Sequels are common in the entertainment industry, often driven by the success of a previous title. And the video game industry is no different. These sequels can range from unnecessary to outright detrimental to the original game’s legacy.
While some manage to surprise with their quality, others fail to capture what made the original game special. Some sequels leave players wondering, “Did we really need this?” Here are five video games that made sequels nobody asked for.
1. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is a classic example of an unnecessary sequel. The first game offered a complete story with two distinct endings, providing a sense of closure. But the sequel brought back the protagonist as a clone, undermining the original’s narrative.
While the game featured improved combat, it was short and failed to capture the depth of its predecessor. It left players feeling like it was a rushed addition rather than a meaningful continuation.
2. God of War (2018)
The 2018 release of God of War was a critical and commercial success, revitalizing the franchise. However, the game wasn’t necessary, as the original trilogy was considered some of the best in gaming history. The conclusion of the trilogy seemed perfect for the character, with Kratos’ journey coming to a satisfying end.
The God of War franchise has an extensive library of games over the last two decades. Ultumately, the decision to continue Kratos’ story paid off, making him a more complex and interesting character, but some fans argue that the original trilogy might have been better left alone.
3. Dark Souls II
Dark Souls II deviates from the typical Souls game formula, as it’s the only game in the series that Hidetaka Miyazaki didn’t write or direct. This departure led to mixed reactions among fans, with some feeling that it didn’t live up to the original.
Dark Souls II lacked the narrative connection to the first game and felt clunky in comparison. While it paved the way for Dark Souls III, many felt that it was a cheap copy that couldn’t match the original’s brilliance.
4. State of Emergency 2
State of Emergency was released after the success of Grand Theft Auto III and featured chaotic gameplay. State of Emergency 2 was a sequel that few anticipated or wanted. The original game was known for its chaotic, violent gameplay, and was a hit due to its novelty and controversy. But the sequel lacked the same excitement and innovation, feeling more like a rehash of the original’s mechanics without adding anything substantial. This left many wondering why it was made in the first place.
5. Prototype 2
While Prototype 2 improved on many aspects of the original game, it ultimately felt redundant. The first Prototype featured a compelling story and a tormented protagonist. The sequel introduced a new character, James Heller, but his story didn’t resonate as deeply. Despite its gameplay enhancements, Prototype 2 lacked the narrative strength of its predecessor, making it feel like a sequel that didn’t need to happen.
While some unnecessary sequels have surprised fans by being just as good as or even better than the first, many sequels end up ruining the previous games and make fans wish they had never been made.
Whether it’s due to a lack of innovation, poor execution, or simply not living up to the standards set by their predecessors, these five video games are examples of sequels that nobody asked for.
