Video Game Sequels Fans Didn’t Realize Existed

Even the most dedicated fans of large gaming franchises don’t always experience every title. Take Final Fantasy, for instance. It first appeared on the NES in Japan way back in 1987, and new games and updated versions are still being released. While most Final Fantasy games have been officially translated for Western audiences, a few remain only unofficially translated, meaning many Western fans may have missed them.

So, I’ve been thinking about games that just… disappeared. You know, sequels to series you love that never made it out of Japan, or just didn’t get the attention they deserved. It’s crazy – you might not even know there are more games in a franchise because they stayed overseas. Makes you wonder if they’re even worth tracking down, or if we’re better off not knowing! Let’s dive into some of the best examples of video game sequels that totally flew under the radar.

Lika A Dragon: Arrives!

Samurai Yakuza

Developer: New Entertainment R&D Dept.
Publisher: Sega
Released: March 6, 2008 (Japan)
Platform: PS3

Originally released in Japan for the PlayStation 3 in 2008, Like a Dragon: Arrives! (officially known as Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!) features characters from the Yakuza series, including Kazuma, and retells events from Japanese history.

The entire game is set in feudal Japan, making it the first in the series to focus on samurai. While Like a Dragon: Ishin! was also released in the West, that gives fans hope that Like a Dragon: Arrives! might be too.

Dragon’s Dogma Online

A Broader Sequel

Many fans believed they’d been waiting twelve years for Dragon’s Dogma 2. However, players in Japan actually received Dragon’s Dogma Online in 2015, which offered the same exciting gameplay as the original 2012 game, but with expanded cooperative features.

Players were able to design their own characters and explore a challenging world full of monsters to battle and obstacles to overcome, similar to the original game. Sadly, it doesn’t look like this game will be released in Western countries, as its servers were closed in 2019.

Valkyria Chronicles 3

The Best Game In The Series Is Hidden

As a huge fan of the Valkyria Chronicles series, I’ve always been bummed that Valkyria Chronicles 3 never officially came to the West. It’s a really great tactical RPG, and honestly, I think it’s even better than the other game on the PSP! It originally came out in Japan back in 2011, but thankfully, some dedicated fans have created an English translation patch, so you can still play it even without an official release!

Okay, so like all the games in this series, you’re gonna be leading your troops onto these huge, open maps. It’s a blend of real-time action and turn-based strategy – you’ll be capturing bases and taking out enemy soldiers. Basically, you control everything, and it’s up to you to strategize and win!

Front Mission 5: Scars Of The War

Mechs Marching Forward

The Front Mission series includes many games, most of which haven’t been released outside of Japan. Front Mission 5: Scars of the War was the final traditional numbered game for the PlayStation 2. While a fan translation exists, considering the recent re-releases of the first three Front Mission games, players might prefer to wait and see if a remastered version becomes available.

First launched in 2005, this strategy RPG puts you in charge of customizable robots called Wanzers. Missions follow a set path, and battles take place on a grid. When you attack, you can either destroy an enemy robot completely or target specific parts, like an arm.

.hack//LINK

No Trilogy Or Quadrilogy For You

Developer: CyberConnect2
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Released: March 4, 2010 (Japan)
Platform: PSP

The .hack series began with four games on the PlayStation 2, then continued with three more. Later, a game was released for the PSP, called .hack//LINK, which aimed to connect all the games in the series.

Originally launched for the PSP in 2010, this action RPG let players explore dungeons with well-known characters from the .hack series, a universe created by CyberConnect2 through games and anime. Unlike previous .hack titles, this game focused on a single-player, story-driven experience without the large online world, resulting in more compact dungeons. An English fan translation is available for players who want to experience the game in their language.

Star Ocean: Blue Sphere

Lost In Blue

Developer: tri-Ace
Publisher: Enix
Released: June 28, 2001 (GBC Version, Japan)
Platform: Game Boy Color, Mobile

Star Ocean: Blue Sphere is an action role-playing game released for the Game Boy Color in 2001. It continues the story of Star Ocean: The Second Story and includes characters players will recognize. When the player’s spaceship crashes, they get to choose which characters join them in battle, but this doesn’t change the overall story – players can switch characters in and out like in most RPGs.

Fans of the Star Ocean series will quickly feel at home with this new game, even though the battles are presented in a more traditional 2D style. It’s also worth noting that a fan-made English translation patch is available.

Mosquito 2: Let’s Go Hawaii

Storming The Beaches

Developer: Zoom
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Released: July 2, 2003 (Japan)
Platform: PS2

The game officially called Mosquito 2: Let’s Go Hawaii is actually Mister Mosquito 2, a follow-up to a very unusual PlayStation 2 title. Just like the first game, you play as a mosquito and have to secretly bite people, carefully avoiding detection and targeting specific spots to get blood.

Mosquito 2 is a unique stealth game where you face incredibly large enemies, reminiscent of the epic scale of Shadow of the Colossus. While an official English translation may not happen, you can still enjoy the original game on PlayStation 5.

Boktai 3: Sabata’s Counterattack

My Lost Sun

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Released: July 28, 2005 (Japan)
Platform: Game Boy Advance

Boktai 3: Sabata’s Counterattack is unique in the Boktai series as it was never released outside of Japan. Like the other games on the Game Boy Advance, it features a built-in solar panel. Players had to actually go outside and use sunlight to charge up their weapons and fight vampires.

This game came out in 2005, pretty late in the handheld’s run, and that’s probably why it never officially made it over here. But don’t worry, if you’re a fan of vampire hunting, there’s a fan-made English patch out there so you can still play it!

Destiny Of An Emperor 2: The Story Of Zhuge Liang

Turn-Based Dynasty Warriors

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released: April 5, 1991
Platform: NES

Capcom made a little-known NES RPG called Destiny of an Emperor, and it’s likely very few people have played it. Its sequel, Destiny of an Emperor 2: The Story of Zhuge Liang, released in Japan in 1991, probably had even fewer players. Luckily, a fan-made English translation patch is available for those who want to try it.

Similar to the first game, Destiny of an Emperor 2 blends elements of Dragon Quest and Dynasty Warriors, with strong Chinese historical themes woven into its world. Battles are unique in that a character’s army size represents their health, but ultimately, this is a fairly straightforward RPG that isn’t overly difficult.

Splatterhouse: Naughty Graffiti

Friday The 13th, But Cute

Developer: Now Production
Publisher: Namco
Released: July 31, 1989
Platform: NES

For many who grew up in the late 80s and 90s, the video game Splatterhouse felt like an unofficial Friday the 13th game. Players took on the role of a masked killer fighting hordes of scary monsters, and it was quite a hit during that era.

A slightly gentler version of the original game, called Splatterhouse: Naughty Graffiti, was released in Japan for the NES in 1989. This spin-off focused more on platforming and toned down the gore, resulting in a more lighthearted action game that some fans actually prefer over the main Splatterhouse titles.

2025-12-09 02:38