Top 8 Most Experimental Video Game Spin-Offs Ranked!

Summary

Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub Zero introduced an action-adventure genre to the fight-heavy series.
Dead Space Extraction changed the camera angle and added horror elements to the gameplay.
Pokémon Snap stands out from traditional games by focusing on photography in a unique approach.

When developing a spin-off from a series of primary games, creators have the freedom to introduce more innovative elements in terms of gameplay, visuals, and narrative since these titles aren’t necessarily direct follow-ups. Consequently, there has been an abundance of diverse spin-offs that feature unconventional and intriguing mechanics, often catching fans off guard when they first dive into them due to the unexpected differences from the original series.

Although not every one of these adventurous spin-off titles perfectly hits the target, with some appearing slightly too extravagant or peculiar, when executed successfully, they offer a refreshing change from the conventional gaming experience. Fortunately, there is an abundance of innovative spin-offs available that are delightful to explore following extended play of the primary series. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into these games, focusing on their experimental and creative aspects as additional installments within their respective franchises. While the quality of these games will be taken into account, they will predominantly be evaluated based on their level of experimentation and creativity.

8. Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub Zero

Mortal Kombat Took An Ambitious Step Into The Action Adventure Genre With MK Mythologies

The game titled “Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub Zero” was unexpectedly not a fighting game when it was launched in 1996, during the peak of the series’ fame. Instead, this title is categorized as a side-scrolling action adventure game, where players can take charge of Sub-Zero, a character who gets a decent amount of character development, providing insight into his background before the start of the first tournament.

As characters progress through Netherealm and Shaolin Temples, they can gain access to some of Sub Zero’s distinctive special abilities, which not only open up new sections of the map but also help in defeating adversaries. Regarding adversaries, the extent of damage these enemies inflict on Sub Zero significantly increases the game’s challenge, making it somewhat contentious among players, although its originality cannot be understated.

7. Dead Space: Extraction

Dead Space Extraction Went With An Entirely New Camera Angle To Freshen Up The Gameplay Experience

Following the initial release of Dead Space, the game was met with critical acclaim as a chilling survival horror experience. To keep fans engaged while they waited for the second game, Electronic Arts (EA) introduced a spin-off titled Dead Space Extraction. This prequel was released in 2011. Although it retained the ominous Necromorph adversaries and the U.S.G Ishimura setting, the camera perspective changed from third to first person, which significantly altered the gameplay dynamics.

Ever since Extraction was debuted for the Nintendo Wii, it has excelled at plunging players into the action. This is achieved by requiring precise aim when engaging in close combat with the Necromorphs. What sets this game apart from the main series is its rail-based storytelling, which means while there’s less room for player exploration, it offers a wealth of unexpected, scripted action sequences instead.

6. Dirge Of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7

Dirge Of Cerberus Is A Lot More Action-Heavy And Fast Paced Than The Typical Final Fantasy Game

In a different vein from its renowned predecessor Final Fantasy 7, Dirge of Cerberus appears as if it belongs to another series entirely. This title, focusing on beloved party member Vincent Valentine, is primarily a third-person shooter, where players engage in battling hordes of adversaries and vehicles across the game’s 12 chapters. While there are some minimal RPG aspects included for variety, they mainly revolve around customizing Vincent’s weapons rather than traditional role-playing game elements.

Although it may seem unexpected and significantly distinct from traditional fan expectations, Dirge of Cerberus manages to deliver an entertaining experience, characterized by its high-intensity gameplay. Moreover, it enriches the overall lore of the Final Fantasy 7 universe with intriguing details.

5. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles

Assassin’s Creed, But With A 2D Perspective And A Whole Lot More Platforming

By the year 2016, the stealth series of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed had already gained significant popularity due to the success of its mainline entries. To maintain this momentum, a few spin-offs were launched around that time. However, while Assassin’s Creed Rogue closely resembles other games in the series, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles presents a unique scenario. Chronicles, which comes as a single package containing three games, adopts a 2.5D perspective to transform the games into side-scrolling adventures.

