Nine Video Game Sequels We'd Like To See

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Posted December 13, 2010 - By Jake Gaskill

When it come to sequels, it’s entirely a game of exceptions, not rules. Generally, sequels – and when we say sequels, we mean any continuation of an original story, not just a second installment – have a bad reputation, as they are oftentimes unfairly seen as quick cash in. However, every now and then an Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Half-Life 2, or Fallout 3 comes along and takes a franchise to new heights.

So as we look ahead to 2011 and its numerous high profile of sequels, threequels, and, in the case of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, five-quels, we thought we’d put together a shortlist of games that we’d love to see revisited and given proper next-gen follow ups. If you enjoy this list, just wait until you see Sequels We’d Like to See 2: The Sequelining.

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Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

I know Ninja Theory’s underappreciated Enslaved: Odyssey to the West only came out a couple months ago, and the incredibly unfortunate commercial reception means it will be just that much harder for a sequel to be made, but I don’t want to see my Beyond Good & Evil comparison go to the extent that we don’t hear from this game again for almost a decade. The game world is vibrant, mysterious, and compelling without having to pound players over the head with exposition. The characters are complex, engaging, and brought to life wonderfully by Andy Serkis and the rest of the fantastic cast. And the gameplay is fun (if a bit “no fail”-y), fluid, and satisfying. Please Namco Bandai. Don’t let this series die before it’s had a chance to really come into its own as what could be one of the best action-adventure franchises of this generation.

Nine Games That Need Sequels

The Journeyman Project

Even though this point-and-click, time-traveling, adventure series had three installments in its day, and, to be honest, I only played the second title (Buried in Time: The Journeyman Project 2), I always found the Time Cop-ish, detective narrative particularly compelling. I mean, you work for an organization that helps monitor history via time travel. When would that scenario ever get old? If someone created a 3D adventure reboot of this franchise in which players can freely explore and jump between four or five different time periods as they try to piece together a noir-inspired mystery, it could truly be something special. And not just because it would give us to chance to dust off all of our (unfortunate) Time Cop knowledge.

Nine Games That Need Sequels

Mirror’s Edge

Mirror’s Edge was one of those games that, for one reason or another, I just never got around to playing when it came out. Judging from the relatively disappointing sales, I obviously wasn’t the only one. But a few months back I finally played through it, and really enjoyed it. The colorful dystopian setting is gorgeously realized, if sadly under explored, and the first-person parkour mechanics worked better than I had anticipated. A proper sequel has been rumored to be in the works for a while now, but given developer DICE is currently working at least one Battlefield game at the moment, it might be a while before we see Faith Harrowing deliver another package. (If the sequel does end up happening, please, please, please don’t bring back the E-Surance-style cutscenes. I’d actually do away with the cutscenes entirely since the whole point of the game’s design is to make you as immersed as possible in the first-person perspective. Stay true to that, and we’ll be golden.)

Nine Games That Need Sequels

No One Lives Forever

Monolith Productions’ 1960s-themed, tongue in cheek, shooter franchise hasn’t been heard from since 2003’s thoroughly disappointing Contract J.A.C.K., the prequel to the stylish and slick No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.’s Way. From what I remember, the first two games in the series oozed character and nailed the whole 60s James Bond feel, featured all manner of clever gadgetry and weapons, had great writing, and memorable characters. I never played Contract J.A.C.K. so I can’t speak to that game’s specific shortcomings, but from what I’ve read, it was a genuine step backwards for one of last-gen’s most promising FPS franchises. If the powers that be could start cracking on a No One Lives Forever 3, that would be much appreciated. Here’s a jumping off point: NOLF protagonist Cate Archer is now retired and the head of the secret British intelligence agency UNITY and her daughter is now the agency’s top spy. When Cate’s husband goes missing, she must team up with her daughter to rescue him and uncover a massive government conspiracy along the way. Honestly, it writes itself.

Nine Games That Need Sequels

Psychonauts and/or Grim Fandango

While we are always excited to hear about whatever new project Tim Schafer and the crew over at Double Fine are cooking up, especially with regards to their most recent downloadable efforts (Costume Quest, Stacking, etc.), but like any Schafer fan, we can’t help but be just the slightest bit disappointed when a new game gets announced and it’s not Psychonauts 2. Having a true next-gen sequel to one of the most inventive, visually stunning, and hilarious games of all time would make each new day just a little sweeter. I threw in Grim Fandango 2 just because I would love the chance to explore that noir-ish Mexican underworld setting as an adventure game, especially with the power of current generation hardware behind it. Never hurts to dream.

