10 Games Where The Second Playthrough Is Better

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One key aspect that significantly contributes to a modern video game’s longevity is its capacity for repeated play, often referred to as replayability.

In most game types other than roguelikes and metroidvanias, it can be challenging to make a subsequent playthrough engaging. Few games have managed this feat effectively without the risk of becoming monotonous.

There are certain games that grow more intriguing or offer improved gameplay experience as you delve deeper into them, making repeated plays a rewarding endeavor.

If you’re looking to discover the adventures that may eventually win your heart, I suggest taking a look at this compilation of approximately ten games that tend to improve during a second playthrough.

10.
Ghostrunner 2

Becoming One With The Flow

In the thrilling world of Ghostrunner 2, I was left scratching my head at times. The expansive open sections, while exciting, weren’t as self-explanatory as they were in the original game, making for a slightly more challenging experience.

Initially, I thought revisiting it would be just a repetition of the same, but upon completion and understanding the flow, re-experiencing it brings about an entirely new perspective. Each replay allows me to savor the seamless journey all over again.

As a gamer, instead of wasting too much time trying to navigate through the free-roaming parts, I found it helpful to make use of the expansive levels and their exceptional control systems for movement.

Experiencing the complete campaign of Ghostrunner 2 for the first time could be likened to going through a tutorial, as it’s not until your second playthrough that you fully realize and tap into its full capabilities.

9.
Sundered

Two Different Experiences

Among the finest Metroidvania games I’ve experienced is Sundered. It stands out notably because it presents two unique gaming journeys based on the choices you make during gameplay.

If you decide to yield control over order in favor of amplifying your strength, the challenge might seem simpler, but the outcome could be tinged with a mix of joy and sadness, much like what I experienced.

Consequently, a second journey adhering to the path of revised purity significantly altered my perspective of the game entirely. This was not just due to the heightened challenge, but also because of the shift in mood and even the unique characteristics of the ultimate adversary.

Few Metroidvania-style games exhibit the same level of narrative and gameplay integration as Sundered, making it exceptionally enjoyable to play multiple times.

8.
Signalis

A Convoluted Gem

Not only does Signalis rank among the top indie horror games and psychological thrillers ever made, but it also offers one of the most perplexing adventures you could imagine.

Due to its fractured storyline, figuring out the game’s narrative can be quite challenging, and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to uncover all the intricate details during a single gaming session.

The game’s story is broken up in parts, making it hard to understand completely, and it might take multiple plays to grasp all the information.

Because the game lasts based on the intricacy of its puzzles, going through the campaign again to reveal all the hidden details proves both swift and valuable, given the richness and excellence of its world.

In a repeat game of Signalis, you can link the puzzle pieces together more easily and appreciate all the intricate details hidden within each scene.

7.
BioShock Infinite

Closing the Cycle

Despite finding BioShock Infinite less favored among the trilogy as time goes by, there’s no denying that it offers the most delightful experience when revisiting.

Following the astonishing finale of the main campaign, it leaves you speechless as you watch the credits, questioning every moment of your journey through the adventure.

Next time I dive back into this game, I’ll uncover a whole new layer of intricacies that I overlooked earlier, thanks to not being in on all its hidden mysteries. It’ll make every pivotal story moment even more immersive and exciting!

From a gameplay perspective, you might not find much incentive to revisit BioShock Infinite, apart from the challenging 1999 mode. However, delving deeper into its captivating narrative makes the experience incredibly rewarding.

6.
Fear & Hunger

Prepare for the Dungeons

When you step into the dungeons of Fear & Hunger for the first time, the atmosphere is nerve-wracking, overpowering, dismal, and crushing – all of which make it an exceptional independent gaming experience.

Yet, it’s during your second playthrough that you really appreciate the intricate design of the game. This is because, free from the urgency to reach the end and discover everything, you have the chance to delve deeper and try out various options in a more relaxed manner.

Instead, your goal transforms into uncovering the game’s hidden mechanics and storylines, as this becomes particularly important when you aim to explore multiple endings and encounter the secret enemies.

