5 Sequels That Are Superior To The First Game In Every Way

Key Takeaways

Killzone 2 significantly improved AI, graphics, and campaign, surpassing its predecessor.
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus excelled in storytelling and mechanics, outshining its predecessors.
Red Steel 2 had enhanced motion controls, art style, and gameplay, proving the franchise could shine.

As someone who’s been around gaming for decades now, I can say that I’ve seen my fair share of hits and misses. The tale of Red Steel is one that echoes in many a developer’s journey – a promising start marred by a few missteps, but ultimately redeemed with a sequel that truly showcased their potential.

When creators introduce an entirely fresh intellectual property (IP), they’re embarking on a significant gamble because public response can swing either way: the game might be hailed as outstanding by critics, or it could attract harsh criticism, leading to disappointing sales and no earnings. In case of favorable feedback, sequels are usually produced, expanding upon the initial idea.

Although certain gems offer such an exceptional experience that no amount of effort can produce a sequel that outshines or equals them, there are other instances where the sequels surpass the original games in every aspect. Here are some games that excel their predecessors in all dimensions.

5 Killzone 2

A PlayStation Exclusive That Corrected Its Mistakes

Massive improvement in AI, graphics and campaign over the first installment of the franchise
The game pushed the PS3 in every possible way

Initially, Killzone was touted as a potential “killer” of the popular game Halo, but it ultimately didn’t meet expectations when first released, offering an experience that was decent, yet left players yearning for more. Fortunately for Guerrilla Games, they managed to fulfill many of their promises with the release of Killzone 2 five years later, resulting in a satisfying gaming experience for players. It’s widely agreed that Killzone 2 surpasses the original due to its enhanced AI, improved shooting mechanics, and overall stronger campaign.

In addition to receiving acclaim for its single-player experience, the multiplayer mode of “Killzone 2” was highly valued due to its depth and need for strategic thinking that surpassed what was offered in the earlier version. Furthermore, this game pushed the limits of the PlayStation 3’s hardware.

4 Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Great Improvements To B.J. Blazkowicz’s Story

Wolfenstein: The New Colossus improved upon both Wolfenstein and Wolfenstein: The New Order
Action-packed combat and fun levels fighting Nazis

Initially, the original Castle Wolfenstein was introduced to gamers’ screens in 1981, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the reboot significantly transformed every aspect of the franchise. Similarly, Wolfenstein: The New Order and Wolfenstein: The New Colossus followed suit, with each new installment refining the previous title. In particular, Wolfenstein: The New Order offered a more dynamic and smooth action experience than its 2009 counterpart. Moreover, the 2014 reboot boasted a compelling narrative and an intriguing blend of 90s FPS gameplay style and modern features.

In “Wolfenstein: The New Colossus,” the storyline deepens by weaving a family-centric plot for protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz, creating empathetic characters that resonate with players, thereby heightening the tension and making their potential demise more distressing. Notably, the gameplay mechanics were refined, and the outlandish concept – of Hitler surviving until the late 60s/early 70s in a mansion on Venus – is fascinating.

3 Red Steel 2

Similar Game Mechanics To Its Prequel, But With Much Better Execution

Red Steel felt clunky and bland
Red Steel 2 introduced a unique art style and concept that worked well

When the Nintendo Wii was initially introduced, numerous games promised to leverage its motion-controlled features, among them was Red Steel. However, when gamers eventually obtained the console along with this game, the experience fell short of expectations. The controls in Red Steel felt unrefined, awkward, and generally unresponsive. To add to the disappointment, players criticized the levels for being dull and uninteresting.

Fortunately, Red Steel 2 made significant strides in enhancing its motion controls, offering a more appealing art style that complemented the gameplay. The sequel also featured an unusual yet engaging theme, blending katana combat with the Wild West, which added to its unique appeal. It seems as though the Red Steel series required some additional time for developers to grasp the nuances of Wii control sensitivity, and Red Steel 2 serves as evidence of this progress.

2 The Crew Motorfest

A Great Racing Game That Redeemed Its Franchise

Massive improvement in terms of vehicle handling over The Crew, and The Crew 2
The Crew Motorfest offers a much more robust multiplayer experience

Although it wouldn’t be accurate to claim that The Crew series has produced any poor games, The Crew and The Crew 2 didn’t quite measure up to the excellence of The Crew Motorfest. This game significantly rectified many mistakes from its predecessors and found a more solid footing with both seasoned players and newcomers. Some criticisms leveled at the initial game centered around rough handling, server problems, and connectivity issues, as well as an overambitious design that frequently felt underexploited.

Despite numerous adjustments made by the developers of “The Crew 2” to address player concerns, they were not fully satisfied with aspects like the vehicle physics and progression system. However, with the release of “The Crew Motorfest“, Ivory Tower seems to have struck a chord as they significantly improved visuals, refined vehicle handling, and provided a more robust and comprehensive multiplayer experience.

1 Assassin’s Creed 2

Incredible Story, And Major Improvement In Game Mechanics

Assassin’s Creed 2 improved on the original’s game mechanics
With NPC distractions, poison, and double hidden blades, the game felt much more varied and interesting than its predecessor

Initially, the first Assassin’s Creed was highly praised for its main character, Altair, but some gamers felt that the plot needed more depth and could be monotonous at times. The fighting mechanics were solid, yet occasionally felt awkward or restricted in their scope. Nevertheless, it garnered positive feedback and marked the beginning of a successful gaming franchise that has since yielded substantial profits.

To put it simply, Assassin’s Creed 2 revolutionized the series by introducing a more endearing protagonist with a heart-wrenching past, fueled by revenge. It also allowed players to traverse Italy during the Renaissance era, offering an immersive and captivating experience. Ubisoft knocked it out of the park with innovative features like double hidden blades, poison, and NPC distractions, making combat and stealth assassinations more engaging and dynamic. The game boasted a stunning soundtrack, marking the beginning of the beloved Ezio Trilogy, which remains a favorite among long-time fans of the franchise.

2024-09-25 07:05