Best Open-World Sequels That Outdid The Original Games

Summary

Open-world sequels have great potential to surpass their predecessors due to technological advancements and player feedback.
Fallout: New Vegas stands out in the series for blending narrative depth with an expansive open world.
Red Dead Redemption 2 sets a high standard in realism, graphics, and gameplay, making it a standout Western game.

Open-world games often lead the pack when it comes to modern gaming trends and advancements. In fact, during much of the 2010s, they were the trend to watch, with every major developer offering a unique interpretation of a sandbox or open-ended game, aiming to find success with their version of this genre. Given the vast array of games within this category, it’s hardly surprising that the bar is frequently being raised when it comes to determining the top open-world game.

Due to ongoing technological advancements, player input, growing aspirations among developers, and the inexorable flow of time, open-world sequels tend to be more well-received than their predecessors. These games surpass their precursors, but it’s crucial to understand that this doesn’t imply the originals are ‘poor’. Instead, it means that the series’ standout and acclaimed element emerged after the initial release.

8. Fallout: New Vegas

In A Long Line Of High-Quality Titles, This One Stands Out

Kicking off our list is an outstanding title that’s high up there due to its exceptional quality, although it’s debatable among players whether it deserves the top spot. Similarly, the original CRPGs from the series are also contenders for the number one position. These games were open-world too, but in a much more restricted sense compared to modern standards.

In comparison to other games in the series, Fallout: New Vegas stands out as the most impressive blend of all the elements that make this franchise unique. The cleverness, richness, and story-driven focus from earlier games combine with the vast open world found in Fallout 3. When discussing the top RPGs or open-world games ever made, it’s only a matter of time before Fallout: New Vegas comes up, and this is a game that deserves its high standing among its peers.

7. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

Revives A Dip In Quality And Remains Unique

The Assassin’s Creed series is widely renowned in the gaming world, and it often captures the interest of gamers who haven’t played any of its installments. While the first two games are highly regarded and fondly remembered, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag stands out as a more distinct addition to the series, and it is also known for being the last game in the series that was generally well-received for quite some time.

Among all Assassin’s Creed games I’ve experienced, none has quite captured the same sense of vastness and liberty as Black Flag did. As its maps expanded, so did the game’s uniqueness, which is why it continues to shine brightly within the series today, from the perspective of a devoted fan like myself.

6. Batman: Arkham City

A Monolithic Action Title

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that Batman: Arkham Asylum truly paved the way for open-world and action games to transform into something extraordinary. Yet, when it comes to the game that leaves the most lasting impression and is dearest to my heart, there’s no contest – that title belongs to Batman: Arkham City.

This game, boasting an exceptional narrative and improved gameplay over its predecessor, elevated the Arkham series from excellent to legendary. To this day, it still holds the title as the best in the franchise, even with four additional games (including the live service anomaly, Gotham Knights, and the new VR game) having been released since then.

5. Middle-earth: Shadow Of War

An Enduring Title That Blows The Original Away

The first Shadow of Mordor introduced an exceptionally creative mechanism for open-world games, known as the nemesis system. Unlike the Arkham series, which saw a groundbreaking original overshadowed by an even more iconic sequel, this example showcases a solid game with an intriguing concept being significantly outperformed by a superior title that builds upon and enhances that brilliant idea in numerous ways.

Without its problematic microtransaction system, Shadow of War has built a dedicated fanbase several years after its debut and is affectionately regarded as a classic within the realm of open-world and Lord of the Rings games.

4. The Witcher 3

An Award-Winning Smash Hit

The Witcher 3, a highly acclaimed book series-turned-video game, significantly boosted the popularity of this franchise for over a decade. Competing against other major games in terms of accolades, very few games generated the powerful influence that this one did in 2015.

One of the game’s major attractions lies in the fact that, if players find it appealing, they have the option to replay the initial two versions. This experience is much like how many gamers who love Skyrim might also enjoy Oblivion (or even put off playing Oblivion until its remastered version is released).

3. Grand Theft Auto 5

GTA 4 Was Great, GTA 5 Was Explosive

A significant number of gamers tend to favor the compact, immersive storyline found in Grand Theft Auto 4, which represented a more realistic take on the crime-simulation genre compared to its earlier installments. However, it’s important to note that this preference is not shared by the vast multitude of players who have been engaged with this game for over a decade and continue to do so without interruption.

Compared to GTA 4, this new game offers a more expansive experience due to its intriguing landscapes for exploration, a role-playing game (RPG)-style skill system, and a wider array of characters. These elements have earned it the title as the top game in the series – at least for now.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Another Rockstar Blockbuster

As a passionate admirer, let me tell you, this isn’t just an excellent Western game; it’s the Western game. It’s a high-stakes, deeply emotional, and incredibly memorable experience that offers a staggering amount of depth and substance. Red Dead Redemption 2 surpassed the original in every aspect, delivering a level of realism, graphics, and gameplay that was truly unparalleled.

Compared to an exceptionally strong starting point, Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest video games ever made. Such high praise is difficult for any future open-world game to surpass.

1. The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall

The Game That Made The Elder Scrolls

Perhaps Skyrim could have been included in this list, but the gap in quality between it and Oblivion is significantly smaller than the difference between Daggerfall and Arena. Arena was a game that exceeded its own limitations, essentially earning the Elder Scrolls moniker before its time. It was Daggerfall, however, that expanded upon that scope, providing players with many elements that have since become synonymous with the Elder Scrolls series.

This base structure is what’s supported every major game from Morrowind onward, and it was Daggerfall that transformed a somewhat ordinary and generic fantasy landscape into one of the most iconic series ever created. Compared to Arena, Daggerfall outperforms in nearly every aspect.

2025-05-31 12:34