Top 5 Impressive Game Sequels You Didn't Immediately Think Of

With just one tweet, PlayStation managed to get both Uncharted 2 and Batman: Arkham City trending, which is quite the feat. The company asked a simple question about people's favorite sequel: 
 

What's the most impressive video game sequel?

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) May 24, 2020

We thought we'd throw a few names out there that aren't as commonly brought up, living a bit further in the backs of our heads, but not lesser for it. The term "impressive" does need a bit of quantifying first, however, as it's kind of vague what that implies. So, while games can look and play vastly different when crossing generations, we'll choose to bar out some comparisons that would feel unfair through a technology gap. Console jumps are allowed, as long as the game doesn't transform into a much more complex beast because of it. The core of the idea should still feel similar. Think, for instance, most of the original PlayStation games that eventually got a sequel on PlayStation 2 would not fit, since the 3D era was still in its infancy on the first console.

5. Final Fantasy XIII-2

Is it still controversial to go to bat for Final Fantasy XIII? Now that the years of anticipation and confusion are behind us, maybe we can separate ourselves a bit from the conversation around this series within a series. 

When it comes to sequels, XIII-2 gets it exactly right. The criticism of the first entry's linear nature gets unraveled in an odd time travel story that can rub shoulders with the likes of Radiant Historia. The game pace is much more brisk and gets into the action right away, putting the focus back on gameplay, which also got tweaked to be less passive, as a good role-playing game (RPG) should. Moreover, protagonist Serah is more palpable than the blank page that is Lightning. It's snappy, it's fun and there's some really weird Final Fantasy nonsense in the story. The only downside to Final Fantasy XIII-2 is that it's sandwiched between two games that got more visibility, but didn't live up to their name. Hell, maybe just play this as a standalone.

4. Rocket League

The reason Rocket League is in this list is certainly not because it's an unknown game. No one could make that argument. No, more so, this grassroots release gone titan gets a mention because most people can't immediately recall that it's a sequel. Without looking, can you name the original game?

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars is the answer. Perhaps the name wasn't really chosen well, but all the basic elements of Rocket League were there. Now, however, the soccer game with cars has truly been refined to an art. Some would even say the game is now a sport, considering the healthy esports life it still has. There's just something so satisfying about the simplicity of Rocket League's gameplay that has nearly endless room for growth. Whether you're a new player or a pro, everyone can enjoy bumping cars to their level, without feeling like missing out.

3. Drakengard 3

Drakengard and Drakengard 2 are video games. They exist. The two games aren't exactly masterpieces, but they have some interesting qualities amidst their drab look and basic musou gameplay, à la Dynasty Warriors.

Drakengard 3 though; now that's a gosh dang sequel. Gameplay is still broken up between musou elements and the Panzer Dragoon flight combat, but the whole gets ratcheted up to full Yoko Taro levels. The whole game is brimming with that special kind of personality that can't quite be placed. What would you expect from the studio also responsible for Deadly Premonition?

Luckily, there is more variety in the details, when it comes to world building and combat, so it's a more enjoyable experience than the dry predecessors. Protagonist Zero also managed to get a little bit of a cult status over the years. Drakengard 3 is worth looking into, without even knowing the context of the first two games. The less you know, the better, even.

2. Disney Magical World 2

There's no shortage of great games on the Nintendo 3DS, so much so that the Disney Magical World series sort of came and went. Still, it's nearly impossible to say anything negative about Disney Magical World 2. For the sequel, the developers packed the game with tons more content, expanding on the Animal Crossing and Rune Story elements of the original. There are also more mini-games and more variety when it comes to wandering the world of Disney.

With some entertaining dungeons, collect-a-thon café management and just all around wholesomeness, Disney Magical World 2 stands as one of the best games on the Nintendo 3DS. Plain and simple, the game is just a good time and deserves your attention.

 

1. Dark Chronicle

Also known as Dark Cloud 2 in some territories, Dark Chronicle isn't just a great sequel; it's a masterclass in game design. Never before has a game expanded so much and managed to feel like a complete product, where every element is fleshed out.

Aside from the lengthy RPG with slick cell-shaded visuals, the game is packed with side content. Dungeons can be used for fishing. Those fish can then be used for breeding and racing. Clearing an area also unlocks a golf game. Yup, there's golf in Dark Chronicle. That's without the city building aspect of the main game, photographing, upgrading and crafting and so on and so on. Every aspect of Dark Chronicle can last for dozens of hours and all of it is gravy on an already tremendous, colorful, enticing game. Give Dark Chronicle a shot; you won't regret it.
 

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed
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