Nine Games That Need Sequels

System Shock

Another entry on the list that falls into the “not exactly a sequel but rather a revisiting of an older series” is a threequel that by all accounts will simply never be made. However, should Ken Levine and company over at Irrational Games ever find themselves owning the rights to the System Shock franchise (which are currently owned by EA), and they felt like making a lot of gamers dreams come true, System Shock 3 would be a brilliant way to keep the System Shock/BioShock bloodline moving forward. Even though BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite are obvious descendants of what the developers at Looking Glass Technologies (which included Irrational Games founder Ken Levine and Deus Ex creator Warren Spector) established in the first two System Shock titles, a true follow up to one of the most terrifying and groundbreaking games ever – especially if it could somehow be a mega collaboration between Spector and Levine – would be out of control.

Nine Games That Need Sequels

Beyond Good & Evil and Half-Life 2: Episode Two

I know. I know. Ubisoft and Valve are (supposedly) hard at work on follow ups to both of these titles as we speak, but after waiting this long, can you really blame us for including two of the most anticipated sequels in gaming history? I’m actually not even going to make any suggestions regarding what I hope to see in these two games, because I want to avoid any preconceptions, even if they are wholly my own invention. That is, of course, until the first official details and media arrive, at which point I will go into full on "Whatever could it mean?!?!" mode. When it comes to sequels we'd like to see, Beyond Good & Evil 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode Three top the list. Hands down. Or, you know, just give us Half-Life 3. We won't complain.

Obviously, these are just a few of the titles we'd like to see continued, and this list isn't definitive in the least, so feel free to share your suggestions for sequels you'd like to see in the comments section below.

Should the need arise, feel free to E-Mail me your tips, suggestions, and/or personal philosophies, or follow me on Twitter.

Tags: Features, Videogames

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jS_45

Another one that's been beaten to death by the rumor mill, but I would still love to see revisited (in any capacity), is The Legend of Dragoon.

Posted: December 13, 2010 12:13 PM
gamermoney

hows about we get us another Dark Cloud

Posted: December 13, 2010 12:10 PM
josethetiger

#1 Demons Souls... #2 Star Wars Battlefront

Posted: December 13, 2010 12:10 PM
Krypton

I want a next gen Banjo Kazooie game. Rare needs to get the ball rollin with this. None of the Nuts & Bolts junk. Just a old school plat former like the old games were.

Other than that, I want a new GTA game set in the same universe as GTA IV, just in a new city with the occasional cameo & reference's to characters from GTA IV & the 2 DLC's.

I also want KotoR 3, Star Wars Battlefront 3, Bully 2 & Alan Wake 2.

Posted: December 13, 2010 12:08 PM
Judge_Holden

Come on Mirror's Edge 2. The campaign wasn't the reason you played that game; it was largely forgettable. But the time trials... My God, I spent hours three star-ing those things.

Posted: December 13, 2010 12:00 PM
ggamer25

Brutal Legend 2 Bully 2 Psychonauts 2!! and Sly 4!

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:58 AM
Aceassn716

System Shock wow man that takes it back LONG OVERDUE also Highly agree with Beyond Good & Evil, Psychonauts although I would love to see another Deathrow from Ubisoft on original Xbox it screams sequel fighting scoring customization multiplayer Or a XBLA release would be great. Rock&Roll Racing?!?

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:57 AM
lilmark15

2011 lookz 2 be a huge year 4 us Gamers and sony

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:56 AM
Tommytsunami

I would like a see a sequel to Banjo Kazooie that stays true to its original format! Nuts and Bolts was fun, but it didn't feel like a Banjo Kazooie game to me... Honestly if Microsoft had Rare put out one that played like the first two, I'd go out and buy a 360 or their next console instead of just using my roommates...

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:56 AM
JustTheBeginning

Indeed, missing Battlefront 3. I would also love a Warhawk sequel, I think its coming but I want it none the less!

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:56 AM
punkisdead44

battlefront 3

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:52 AM
BONERJAM

How about a new Shinobi?

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:49 AM
nvserg

what about Brothers In Arms Hells highway?????

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:49 AM
CLUNGEHUNTERPJ

2011 looks like one of the best years we've had - Skyrim, ME3, Gears 3, Arkham city, UC3, AC3 (probably), Crysis 3, Halo remake, et cetera. I actually care about most of em

Crysis and Gears are a little meh as far as i'm concerned. Crysis feels like it was designed by a committee if you know what i mean. Gears has never really done it for me to be honest.

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:49 AM
sy_cred

I kinda want another P.N. 03.

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:44 AM
sy_cred

I kinda want another P.N. 03.

Posted: December 13, 2010 11:42 AM