7 Shocking Open-World Game Sequels That Completely Changed the Game!

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Summary

  • Open-world games often stick to a safe template, causing player boredom.
  • Best franchises change gameplay, story, and tone to keep fans engaged.
  • Titles like Watch Dogs 2 and Saints Row 3 revolutionized open-world gaming.

In most open-world games, a common pattern is followed and they often play it conservatively to draw in as many mainstream players as possible. This can result in players growing tired of repeating gameplay routines, with the setting failing to provide significant variation that might otherwise make them overlook the monotony they’re encountering.

Top-tier open-world video game series are skilled at introducing fresh elements to maintain player engagement. Often, these sequels alter the overall narrative mood, the core gaming mechanics, or other aspects requiring a revamp to ensure players stay intrigued by the new experiences they bring forth.

7. Watch Dogs 2

Aimed For A Lighthearted Tone That Fans Appreciated

The original Watch Dogs game generated immense anticipation, but players felt underwhelmed as Aiden Pierce was perceived as a dull protagonist and the narrative was excessively gloomy for their preference. However, the creators of Watch Dogs 2 sought to overturn this opinion by offering players an engaging experience that aligns with their expectations.

Instead of maintaining the somber and ominous atmosphere from the initial game, the subsequent installment presents a generally humorous narrative centered around DedSec agents, specifically Marcus Holloway, inciting chaos and standing up against authority. Enhancing the hacking features allowed players to have expanded choices in combat, stealth, and navigation.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

Revolutionized The Genre That Turned GTA And Rockstar Into Household Names

Initially, the first two GTA games offer enjoyable experiences individually, but they are overshadowed by the expansive reach and cultural influence of the third game. In essence, Grand Theft Auto 3 marked a significant leap for open-world gaming, laying the groundwork for a sandbox design that has served as inspiration for numerous games up until today.

The influence of this title was immense, driving a wave of advancements and transformations that catapulted Rockstar Games to the pinnacle of the video game market. However, it didn’t shy away from stirring up debates, given its mature open-world setting that simulates criminal activities, as such controversies often accompany games of this nature.

5. Saints Row: The Third

Leaned Heavily On Comedic Tone And Over-The-Top Gameplay

Many players believe that “Saints Row 2” stands out as a fantastic addition to the series and a cherished choice for some fans. They found this game masterfully blended serious and humorous aspects. Yet, the change of tone in “Saints Row: The Third” was unexpected and steered the franchise towards uncharted territories.

This game significantly transformed the Saints Row series into one of the zaniest and captivating open-world collections by emphasizing the absurd side, sacrificing realism to provide players with over-the-top excitement. It drew in a multitude of fans, resulting in Saint’s Row 4 being even more explosive, which resonated perfectly with fans who appreciated what Saints Row: The Third offered.

4. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

The Shift To Turn-Based Combat Was Surprising, But The Game Did A Good Job Of Justifying It

Yakuza: Like a Dragon stands out as one of the top open-world JRPGs currently available. What sets this game apart is its bold decision to abandon the conventional real-time combat from the Yakuza series, opting instead for a turn-based system.

This game, “Like a Dragon,” swiftly turned out to be one of the most cherished and widely played games within the series. The change in gameplay was fittingly encapsulated in its title, as it was Ichiban’s deep affection for Dragon Quest that made him approach every conflict as if it were a classic JRPG battle.

3. Assassin’s Creed Origins

Attempted To Revive The Series By Rebranding It As An Open-World RPG

Following the underwhelming sales of “Assassin’s Creed Syndicate”, Ubisoft recognized a need for significant change to reignite fan enthusiasm towards their main series. This transformation was carried out through a one-year break, during which the development team endeavored to create an open-world RPG version of “Assassin’s Creed”, drawing inspiration from “The Witcher 3”.

In a refreshing change when it debuted, Assassin’s Creed Origins captivated players with its tale about the creation of the Assassin Order. However, some fans felt that Odyssey and Valhalla were repetitive sequels, leading to requests for Ubisoft to return the series to its original essence. Responding to these calls, they unveiled Assassin’s Creed Mirage as a new step in this direction.

2. Sunless Skies

The Setting Shifted To The Skies In A Huge Tonal Shift Paid Off

In the realm of “Fallen London,” a captivating universe is presented, one where London has sunk beneath the earth and monstrosities reign. Players get to explore this eerie world. Surprisingly, contrary to expectations, the sequel, “Sunless Skies,” doesn’t delve further into the underworld but instead takes us skyward, a direction that Failbetter Games deliberately chose for it.

In a delightful twist, the enhanced UI and combat features in Sunless Skies, along with its captivating setting transformation, position it as one of the top open-world indie games to play. As captains explore each dock, they unearth fresh narratives, gradually building competence to confront the chilling sky horrors scattered throughout the game’s four expansive hub worlds.

1. Fallout 4

Marketed Itself To Casual Players With Toned-Down RPG Elements

Fallout 4 has been a subject of much debate within the series’ fanbase. Those expecting an immersive role-playing experience were somewhat let down by the numerous alterations, as these changes appeared to dilute the complex role-playing aspects that this franchise is known for, in favor of a streamlined perk system.

The enhanced gameplay certainly drew newcomers to the world of Fallout 4, being their first encounter with the series in its fourth installment. However, certain aspects of the game, like some weak writing and inconsistent handling of the series’ history, didn’t sit well with long-term fans, deterring them from fully enjoying it.

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2025-01-30 17:34