10 Puzzle Games That Need a Sequel

Instead of being known for their massive sales or grandeur, puzzle games tend to leave a lasting impression on us quite frequently.

It’s logical – when a game challenges your mental prowess thoroughly, it tends to linger in memory. Unfortunately, many brilliantly designed puzzle games don’t receive follow-ups, which is unfortunate indeed.

Creating engaging puzzles that also include a captivating narrative can prove challenging indeed.

Regardless, classic puzzle games deserve the chance to excel, particularly when it involves prolonging our stay in some of gaming’s most intellectually stimulating environments.

10. Hypnospace Outlaw

Explore Later Iterations Of The Internet

Hypnospace Outlaw offers an incredibly nostalgic dissection of the formative years of online development, encompassing specialized interests that were excessively detailed and the rebellious spirit of adolescents on the web.

Although that specific phase of the internet feels sufficiently distant from our current times to offer fresh insights, it’s important to remember that time continues to move forward, and there are still exciting advancements yet to come.

In a potential follow-up to Hypnospace Outlaw, we might observe the virtual world gradually adopting characteristics reminiscent of the early 2000s web, including the rise of social networking sites and video-sharing platforms.

These advanced technologies might open up fresh paths for investigative digital work, enabling us to locate deceitful individuals like scammers and griefers who violate the rules. Furthermore, it will provide insights into Zane’s activities following the successful publication of his long-desired video game.

9. Papers, Please

Regimes Come And Go, Paperwork Is Eternal

Paper’s Please was the groundbreaking game that managed to achieve the seemingly unattainable – making bureaucratic paperwork captivating.

Over time, the expanding collection of guidelines and restrictions, while requiring precision and swiftness, led to a captivating and tense play cycle.

Instead of attempting to mimic the unique combination of bureaucratic tedium found in various games, it would be intriguing to explore further the specific mechanics and atmosphere that made Papers, Please stand out.

In the optimal outcome of the game, what’s interesting is that it’s not only about inspecting passports at Arstotzka; rather, it offers a glimpse into the activities of various nations, each with their unique norms and regulations.

8. Outer Wilds

All Things End, But Something New Starts

Among games employing a time-loop mechanic, Outer Wilds stands out for its innovative application of this concept in terms of gameplay.

By arranging an entire solar system on a compact timeline, you create a conundrum that necessitates both meticulous investigation and timely resolution.

In other words, should Outer Wilds ever receive a follow-up, it wouldn’t be mandatory to include a time loop again. Instead, the key focus could shift towards unveiling a fresh enigma that traverses an assortment of new planets and cosmic entities.

As a gamer, I’ve been pondering about introducing a fresh challenge. Let’s say we set up a rule where I can only progress if we devise a unique resurrection mechanic. This twist could add a whole new layer of excitement and strategy to the gameplay!

7. Return Of The Obra Dinn

More Death-Filled Mysteries To Unravel

The ingenious backdrop of Return of the Obra Dinn, where an 1800s trading ship mysteriously reappearing from the fog, is particularly captivating. Indeed, ships vanish frequently, and even when they’re located again, it remains a mystery to determine precisely what events transpired.

Offering us the means to solve the mystery on our own not only makes for engaging puzzle-solving but also creates an exceptionally immersive storytelling experience.

In a different setting, a ship sailing on the open sea is not the sole location where numerous individuals might inexplicably perish suddenly. A follow-up to Obra Dinn could transport us into various other mass fatality situations, each with their unique supernatural elements, such as a downed aircraft or a secluded campsite.

In this rephrased version, I’ve used more straightforward language and attempted to maintain the original’s flow while making it easier for readers to understand.

6. Superliminal

Perception Continues To Be Reality

In simple terms, the game Superliminal cleverly explores the idea of dreams as a storytelling tool. The theme “reality is what we perceive” not only reinforces the game’s central idea but also offers a diverse array of shifting gameplay mechanics that keep things fresh and engaging.

This fundamental principle has the potential to spawn numerous conceptual shifts, encompassing everything from altered viewpoints to unexpected rule modifications.

A possible issue arises due to limited new ground to explore in the storyline of a potential sequel, as many elements were covered in the original game. One solution might involve shifting the focus from a patient character to a dream therapist instead.

5. Grim Fandango

There Are Always More Souls Coming

Although many of the timeless LucasArts point-and-click games have miraculously survived in some fashion, it’s regrettably true that not every game has made it through.

In the year 2015, Grim Fandango underwent a remastering process, an event that was indeed pleasing. However, its captivating ambiance seems to cry out for more in-depth examination and expansion.

As much as I’d love to keep up with Manny, his journey now leads him to the Realm of Eternity. Yet, the Underworld never ceases to welcome new spirits, each carrying their unique set of challenges.

As a gamer, I won’t have a tough time locating another player to guide and troubleshoot with, and it’d be intriguing to explore the alterations in the Underworld’s infrastructure following Hector LeMans’ sudden growth spurt.

4. Quantum Conundrum

Mo’ Dimensions, Mo’ Problems

After the popularity of the Portal series, it seemed like every game featuring quirky science themes and physics puzzles was all the rage for a while. One such game from that era was Quantum Conundrum, which was in fact developed under the leadership of Kim Swift, the main designer of the Portal games.

Quantum Conundrum presents an unusual perspective on physics-based puzzles. Its unique feature is the capability to switch among four dimensions, each featuring distinct environmental characteristics.

In a potential follow-up, we might find fresh aspects, gameplay elements, and environments that expand the fundamental idea, much like Portal 2 expanded upon Portal. Moreover, this continuation would bring back more of John DeLancie as Professor Quadwangle, who is always a delight to see.

3. Baba Is You

Baba Is Two

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “Baba Is You has to be one of the cleverest games I’ve played recently, hiding its deep intellectual challenges beneath an adorable pixelated veneer and a lovable block-like character. The twist? It lets you manipulate game rules on the fly! Trust me, if you enjoy puzzling out complex systems, this game will ignite your brain like nothing else.

As the original game lacked a complex narrative, a potential sequel could simply focus on providing additional brainteasers for us, perhaps introducing novel quantifiers and mechanisms to maintain interest and novelty.

2. Little Inferno

More Fuel For The Fire

2012’s Little Inferno initially appears to be a plaything rather than a puzzle game, primarily inviting players to ignite various items and observe the results.

The secret lies in discovering and igniting particular mixes of objects to cause unique and intriguing effects. It’s a leisurely riddle that moves according to your speed.

A sequel might provide us with additional assorted material to fuel humor, which would undeniably be entertaining.

To truly enhance the idea, it would be beneficial to focus more on blending various elements and experimenting, not just for exploration’s sake but also to discover new blends and possibilities for tweaking.

1. Catherine

New Relationships, New Towers

One of Atlus’ games took a more unconventional approach, blending mechanics that involve moving blocks and ascending towers in a challenging puzzle setting, while delving into a more mature narrative focusing on themes of love and intimacy.

2019 saw an extended edition of the game, but as of now, no follow-up with fresh environments and personalities has materialized for me to dive into.

It’s unfortunate, as the intriguing aspect of pushing blocks was indeed captivating, particularly when it led to the chilling encounters with the bosses.

Introducing a fresh character who offers unique insights into relationships, unlike Vincent, could lead to the creation of a novel structure with distinct dynamics and creatures to navigate, all while maintaining an engaging narrative.

2025-01-08 19:39