Title “Fear & Hunger” might initially seem confusing due to its abstract nature, but for those who prefer self-directed gameplay, it excels as a game offering rich and varied experiences across multiple playthroughs with distinct characters.

5.
Dishonored 2

Exploring New Paths

Speaking informally, Dishonored 2 stands out with its exceptional level designs, making it one of the video games from the past ten years that offers a high degree of repeat play.

Despite having played through it over a dozen times, I continue to uncover subtle changes that offer fresh experiences on each level. These may include stumbling upon a hidden route or observing intriguing character interactions.

Each mission offers a unique blend of depth, height, and inventiveness, making them seem like miniature playgrounds for creative exploration. The level of detail is remarkable, setting a high standard.

Given that you have the option to control both Emily and Corvo, this significantly boosts the game’s playability, a factor contributing to why Dishonored 2 is consistently ranked as one of the top stealth games ever made.

4.
ULTRAKILL

It’s Time to Perfect the Aim

In simpler terms, it’s quite challenging to fully master the gameplay of ULTRAKILL compared to many other independent games I’ve encountered.

Playing the game through to the end is just the start; exploring every realm again, striving for the highest rank, to unlock the game’s universe’s hidden secrets, is the true adventure.

As a dedicated enthusiast, immersing myself into the heart of the game mechanics is key. I strive to grasp every weapon’s unique strengths and each map’s hidden perils to achieve unparalleled speeds and an unrivaled playstyle.

Initially, ULTRAKILL demonstrates greatness as a first-person shooter. However, upon subsequent playthroughs, it truly unveils itself as a genre masterpiece.

3.
Undertale

Three Routes, Three Wonders

In some video games, the adventure doesn’t conclude once the closing credits appear, and this is precisely what occurs with the game called Undertale.

If you’ve only experienced one conclusion after playing it, you’re overlooking one of the most legendary storylines, adversaries, and conversations in video game lore.

Completing Undertale just once won’t give you a comprehensive understanding of the story, because the game’s core meaning is found by navigating its three different paths, contrasting them, and uncovering the genuine conclusion.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express that revisiting this game, despite having watched all the endings, remains an enticing prospect. The reason? Rediscovering one of the greatest soundtracks ever composed. It’s a pleasure so satisfying, it easily justifies the journey all over again.

2.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

The Most Replayable Masterpiece

Given the assumption that Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a fantastic game with no poor bosses, it makes perfect sense to play it again and again.

Instead of most FromSoftware titles that emphasize gradual movement and character development, this game stands out by placing the main emphasis in its New Game Plus mode on the exciting prospect of facing its spectacular bosses once more.

Reaching the pinnacle of mastery in the game occurs when you conquer its ultimate final foe. However, achieving divinity by vanquishing all opponents instantaneously offers an even greater sense of fulfillment.

I’ll always remember the time I spent years away from playing “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice“, then reinstalled it and managed to complete it all over again in under three hours. This game is truly timeless.

1.
Disco Elysium

More Hours of the Best Reading

For avid readers, Disco Elysium stands as one of the most remarkable independent games ever created.

As I tread the cobblestone paths of Martinaise, memories flood back from my initial gaming session. Yet, it’s when I venture off the beaten path that the true magic unfolds – revealing secrets and surprises that elevate this journey to an unforgettable adventure.

Engaging in conversations with various characters, choosing distinct paths, enhancing diverse abilities, and exploring multiple resolutions enables you to uncover the myriad of potential outcomes concealed within the intricately designed world of Disco Elysium, leaving an impression that each choice has been meticulously thought out.

Experiencing the game once made it clear that it was a true masterwork, yet playing it again revealed its uniqueness – there is no other game quite like it.

To truly grasp the depth of Disco Elysium, given its intricate storyline, underlying political themes, and profound philosophical contemplations, it’s highly recommended that you play through it not just once, but possibly twice or even thrice.

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2025-04-26 18:10