The Best Sequels Developed By Different Studios From The First Game

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Summary

  • Different creative teams can produce superior sequels, as seen in games like The Minish Cap.
  • The Zelda and Star Fox franchises benefitted from Capcom and Rare’s creative take on sequels.
  • Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars KOTOR 2 are examples of how sequels can improve upon the original game.

As a longtime gamer who’s seen my fair share of sequels, I can confidently say that this list is nothing short of extraordinary! Each game represents a pinnacle of storytelling and gameplay within their respective franchises.

Sequels can present quite a challenge, as it’s tough to exceed the quality of an original that was worthy of continuation. This is particularly evident in the video game realm, where sequels abound. However, due to the distinctive business model of this industry, these follow-ups are often developed by separate creative teams.

In some instances, renowned video game sequels were not made by the original creative teams. This could be due to licensing agreements or publishers seeking unique perspectives. Despite this change, these sequels often built upon and even outshone their predecessors, showcasing the immense skill of the new development teams. It’s a remarkable demonstration of how versatile and innovative some of the world’s top game developers can be, taking an established game and creating something fresh yet still captivating and memorable.

8. The Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Capcom-Developed GBA Game Is One Of The Franchise’s Best

After wrapping up “Oracle of Ages” and “Oracle of Seasons”, Capcom maintained their strong bond with Nintendo, crafting another installment in the “Zelda” series for the Game Boy Advance. The final product was “The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap“, a 2D action game featuring Link’s encounter with Ezlo, a mage transformed into a magical hat by the sorcerer Vaati.

At a tiny scale, Link encounters the Minish – one of Hyrule’s oldest races. This charming game for Game Boy Advance offers fantastic battles and boasts some of the franchise’s finest music yet. It served as evidence that the Zelda series was in capable hands with Capcom, being their third installment. Known as The Minish Cap, this game can now be played on Nintendo Switch Online.

7. Star Fox Adventures

Action-Adventure Title Features Zelda-Style Gameplay

Initially conceived as “Dinosaur Planet,” Star Fox Adventures later underwent transformation when Nintendo invited Rare to create a game around one of their iconic franchises. Seizing this opportunity, the developers reimagined the game. Characters from the Star Fox universe became central to the plot, with Fox McCloud leading his team to Dinosaur Planet, a world on the brink of invasion that could disrupt its entire system and have far-reaching effects across the Lylat System.

In this thrilling tale, Fox and his group join forces with Krystal in an extraordinary journey against the formidable SharpClaw Army, led by General Scales. This adventure strays significantly from previous games, as Star Fox Adventures incorporates walk-around sections and plays similarly to a Zelda game. However, classic Star Fox segments are also present, and piloting an Arwing on GameCube’s advanced hardware offers an improved flying experience that fans will appreciate. Given its enduring popularity, a remaster for the Nintendo Switch would undoubtedly enhance its appeal as one of the GameCube’s finest titles.

6. Fallout 3

Post-Apocalyptic RPG By Bethesda Breathes New Life Into Fallout

Following the acquisition of the Fallout intellectual property from Black Isle Studios, who were engrossed in developing a third installment titled “Van Buren,” Bethesda embarked on crafting a next-generation rendition of this post-apocalyptic RPG. Transforming the gaming viewpoint from 2D top-down to first person, Bethesda successfully produced a game that remains unique in its class. This colossal open-world RPG continues to stand among the finest games of its generation.

In the Capital Wasteland, some 200 years after nuclear catastrophe, the narrative unfolds around the Lone Wanderer, who embarks on a quest to find their lost father. The game distinguishes itself through its VATS system, enabling players to momentarily halt gameplay and select specific adversaries. Unlike Bethesda’s other projects during that period, it was remarkably unique yet wonderfully so, as this exceptional portrayal of humanity’s twilight years remains a timeless classic.

5. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

Crash Bandicoot Returns Thanks To Toys For Bob

After the initial three Crash Bandicoot games by Naughty Dog, various other homes and developers attempted to carry on the marsupial’s platforming escapades. However, none have done it quite as well as Toys For Bob, who initially entered the Crash universe by making him a playable character in Skylanders: Imaginators. Yet, their most significant contribution was still to come.

After successfully transferring the N. Sane Trilogy to the Switch, Toys For Bob developed a sequel titled Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. Emphasizing a return to what made the original games great, Crash Bandicoot 4 offers the same spot-on platforming and endearing cast of characters, making it one of the finest entries in the series. Naughty Dog parted ways with Crash fairly swiftly, allowing other skilled developers to carry on this renowned platforming franchise.

4. Dead Island 2

Zombie-Slaying Sequel Survives A Ten Year Development Cycle

As a movie buff reminiscing about my gaming days, I can’t forget the thrill of Dead Island that hit the screens back in 2010. The initial trailer hinted at an intense journey of survival and deep emotional strife, but the final product, to be honest, was more on the fun, over-the-top side than I had anticipated. Fast forward to 2014, a sequel was announced, and it was quite a surprise that this game had been in the making by four different teams for an unprecedented ten years – one of the longest development cycles ever seen in video games.

It’s great news that the long wait was worth it, as Dead Island 2 didn’t disappoint in preserving the quirky and amusing essence of its predecessor. The gang of zombie-fighting protagonists is a joy to behold, with each character boasting distinct, entertaining personalities that bounce off one another brilliantly. The battle system from the first game has been significantly enhanced, featuring a gruesome dismemberment system that allows players to dismantle zombies bit by bit. Although Techland moved on to create their own zombie-slaying franchise with Dying Light, the team at Dambuster Studios managed to deliver an exceptional Dead Island 2 experience.

3. Metroid Prime

Retro Studios Creates A Spectacular First-Person Metroid Game

Although Nintendo attempted to create a fresh Metroid game for the N64, they failed and temporarily halted the development of interstellar bounty hunter Samus Aran. It wasn’t until eight years later that she reappeared, developed by an American team known as Retro Studios, who went on to produce one of the greatest games ever made with the release of Metroid Prime for the Nintendo GameCube.

At first, Metroid Prime was originally designed as an independent game within Retro Studios, unrelated to the Metroid series. However, after a meeting with Shigeru Miyamoto, the concept was revised. This decision proved wise, as Retro’s attention to detail and complex level design perfectly suited the Metroid franchise. Their design principles meshed seamlessly with Nintendo, making Metroid Prime feel like a game entirely created by them. The labyrinthine layout and impressive combat remain captivating, and you can enjoy it today on the Switch due to Metroid Prime Remastered.

2. Fallout: New Vegas

The House Always Wins

After the triumph of Fallout 3, Bethesda was keen on generating more material for the post-apocalyptic wasteland. They delegated this task to Obsidian Entertainment. Drawing inspiration from the aborted project called “Van Buren,” Obsidian decided on the title Fallout: New Vegas and situated their game in the blistering Mojave Desert, where players encountered a fresh character, referred to as the Courier.

Stepping into the shoes of a Courier in New Vegas, I found myself right smack in the heat of a power struggle between Mr. House, the New California Republic, and Caesar’s Legion, each fighting tooth and nail for dominance over the dazzling Vegas Strip. In this masterful sequel to Fallout 3, New Vegas took everything that made its predecessor great and elevated it even further, delivering intricate and compelling storylines, as well as combat that sets a new bar for the franchise. The game’s enduring popularity today is testament to its timeless appeal, and it proudly stands among the greatest sequels ever crafted.

1. Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords

Obsidian Creates A Sequel To A Star Wars RPG In One Year

Following the significant acclaim and financial triumph of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, it was nearly certain that a follow-up would be forthcoming. Yet, when LucasArts enforced a one-year deadline for the sequel, BioWare decided to innovate and produced Mass Effect instead. During this period, BioWare recommended Obsidian Entertainment to develop the sequel, leading them to draft what remains highly regarded as one of the best Star Wars games in existence.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords

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2024-12-28 09:34