Games That Need Sequels The Most

\nIt's a common lament among gamers: the agony of loving a game so much that you desperately crave a sequel, only to be met with silence. The gaming landscape is littered with amazing titles that, for various reasons, never received the follow-up they deserved. Sometimes, it's a matter of sales not meeting expectations, other times the developers move on to new projects, or perhaps the original vision was so complete that a sequel felt unnecessary. Whatever the reason, the absence of a sequel leaves a void, a yearning to return to a beloved world and explore its untapped potential. This article delves into the realm of video games that drastically need a sequel, exploring the reasons why these games resonated with players and why a continuation would be so eagerly welcomed.

Games that Deserve a Sequel

1. The Alluring World of 'Bloodborne':

'Bloodborne', FromSoftware's gothic horror masterpiece, stands as a testament to the power of world-building, challenging gameplay, and captivating lore. Released in 2015, it quickly garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, drawn in by its unique blend of Victorian-era aesthetics, Lovecraftian horror, and the notoriously difficult but rewarding combat mechanics that have become a hallmark of FromSoftware's Soulsborne games. Bloodborne's hauntingly beautiful Yharnam, a city plagued by a blood-borne disease that transforms its inhabitants into grotesque beasts, is a world ripe with untold stories and unexplored corners. The game's intricate lore, steeped in arcane mysteries and cosmic horrors, has captivated players, sparking countless discussions and theories about the nature of the Hunt, the Great Ones, and the true meaning behind the game's cryptic narrative. The fast-paced, aggressive combat system, a departure from the more methodical style of the Dark Souls series, further solidified Bloodborne's unique identity, demanding skill and precision from players as they navigate the treacherous streets and dungeons of Yharnam. Despite its critical and commercial success, Bloodborne remains a standalone title, with no official sequel or even a PC port announced. This absence has left a gaping hole in the hearts of fans who yearn to return to the world of Yharnam, to delve deeper into its mysteries, and to face new horrors in a setting that has become iconic in the gaming world. A sequel to Bloodborne could explore the vast, untapped potential of its lore, introducing new factions, new creatures, and new perspectives on the events that shaped Yharnam. It could delve into the history of the Healing Church, the secrets of the Pthumerian civilization, or the machinations of the Great Ones, offering players a richer and more nuanced understanding of the world. Furthermore, a sequel could refine and expand upon the combat system, introducing new weapons, new Hunter Tools, and new combat styles, providing players with even more options for tackling the game's challenging encounters. The demand for a Bloodborne sequel is a testament to the game's enduring quality and its profound impact on the gaming community. It is a game that deserves to be revisited, expanded upon, and shared with a new generation of players, and a sequel would undoubtedly be met with immense enthusiasm.

2. 'Half-Life 2: Episode Three' - The Unfinished Chapter:

The saga of Gordon Freeman and the Combine invasion is a legendary tale in the history of video games, but it remains frustratingly incomplete. 'Half-Life 2', released in 2004, revolutionized first-person shooters with its immersive world, groundbreaking physics, and compelling narrative. The episodic structure, introduced with 'Half-Life 2: Episode One' and 'Episode Two', promised a continuing story, with new episodes released periodically to bridge the gap to a full-fledged sequel. However, the episodic journey abruptly ended with 'Episode Two' in 2007, leaving fans on a cliffhanger that has persisted for over a decade. The anticipation for 'Half-Life 2: Episode Three' (or 'Half-Life 3', as it was eventually speculated to be) reached fever pitch, with rumors, theories, and fan-made content filling the void left by Valve's silence. The game's absence became a running joke within the gaming community, a symbol of unfulfilled promises and the agonizing wait for a conclusion to a beloved story. The narrative threads left dangling at the end of 'Episode Two' are numerous and compelling. The fate of Eli Vance, the mysterious Vortigaunts, the secrets of the Borealis, and the ongoing struggle against the Combine all begged for resolution. Fans yearned to see Gordon Freeman continue his journey, to explore new environments, to face new enemies, and to uncover the truth behind the Combine's presence on Earth. The release of 'Half-Life: Alyx' in 2020, a VR-exclusive prequel, reignited hope that Valve had not forgotten the Half-Life universe. The game was a critical and commercial success, proving that the franchise still had immense potential and that fans were eager to return to its world. However, 'Alyx' only served to whet the appetite for a true sequel, one that would continue the story of Gordon Freeman and finally provide closure to the events of 'Half-Life 2'. The legacy of 'Half-Life 2' is undeniable, and the absence of a proper conclusion to its story is a disservice to both the fans and the franchise itself. A sequel, whether it takes the form of 'Episode Three' or a full-fledged 'Half-Life 3', is not just a matter of fan service; it is a necessary step to complete a story that has captivated gamers for generations.

