Shocking Horror Game Sequels That Completely Changed the Game!

Summary

Metro Exodus shifts from a claustrophobic setting to open-world exploration in the Metro franchise.
Bioshock Infinite soars from the sea to the sky, maintaining a unique setting within the Bioshock series.
Dead Space 3 moves away from horror to action, disappointing some fans but still offering fun gameplay.

Horror games are a constant feature in the gaming world, with numerous long-lasting series emerging from their successes over time. These series often build upon what works best in each game, like how The Last of Us Part 2 enhanced the gameplay and storytelling from the original and added more to it. This approach is usually appreciated by most players, contributing to the acclaim for games such as The Last of Us Part 2, which was named Game of the Year and won other prestigious awards.

This list highlights titles that deviated significantly from the usual game format within their series, offering something fresh and unique. Here are eight such games, each remarkable in its own way and distinguished by the extent to which it diverged from its earlier versions. The ranking is based on the degree of departure from the original formula.

7. Metro Exodus

Forgoing Claustrophobia For Open-World Exploration

The Metro franchise plunges the player into the confined, anxiety-inducing post-apocalyptic setting of Moscow’s metro network—at least the first two games do. However, the third installment, Metro Exodus, deviated from this tight, survival game structure and instead applied the principles developed in Metro 2033 and Metro Last Light to a series of open-world environments for the storyline.

Regardless of transitioning from confined tunnels to expansive landscapes, it’s evident that Metro Exodus remains firmly rooted in the Metro series. The primary character and core mechanics persist, but now there’s more space to traverse – a boon for those seeking new adventures in the Metro universe, yet potentially challenging for those who prefer a more constrained gameplay experience.

6. Bioshock Infinite

From The Sea To The Sky

Just like Metro Exodus, Bioshock Infinite transferred the mechanics initially set within the submerged metropolis of Rapture to a skybound location, putting the player in Columbia. In essence, Columbia mirrors Rapture high above, another city conceived by a religious leader amidst ongoing class struggles, into which the player is drawn.

Infinite” stands out as an exceptional game, building upon ideas introduced in the initial two installments while introducing fresh concepts. This results in Columbia feeling distinct, and the tale is intricately woven to function independently from the earlier games. Yet, it’s this very quality that sets “Infinite” apart from the franchise. The factors that make it an engaging game also create a sense of detachment from its predecessors, making it feel more like a unique entity rather than just another “Bioshock” title.

5. Dead Space 3

Less Scary, More Shooting

In simpler terms, Dead Space 3 represents one of the most noticeable transitions from survival-horror to action-shooter genres among popular series such as Resident Evil. Compared to the first two installments of Dead Space, which offer immersive sci-fi horror experiences tinged with claustrophobic, grimy terror and grotesque body horror, Dead Space 3 is primarily a third-person shooter that emphasizes spectacular action sequences over fear and suspense.

A significant number of fans of the series have rejected this change so thoroughly that Dead Space 3 is often excluded from the franchise’s official narrative by many. It’s generally viewed as the weakest installment due to its departure from the traditional feel of the series, despite having its own appealing aspects and being an enjoyable game overall.

4. Resident Evil 4

Who Needs Zombies When There Are Europeans

In a different phrasing, “Resident Evil 4,” hailing from the renowned survival horror series, deviates somewhat from its traditional slow-paced horror roots, leaning more towards action-packed gameplay. Although not as drastic as the shift in “Dead Space 3,” it is noticeable that the methodical horror gameplay established in the first three Resident Evil games is less prominent in this installment, with a focus on more dynamic battles and heightened action sequences instead. Despite this change, it’s important to note that “Resident Evil” is still generally recognized as the pioneer of survival horror genre, and “Resident Evil 4” remains a survival horror game at its core, albeit with some modified features.

In contrast to the first three installments, this fourth game deviates by replacing traditional zombie adversaries with an enraged mob of Spanish villagers guarding its grotesque, monstrous bosses, giving it a distinct feel reminiscent of a “Resident Evil” title. Although there are differences, “Resident Evil 4” is often praised as one of the most robust entries in the series and among the best games ever made. With a well-received 2023 remake now available, gaining access to this classic game has never been easier.

3. Doom 3

A New Focus On Survival Horror

Instead of being akin to Dead Space 3’s fast-paced, gunfire-filled combat, Doom 3 transformed its established franchise into a survival horror game. Unlike earlier Doom games, Doom 3 places a greater emphasis on storytelling, while maintaining the player’s role in slaughtering demon hordes. It also introduces NPC characters and more linear, gloomy corridors to create a darker atmosphere.

To enthusiasts of both the original and contemporary Doom series, Doom 3 stands out as a distinct creature, yet undeniably retains its identity as a Doom game. The monsters in the game are reimagined versions from the initial installments, although they’re designed to be more terrifying than ever before. The storyline remains straightforward, focusing on demons on Mars, with a mute protagonist who shows contempt towards demonic powers. Despite its uniqueness, Doom 3 serves as an essential bridge between the classic and modern versions of Doom, and it possesses a special allure in its distinctive style.

2. Five Nights At Freddy’s: Security Breach

No Longer Stuck In One Place

The popular franchise known as “Five Nights at Freddy’s” has become almost unavoidable, dominating various types of media. Starting with its initial point-and-click game, it has spawned books, a horror series in physical format, a film, and numerous other games. Among the vast collection of titles, “Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach” stands out, deviating from the norm for this series, as it offers an open-area exploration experience rather than confining players to a single room.

In “Security Breach”, players are given unrestricted access to explore the Pizzaplex, a shift from the series’ previous non-linear structure towards a more defined narrative. However, it retains its FNaF identity with animatronic characters serving as the primary threats, requiring players to endure the night. This game offers an intriguing blend of the established FNaF format and mainstream survival horror elements, creating a fresh, engaging experience within the franchise.

1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

A Whole New Vision Of Resident Evil

The last item on the list is another “Resident Evil” game, but it shares only minimal similarities with its predecessors. Unlike “Resident Evil 4,” which steered the game towards more action-oriented elements, “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard” fundamentally redefined the series. What was originally known for third-person campy horror has now become a pioneer in first-person terror. In contrast to protagonists like Chris Redfield and Leon Kennedy who used to spout witty one-liners, “Resident Evil 7” puts players in the shoes and perspective of Ethan Winters, a character as terrified as the players themselves.

In a fresh and transformative move, Resident Evil 7 redefined the Resident Evil series and shifted its genre, proving to be beneficial rather than detrimental. Not only was it widely acclaimed on its own merit, but it also paved the way for a successful sequel that further refined the new elements introduced in 7. Remarkably, Resident Evil 7 stands as an exemplary horror sequel that dared to venture in an entirely different direction, thereby resuscitating a horror franchise that was once considered overly action-oriented.

2025-02-03 04:34