In the world of movies, sequels are rarely better. With video games, it tends to be the opposite. Sequels usually improve on the original’s gameplay and graphics, making them significantly better. These ten sequels did more than just slightly improve on the original, though. They brought new ideas, features, and gameplay into the series.
10. Super Mario Bros. 3
Released two years after its predecessor and three years after the original, 1988’s Super Mario Bros. 3 is notable for introducing many new elements that became staples of the series. With more challenging gameplay, it became the third-best-selling NES game of all time and is considered one of the all-time greatest video games.
9. God of War (2018)
Not to be confused with the original from 2005, the 2018 version under the series title God of War is the eighth installment of this series. It differs from its predecessors which were based on Greek mythology, while this reboot is based on Norse mythology. With a reimagined story, world design, and RPG elements, it’s considered one of the greatest games ever.
8. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is considered a landmark title in the long-running franchise. It was the first in the series to use full-motion video and 3D character models over to 2D backgrounds. It’s notable for popularizing Japanese role-playing games worldwide. A remake series has modernized Final Fantasy VII for PlayStation 5, but so far, we prefer the original.
7. Portal 2
While the original Portal stands out for its cleverness, the adventure itself was small in scale. 2011’s Portal 2 greatly expands on the puzzle platform game and the story behind the experiments. Much more depth was added overall, including new characters that make the game one of the funniest in history.
6. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
While the whole series is respectable, the original suffered from repetition and a generic narrative. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves brought a more interesting story and characters, as well as some of the best villains. There’s more variety in the missions, more elaborate set pieces, and online multiplayer was added.
5. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 from 2018 is actually the third entry in the series and a prequel to the original. The second installment was one of the best games of its generation and a tough act to follow. Yet, Red Dead Redemption 2 does everything better than its predecessors. From story to characters to action, it’s near-perfect and has won more than 175 awards to prove it.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt from 2015 is the title that popularized the franchise in the gaming world. The series finally hit its stride in this installment. The Witcher 3 cemented its place among the greatest RPGs. The storytelling is improved, and characters explore a much larger world with more to see and do.
3. Assassin’s Creed II
Released in 2009, Assassin’s Creed II builds on the incredible premise of its predecessor. Repetitive missions and restrictive mechanics hampered the original, and the sequel avoids those mistakes. Overall, the story is more engaging. Its protagonist, Ezio, is more compelling than the previous, Altair. Combat has also been significantly improved.
2. Half-Life 2
The original stood out for its uniqueness, as there had never been another FPS quite like it. Half-Life 2 met the seemingly impossible challenge of still connecting to the first while being superior. Most of all, the gameplay and physics engine allows players to do many things they couldn’t before. The environments have more variety. It’s considered one of the best games ever made. Gamers are still waiting for news about Half-Life 3.
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1. Mass Effect 2
What makes 2010’s Mass Effect 2 superior to its namesake from 2007 is that it rights most of its predecessor’s wrongs. Combat is especially improved, with the cover-based shooting being more responsive and fluid. While the original story was excellent, the sequel easily rivals it. In the sequel, players get to know the main characters on a much deeper level.
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