Best Open-World Game Series With Only One Sequel, Ranked

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Summary

  • True Crime and Mercenaries are examples of open-world series with only two solid entries, leaving fans wanting more.
  • Deadly Premonition took an unorthodox approach to game design, offering unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
  • Prototype and Middle-earth are open-world series that ended after two games, each bringing a distinct experience to players.

As a devoted gamer, I must admit that open-world video games are often marketed as the ultimate, expansive playgrounds brimming with endless opportunities for exploration. Yet, it seems this isn’t always the reality when we see countless series churning out sequels one after another. Regrettably, even some of the most iconic and groundbreaking series found themselves releasing just a couple of outstanding games before fading away due to studio shutdowns, licensing complications, or simply unfortunate circumstances.

These two-game open-world series have secured a spot among the great “what if” tales. Ranging from superpowered rampages to immersive westerns and obscure cult favorites, these are the top open-world franchises that managed to tell captivating stories in only two installments, outshining some long-running sagas in the process.

5. True Crime (Streets Of LA And New York City)

Two Crimes, Two Cities, Cases Closed

In response to the open-world crime simulation games, Activision presented True Crime. It was gritty, somewhat awkward, yet ambitious. In Streets of LA, players found themselves in a vast reproduction of Los Angeles as the rogue cop Nick Kang. This game combined driving, shooting, and close-quarters combat into an action-packed sandbox that was heavily influenced by cinematic style and a hint of the edgy attitude prevalent in the early 2000s.

True Crime: New York City shifted tone and introduced a fresh protagonist, but technical problems and a tepid response dashed any dreams of a trilogy. Despite most true crime narratives ending sadly, there’s a sense of resolution for the series. Sleeping Dogs, although a spiritual successor without its own continuation, embraced many of the series’ strengths while venturing on its unique path.

4. Deadly Premonition (And A Blessing In Disguise)

Peek Cult Classic Open World Eccentricity

Because open-world games require significant resources in terms of time and funds, developers usually opt for safer choices. However, this wasn’t true for “Deadly Premonition“, which dared to take an unusual path in game design. To put it mildly, “Deadly Premonition” offers a narrative and environment evoking “Twin Peaks”, complete with unique and quirky gameplay mechanics like a hygiene meter, at the cost of graphical realism.

Approximately ten years after its release, “Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise” functioned as both a prelude and continuation, with the gameplay divided between two different timeframes. In the earlier timeline, players found themselves controlling a younger Agent York, who explored the open-world town of Le Carré, Louisiana, using a skateboard. This peculiar series is known for its ability to surprise, but whether a third installment will ever materialize remains doubtful, given the response to “Blessing In Disguise.” Such a future seems as improbable as the world and characters within this series.

3. Mercenaries (Playground Of Destruction And World In Flames)

Payback Is Just Business

In 2005, the game titled “Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction” was introduced, preceding the era when open-world games became commonplace. Its unique selling point was that anything within sight could be destroyed. The setting was a fictionalized North Korea on the verge of conflict, allowing players to select from three different mercenaries and create chaos by taking contracts and manipulating various factions against each other. The game’s anarchic destruction and strategic freedom earned it cult status.

The game titled “Mercenaries 2: World in Flames” intensified the turmoil by incorporating elements such as fuel raids, airstrikes, and widespread anarchy, set within a fictionalized version of Venezuela. However, it was hindered by technical issues, debatable tone, and some underdeveloped concepts, which tarnished the sequel’s reputation. Regrettably, Pandemic Studios ceased operations not long after, and “Mercenaries 3” remained confined to concept art, never fully materializing.

2. Prototype (And Prototype 2)

The Virus Finally Ran Its Course

Initially designed as a game featuring The Incredible Hulk in New York, the project transformed into something distinctly different – or at least appeared to develop sentience – when Prototype introduced Alex Mercer into a sprawling urban landscape brimming with disorder, mystery, and grotesque elements. By combining parkour movement, morphing powers, and intense battle sequences, the original title offered an open-world power fantasy that was unparalleled in the late 2000s.

In a fresh take, Prototype 2 introduced a new main character, enhanced battle and movement mechanics, but unfortunately, the saga failed to progress beyond its second installment. Some enthusiasts felt that the relentless violence, while satisfying on an emotional level, left the narrative somewhat exhausted. Consequently, Prototype embodied its title and was abandoned by its developers for fresh ventures.

1. Middle-earth (Shadow Of War And Shadow Of Mordor)

Two Games To Bind Them All

It’s somewhat sad that Monolith’s Middle-earth games, given the rich history of stories like The Lord of the Rings, never saw a third installment. Shadow of Mordor, for one, brought players into the world of the original Warner Bros. characters Talion and his spectral ally Celebrimbor, intertwining their quest for vengeance with an exciting mix of Assassin’s Creed-style navigation, Arkham-style fighting, and the now famous Nemesis System, which turned enemies into unique adversaries.

Shadow of War built upon its formula by introducing sieges, stronghold management, and more orc-centric storylines, but it encountered issues at launch due to lootboxes. Regrettably, a third installment in the Middle-earth series never materialized, despite the abundance of untapped narrative and gameplay possibilities. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only abandoned franchise from Warner Bros., as their debatably patented game mechanic was not revisited for another series. This is unfortunate given that the publishers have owned numerous superhero licenses with their extensive rogues’ galleries.

Honorable Mention: Metal Gear Solid 5

The Metal Gear series started well before the events at Camp Omega and V regained consciousness, and the final game in this franchise was titled “Survive”. However, the stealth saga tentatively ventured into the open-world genre with “Ground Zeroes” and wrapped up that storyline with “The Phantom Pain”. This is as perceived by fans who view “Survive” as a sort of “official asset flip” and a less satisfying successor to MGS5, following Hideo Kojima’s departure from Konami.

The “Metal Gear Solid” narrative arguably started earlier with “Peace Walker,” but “MGS5,” in all its parts, stands out uniquely, despite some fans believing the story could have been expanded a bit more. Regardless, it’s doubtful that we’ll see any new installments in this series, especially an open-world game.

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2025-06-07 09:34