Video Game Spinoffs That Actually Matter

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Summary

  • Certain spinoffs are essential to franchise lore and explain key events (e.g., Crisis Core, Birth by Sleep).
  • Spinoffs can be excellent games in their own right and introduce key mechanics (e.g., Peace Walker, Pre-Sequel).
  • Many handheld spinoffs and remasters make vital stories playable again (e.g., Daxter, KH remasters).

Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Mario, Sonic, and countless other major game series have lots of spinoff titles. Spinoffs are usually a positive thing, allowing different development teams to explore new ideas. Just imagine how different gaming would be without titles like Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars or Final Fantasy Tactics?

These games were excellent, but they weren’t considered official parts of their series’ main storylines. Are there any spinoffs that are so crucial to the overall story that you’d be missing out if you skipped them? And, putting the story aside, are they actually enjoyable games? These titles really raised the standard for what their franchises could be.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7

The Squat Master Returns

The Final Fantasy series is known for having many important spinoffs that expand on the main storyline. This includes direct sequels like Final Fantasy 10-2 and Final Fantasy 13-2. One of the most highly-regarded spinoffs is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7, which serves as a prequel to Final Fantasy 7, showing the events in the life of Zack before the original game.

Players who experienced the special episode with Zack in the original game are aware of what happens to him, but this prequel does a great job of expanding his story and making him an even more relatable hero than Cloud. Featuring strong action sequences and lots of side quests, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion is a standout title from the PSP era, now easier to enjoy thanks to the remaster.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Building Big Boss’s Legacy

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was the first game to explore the backstory of Big Boss. This eventually led to the creation of two smaller games for the PSP, which showed even more of his life leading up to the original Metal Gear game on the MSX system. Of these two spin-offs, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is widely seen as the more important and successful title.

This game was significant not just for its story, but also because it pioneered many features later seen in Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Players complete missions, gain new team members using a unique balloon-based system, and then utilize those members to develop equipment at their base of operations.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep

Three Destinies

The Kingdom Hearts series mainly consists of spin-off games, since there are only three main numbered titles, with a fourth one currently in development. Importantly, all of these spin-offs contribute to the larger story. Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is particularly significant; it’s a prequel originally released on the PSP that focuses on three Keyblade masters who first encountered the series’ main antagonist, Xehanort.

Players will experience three exciting campaigns featuring Aqua, Terra, and Ventus, set in well-known Disney worlds inspired by movies such as Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch. You can easily play it now through the remastered collection, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

Gives Rise To The Franchise’s Greatest Villain

A lot of fans believe Borderlands 2 is the best game in the series, largely because of the memorable villain, Handsome Jack. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel lets you play as Jack when he was first starting out as a Vault Hunter. He isn’t the charming character players know from 2 yet, but the game shows how he eventually changes. While it’s often overlooked, it’s still a solid game with interesting features, like fighting on the moon with low gravity and having to manage oxygen levels.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Claire’s Spinoff Destiny

Claire Redfield was a playable character in Resident Evil 2, which made her a significant figure in the Resident Evil series. However, that’s the only main, numbered game she ever appeared in. All her other appearances have been in side games, or spinoffs, such as Resident Evil – Code: Veronica and Resident Evil: Revelations 2.

I think both of those games are enjoyable, but if you’re looking for something to play *right now*, I’d definitely recommend Resident Evil: Revelations 2. It just feels more polished with its updated shooting and the ability to play co-op. Plus, it’s awesome to see Barry Burton back – he was such a great partner to Jill Valentine in the original game!

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Sailing For Adventure

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the newest game in the Yakuza series, continuing the story after Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. It shows what happened to the popular character Goro Majima following the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Majima, struggling with amnesia, unexpectedly finds himself on a real pirate journey filled with treasure, massive ships, and traditional sea songs. True to form for a game starring Majima, it’s incredibly exaggerated – but in a good way – offering constant action and playful nautical chaos.

Persona 5 Strikers

A Beach Adventure

Omega Force’s games in the style of Dynasty Warriors often get criticized for feeling repetitive. But, they are generally well-made action RPGs. The standout title, and the one most deserving of your time, is Persona 5 Strikers, which continues the story directly after the events of Persona 5.

Following his return home, Ren reconnects with his friends during a summer break. However, trouble soon finds them again in the form of demons, forcing the Phantom Thieves to reunite and fight their way through a series of action-packed dungeons to save everyone.

Daxter

Slapstick Comedy

Daxter is the furry friend who accompanies Jak in Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. In Jak 2, both Jak and Daxter are transported to the future, and then experience another jump forward in time. Daxter is a game originally made for the PSP that tells the story of what Daxter was up to while Jak was imprisoned and subjected to experiments.

Okay, so the adventure is a little smaller in scale this time, but honestly, the humor is *spot on*! I’ve always loved Daxter – he’s always been the heart of the series, in my opinion. As the player, you’ll be running all over town, basically getting rid of bugs and other little pests, all while trying to find people who are willing to help free Jak. It’s a fun mission!

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2025-09-30 08:35