For the most part, when the sequel to a popular video game drops on the market, it delivers a “more of the same” experience. But there are those occasional few that end up being way better than expected.
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See, it’s easy to hate on a video game sequel, mainly because you aren’t a fan of its concept or you don’t really feel the need to have a sequel to that particular game in the first place, or you just don’t like the idea of where a particular story may be going with your favorite characters. But, surprise! These video game sequels stepped up and not only delivered an extraordinary experience, but still fit right in with the franchise that they were based on.
So let’s look at five particular examples that rose above the hate and gave us something to truly enjoy. Yes, again.
Assassin’s Creed II
The original Assassin’s Creed is a great game, but it left a little something to be desired when it came to story. So when Assassin’s Creed II was announced, some were fearing that it would follow the same confusing road map, even with the change in location to Italy. But then the game arrived and…wow. It was like a world of difference, with a better protagonist (Ezio Auditore), along with a lush new environment to explore, customization options and impressive combat that really made feeling like an assassin so much better. Sure, it was a little cryptic at times, but it would help launch the series to new heights with the sequels that followed.
Bioshock 2
Disappointment for this sequel piled on early, mainly because some people were bummed that Irrational Games wasn’t working on it, and weren’t too fond of the idea that multiplayer was being forced into the game. And let’s be honest, the original is a tough, tough game to top. But the team over at 2K Marin did an admirable job with Bioshock 2, and the story has some very intriguing turns, particularly with your character, who’s none other than a Big Daddy. This may be one of the most underappreciated sequels out there, but, despite the fact it’s not Infinite, it’s still very good.
Plus…Minerva’s Den. Come on.
Red Dead Redemption
Yes, Red Dead Redemption was a sequel. The game follows the previously released Red Dead Revolver from the PS2 era, and does so with great aplomb, introducing a vast open world to explore, a great hero in John Marston, and a whole lot of gameplay tweaks that made it one of the best games of 2011. Some people doubted it, though, saying it would be just like a Grand Theft Western game. Of course, those thoughts probably went away the millisecond they tied someone to the train tracks and watched them get run over. If only Redemption 2 would get here sooner…
Knack II
The original Knack was a game that was considered the “poop” of the PlayStation 4 launch, a run-of-the-mill platformer with very little ideas. But little did you realize that Mark Cerny and company were actually listening to feedback to craft a much, much bigger tale to come. When Knack II was announced, it had doubters aplenty, but now that it’s available, you can see what’s been put into it. The combat and exploring is way better; the graphics are great; the co-op factor is superb; and the game as a whole just feels a lot more personable when it comes to adventure. Give it a chance.
We’ll review this one soon.
Metroid Prime
And now let’s turn to the game that got the most hate of all. When it was initially announced, Metroid Prime was set on bringing the classic series to the first-person shooting realm – and fans were not happy. But then Retro Studios did something stupendous when it came out, and blew everyone’s doors off. The game’s quality is off the charts, its controls are pretty much perfect, and its scope is just as grand as the earlier games it was built upon. Not to mention the fact that the two sequels that followed cemented Samus Aran into first-person shooting history.
And soon we’ll be getting a Metroid Prime 4 for our troubles. Take that, haters!