3. 'Beyond Good & Evil 2' - A Long-Awaited Odyssey:

Ubisoft's 'Beyond Good & Evil', released in 2003, is a cult classic action-adventure game praised for its unique blend of gameplay mechanics, its charming characters, and its thought-provoking story. Set on the planet Hillys, a world under threat from an alien conspiracy, the game follows the adventures of Jade, a young investigative reporter and martial artist, as she uncovers the truth behind the government's propaganda and the alien DomZ threat. 'Beyond Good & Evil' captivated players with its engaging story, its memorable characters (particularly Jade and her companion, Pey'j), and its diverse gameplay, which seamlessly blended stealth, combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The game's world, a vibrant and imaginative blend of science fiction and fantasy, was also a major draw, with its unique architecture, its diverse inhabitants, and its sense of mystery and wonder. Despite its critical acclaim, 'Beyond Good & Evil' was a commercial disappointment, which contributed to the long and arduous development of its sequel. 'Beyond Good & Evil 2' was officially announced in 2008, but its development has been plagued by delays and setbacks. Over the years, Ubisoft has released several trailers and gameplay demos, showcasing the game's ambitious scope and its shift towards a more open-world, space-faring adventure. The sequel is set as a prequel, exploring the origins of Jade's character and the events that led to the first game. While the trailers have been visually stunning and the concept promising, the long wait and the lack of concrete information have fueled concerns about the game's future. Fans of the original 'Beyond Good & Evil' remain hopeful that 'Beyond Good & Evil 2' will eventually see the light of day, but the prolonged development cycle has tempered expectations. The original game's unique charm and its thought-provoking story have left a lasting impact on players, and a sequel that captures that same magic would be a welcome addition to the gaming landscape. The potential for 'Beyond Good & Evil 2' is immense, with its vast open-world setting, its diverse cast of characters, and its intriguing backstory. However, the game's success will ultimately depend on whether it can recapture the spirit of the original while also delivering a compelling and innovative gameplay experience.

4. 'Sleeping Dogs' - An Undercover Gem:

'Sleeping Dogs', released in 2012, is an open-world action-adventure game that offers a gritty and compelling take on the Hong Kong crime drama. The game follows the story of Wei Shen, an undercover police officer tasked with infiltrating the Sun On Yee Triad organization. 'Sleeping Dogs' distinguished itself from other open-world crime games with its focus on martial arts combat, its visceral melee system, and its authentic portrayal of Hong Kong's underworld. The game's story is a gripping tale of betrayal, loyalty, and moral ambiguity, as Wei Shen struggles to balance his duty as a police officer with his growing connections to the Triads. The city of Hong Kong is brought to life in stunning detail, with its bustling streets, its vibrant nightlife, and its diverse population. The game's combat system is a highlight, offering a fluid and brutal blend of martial arts, gunplay, and environmental takedowns. Wei Shen's fighting skills are central to the gameplay, allowing players to engage in acrobatic maneuvers, bone-crushing combos, and devastating finishing moves. 'Sleeping Dogs' received critical acclaim for its story, its combat, and its authentic setting, but its commercial performance was initially underwhelming. Despite this, the game has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years, who appreciate its unique blend of action, drama, and open-world exploration. A sequel to 'Sleeping Dogs' has been a long-standing request from fans, who yearn to return to the world of Hong Kong's Triads and to continue Wei Shen's story. The potential for a sequel is vast, with the opportunity to explore new storylines, new characters, and new aspects of Hong Kong's underworld. A sequel could delve deeper into Wei Shen's past, explore his relationships with other characters, or even introduce a new protagonist navigating the complex web of Triad politics. The combat system could be further refined and expanded upon, introducing new martial arts styles, new weapons, and new environmental interactions. The world of Hong Kong itself could be expanded, offering players even more to explore and discover. 'Sleeping Dogs' is a hidden gem in the open-world genre, and a sequel would provide the opportunity to build upon its strengths and to deliver an even more compelling and immersive experience.

5. 'Okami 2' - A Canvas Awaiting New Strokes:

'Okami', released in 2006, is a visually stunning action-adventure game that draws heavily from Japanese mythology and folklore. The game follows the story of Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, who takes the form of a white wolf to restore balance to the world. 'Okami' is renowned for its unique art style, which emulates traditional Japanese ink painting, creating a beautiful and visually striking world. The game's gameplay blends action, puzzle-solving, and exploration, with Amaterasu using her Celestial Brush to manipulate the environment, defeat enemies, and solve puzzles. The Celestial Brush is a central mechanic, allowing players to draw strokes on the screen to perform various actions, such as creating bridges, summoning wind, or slashing enemies. The game's story is a captivating tale of gods, demons, and mythical creatures, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore and legends. Amaterasu's journey to restore balance to the world is filled with memorable characters, challenging encounters, and stunning vistas. 'Okami' received critical acclaim for its art style, its gameplay, and its story, but its commercial performance was initially disappointing. However, the game has gained a cult following over the years, with numerous re-releases and ports across various platforms. The demand for a sequel to 'Okami' has been persistent, with fans yearning to return to the game's beautiful world and to experience a new adventure with Amaterasu. The potential for an 'Okami' sequel is vast, with the opportunity to explore new myths, new legends, and new regions of Japan. A sequel could introduce new Celestial Brush techniques, new enemies, and new challenges for Amaterasu to overcome. The game's art style could be further refined and enhanced, pushing the boundaries of visual creativity. A sequel could also explore new gameplay mechanics, such as cooperative multiplayer or a more open-world structure. 'Okami' is a masterpiece of visual design and storytelling, and a sequel would provide the opportunity to build upon its legacy and to deliver an even more unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

The games listed above represent just a fraction of the titles that deserve a sequel. They are games that resonated with players on a deep level, leaving a lasting impact and a yearning for more. Whether it's the gothic horror of Bloodborne, the unfinished saga of Half-Life 2, the space-faring adventure of Beyond Good & Evil 2, the gritty crime drama of Sleeping Dogs, or the mythological beauty of Okami, these games have earned their place in gaming history and deserve to be revisited. A sequel would not only provide fans with the closure or continuation they desire but also offer the opportunity to introduce these beloved worlds and characters to a new generation of players. The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, but the desire for compelling stories, engaging gameplay, and memorable experiences remains constant. These games have the potential to deliver all of that and more, making them prime candidates for a long-awaited sequel.