territory with the second installment of Final Fantasy. Unlike its predecessor, the first game leaned heavily towards dungeon exploration rather than narrative, which was unusual given that the era saw few video games that could rival the tabletop RPG experience.
In a notable shift, Final Fantasy II introduced a narrative that significantly set it apart. The game presented a scenario where an oppressive Empire was on a conquest spree, aiming to dominate various nations and eventually rule the world. A band of resilient rebels emerged as the unlikely champions, determined to thwart this villain. Granted, the story wasn’t entirely unique, but for the NES platform, it represented a groundbreaking leap in terms of storytelling.
Final Fantasy II’s divisiveness stems from its unconventional gameplay elements, which require players to repetitively execute actions in order for their characters to grow stronger. This results in a lengthy process for enhancing a single spell or weapon, making it seem like it takes an eternity.
It’s evident that SquareEnix acknowledged that the system could be improved, as they reintroduced and further developed the job system from the original Final Fantasy in subsequent games, whereas the unconventional mechanics of Final Fantasy II were seldom seen again, except in its own remakes.
2. DOOM Eternal
The Doom With MMO Cooldowns
In a nutshell, Doom Eternal might be the game on this list that sparks the most debate, as people either adore or dislike it based on the modifications it introduced to the traditional Doom gameplay style. The reason for this is that the original boomer-shooter design was overhauled with a more complex and technical approach.
In Doom Eternal, the scarcity of ammunition forces the Doom Slayer to utilize all their available weapons just to stay alive. Additionally, there are unique abilities tied to timers that players must strategically employ, much like managing skills in a Massively Multiplayer Online game (MMO).
In Doom: Eternal, there’s a significant change from simply battling enemies to incorporating jumping challenges. This transformation made the game a completely distinct entity compared to its predecessor. While some fans appreciated the strategic depth brought about by this change, others felt displeased due to its stark departure from the traditional gameplay style of earlier titles.
In a simplified and conversational manner, the game “Doom: The Dark Ages” appears to be returning to fundamental aspects, prioritizing endurance over mobility, possibly due to player feedback for “Doom: Eternal”.
1. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty
The Solid Snake Swap
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was an innovative game that pushed boundaries well before its contemporaries. A significant plot twist occurred when the main character, Solid Snake, was replaced by a new character, Raiden, after the initial mission, for the remainder of the game.
From a gaming perspective, Raiden shared nearly the same mechanics as Solid Snake. Yet, their personalities varied greatly; Raiden was more emotional and prone to outbursts compared to the first game’s stoic protagonist. Furthermore, their appearances also marked them as distinct characters – Solid Snake resembled an ’80s action movie hero, whereas Raiden had a boy band-like image.
Metal Gear Solid 2 is a superb game, but much of the criticism appears to originate from a strong dislike towards the character, Raiden. Given the heavy emphasis on story in this game, this sentiment isn’t easily brushed aside.
Fortunately, Hideo Kojima wisely adjusted future installments of the series, focusing on characters like Solid Snake or Big Boss (the character Snake was cloned from). Raiden appeared mainly in spin-offs, but his portrayal in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance ultimately garnered praise.
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2025-04-16 16:41