Regardless of the new camera angle, it’s clear that this is still “Assassin’s Creed,” allowing players the freedom to move stealthily throughout each location, taking enemies by surprise with their hidden assassin weapons. The “Chronicles” series, set in India, China, and Russia, offers a rich array of environments, each stunningly beautiful even today due to its captivating artistic style.

4. Tales From The Borderlands

Tales From The Borderlands Thrusts The Run-And-Gun Series Into An Entirely New Genre

Besides its cel-shaded art design and eccentric cast, almost everything about Tales from the Borderlands sets it apart from the initial games. Notably, this game was developed by Telltale, creators of The Walking Dead series, which means it places a greater emphasis on storytelling. Gameplay is centered around players making choices that impact both the plot and the characters.

Instead of the original, “Borderlands 1,2, and 3 are fast-paced FPS shooters that belong to a distinct genre, making this episodic spin-off rather daring. Yet, Tales from the Borderlands managed to win over numerous fans with its captivating narrative and choice system, providing insight into Pandora’s depth and the treacherous beings inhabiting it.”

“Unlike previous Borderland games which are fast-paced shooters, Tales from the Borderlands is an episodic spin-off that takes a risk. However, it succeeded in captivating fans with its intriguing storyline and choice system while also shedding light on Pandora’s secrets and its dangerous inhabitants.

3. Pokemon Snap

Out Of All The Pokemon Spin-Offs, Snap Feels The Most Weird, Bizarre, And Creative

Anyone with even a passing interest in video games is likely familiar by now with the mechanics of a Pokemon game. Catching pocket monsters, battling Gym leaders, and acquiring badges are the cornerstones of these games, and while spin-offs often go their separate ways, Pokemon Snap stands out as the most unique and innovative title in the series.

As its title suggests, Pokemon Snap is a game centered around capturing images of wild Pokemon. However, this simple premise hides a more intricate gameplay experience. The objective is to capture various expressions and actions within the image, which will earn the player higher scores upon returning to Professor Oak. With numerous distinct environments to traverse, it results in a tranquil, laid-back addition to the widely acclaimed Pokemon series.

2. Hyrule Warriors

Hyrule Warriors Manages To Still Be A Zelda Game While Playing Completely Different from the Mainline Series

In every “Zelda” title, fresh mechanics, quirks, and settings are introduced for players’ delight. However, unlike other games in the series, “Hyrule Warriors” significantly alters almost everything. The moniker “Hyrule Warriors” hints at its gameplay style being heavily influenced by the “Dynasty Warriors” franchise, where combat revolves around battling hordes of enemies simultaneously, employing powerful special weapons and abilities to wipe out adversaries who come too close.

As a gamer, diving into the world of Zelda, I found that it wasn’t just the familiar faces from the main series making an appearance, but also some fundamental RPG elements like character and weapon progression. These additions served to amplify the already captivating, chaotic gameplay. Frankly, I was taken aback by Nintendo’s audacity in being so creative with a spin-off for one of their flagship franchises. But after playing it, I’m glad they took the risk because it’s a sheer joy to experience, and that goes for its sequels as well.

1. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Nobody Could Have Expected A Metal Gear Game Would Go The Hack-And-Slash Route

Despite previously portraying the protagonist in the Metal Gear series where he was a green soldier heavily relying on stealth tactics to circumvent his adversaries, Raiden now embraces a more aggressive role in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Instead of sneaking past enemies, ‘Jack the Ripper’ delights in dismembering them with swift, deadly strikes. Players can mimic this brutal style in-game through the game’s cutting system, providing precise control over each slice.

To put it simply, this game offers a unique twist unlike any other in this renowned series, which is actually a good thing. With the option to enhance Raiden’s skills and launch powerful combo attacks against both regular enemies and colossal Metal Gear mechs, this hack-and-slash game proves immensely gratifying. Despite facing long odds, Platinum Games has successfully delivered on this innovative title.

2025-02-12 15:35