Video Game Sequels That Nobody Defends Anymore

Fans often want a sequel when they love a game. However, sometimes it’s best to leave a classic untouched. Take Shadow of the Colossus, for example – it’s so unique and well-regarded that a poorly made sequel could actually ruin the original’s legacy. It’s a risk when trying to follow up something truly special.

Some games, like Devil May Cry 2 or The 3rd Birthday, weren’t necessarily terrible when they first came out, but many fans didn’t embrace them at the time. Looking back now, especially after playing through them again or considering later games in the series, it’s difficult to argue they hold up well.

Guitar Hero Live

If Supported, It Might Still Be Cool

When it first came out, Guitar Hero Live did something different by streaming songs instead of including them all on the game disc. It also stood out from other music games by showing real concert footage or music videos in the background, rather than having animated characters play along.

Looking back, it’s difficult to defend this idea now that the online service has been discontinued, which significantly diminishes the game’s quality compared to its 2015 release. While you can still play Guitar Hero Live, it feels incomplete without the streaming content that was originally a core part of the experience.

God Of War: Ascension

One More Retread In Greek Mythology

God of War: Ascension felt like familiar territory, especially right after God of War 3, and it didn’t quite fit narratively. However, the gameplay itself was strong – the combat was satisfying, and it was a very violent game. While the multiplayer wasn’t amazing, it offered some enjoyable moments for fans.

This game felt like an unnecessary addition to the series, though it did please some fans. However, with the release of the 2018 God of War reboot – a true sequel to God of War 3 – it’s become completely outdated. The reboot significantly improved the franchise in areas like story and action.

The 3rd Birthday

Parasite Eve This Is Not

North American fans of Parasite Eve waited eleven years for a follow-up, finally receiving The 3rd Birthday. While it was a solid action game for the PSP and looked good for the system, many fans had to overlook significant changes to the character of Aya. Looking back, the gameplay hasn’t aged particularly well.

Aya wasn’t portrayed as a strong, self-assured detective; she came across as rather timid. The ability to switch between bodies also felt odd. Honestly, the Parasite Eve story might have been stronger if it had ended after the first game. While Parasite Eve 2 was also a bit strange, at least Aya’s personality stayed the same throughout both games.

Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe

Justice For Injustice

When Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe was first announced, it seemed like an odd but potentially enjoyable crossover. However, fans were disappointed to learn it received a T rating instead of the M rating typical of Mortal Kombat games, as the series was known for its extreme violence and gore.

While people had fun with the previous DC-themed fighting game despite its odd character choices, fans can now experience a truly well-made DC fighting game with Injustice: Gods Among Us. Like the earlier game, it’s rated for teens, but it thankfully didn’t damage the Mortal Kombat series. The follow-up, simply titled Mortal Kombat, served as a successful fresh start for the franchise.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2

The Clone Wars

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 feels unnecessary, like a sequel that didn’t need to be made. It changes established Star Wars lore and even contradicts the story of the first game, seemingly just to justify its own existence. The original game followed Starkiller, Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, who was ordered killed and ultimately joined the Rebel Alliance.

Looking back, the placement of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed in the timeline is a bit confusing, but it made sense when it was released. The sequel’s use of a Starkiller clone felt like a shortcut back in 2010, and it still doesn’t really work today. On top of that, the story felt scattered and the game was noticeably shorter than the first.

PaRappa The Rapper 2

Missing The Beat

PaRappa the Rapper was a surprisingly great game on the original PlayStation, and it was exciting when a sequel came out for the PlayStation 2. However, looking back, the sequel didn’t really improve on the original, felt very short, and the music wasn’t as memorable. Um Jammer Lammy ended up being a stronger follow-up in terms of capturing the spirit of the first game.

Look, I really want to see PaRappa come back, and I know a lot of other fans do too. But honestly, I don’t think a huge, expensive game is the way to go. Maybe if PaRappa the Rapper 2 had just been a download, people would have been more into it. But even then, the biggest problem was always the music just wasn’t that memorable, and that’s something they’d really need to fix.

Devil May Cry 2

The Merc With The Mouth Loses His Bite

When Devil May Cry 2 came out in 2003, fans were divided. Many didn’t feel it lived up to the first game, as it felt disconnected as a sequel. While Dante returned, he was much quieter, missing the humorous lines and personality that made the original so memorable. The game was also noticeably shorter and easier. However, some players were glad to have another Devil May Cry experience, even if it wasn’t perfect.

Following the success of the original Devil May Cry and its sequels, Devil May Cry 2 stands out as particularly strange. It doesn’t really fit into the series’ overall story and feels more like a random, fantastical vision Dante might have experienced.

Fallout: Brotherhood Of Steel

The First Fallout For Consoles

The Fallout series started in 1997 as a role-playing game that console gamers could only wish they could play. That changed in 2004 with the release of Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel for Xbox and PlayStation 2. Since console players hadn’t experienced the main Fallout games, they had nothing to compare it to.

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel was an action RPG played from an overhead perspective, similar to Diablo, rather than the later Fallout games. After players experienced the detailed world of Fallout 3 – with its choices in conversations, character creation, and open exploration – Brotherhood of Steel didn’t feel quite as innovative or engaging.

Metal Gear Survive

Not The Last Entry Any More

The split between Konami and Hideo Kojima was quite difficult, happening after the release of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. However, when Konami announced Metal Gear Survive, a spin-off game, fans were willing to see if the series could succeed without Kojima, acknowledging that Konami’s other developers were capable of making a good game.

The game didn’t make a big splash at first, but like many games today, it could have been improved with updates – similar to what happened with No Man’s Sky. Although a new Metal Gear game hasn’t come out since Hideo Kojima’s departure, Konami has released collections and is remaking Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This makes Metal Gear Survive less important, as it never received the updates needed to truly change the game.

Perfect Dark Zero

Good For A Launch

Perfect Dark Zero was one of the first games available when the Xbox 360 launched, and it was the console’s flagship first-person shooter. It demonstrated the Xbox 360’s graphical power and served as a temporary offering while Halo 3 was still being developed, as Halo 3 required significantly more development time.

With the release of Halo 3 and a surge of popular shooters on the Xbox 360 like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and BioShock, Perfect Dark Zero doesn’t quite measure up. The game also made the mistake of changing its main character, Joanna Dark, making her less experienced and capable. Fortunately, players can now more easily enjoy the original Perfect Dark game.

2026-04-30 20:39