The sequels of some popular game series have disappointed their fans by deviating from the integrity of the story. We have listed 10 games for you.
In some game series, problems may occur such as not being able to preserve the original tone, fiction or character development of the story when sequels are released. When the first installment of a game series becomes legendary, sequels often have difficulty achieving the same success. There are many reasons behind this. The first game is usually at the top in terms of creativity and innovation; Developers impress players by delivering original concepts, exciting mechanics, and unique stories. The success of the first game raises players’ expectations and increases interest in sequels. However, it is quite difficult to maintain this success.
Disappointing Sequels
One of the primary problems is the pressure to deliver innovation in sequels. Developers are aware that players expect more innovation from the series, and therefore they may change the original structure a lot. The desire for innovation can destroy the basic structure of the game, causing it to lose its original appeal. This is especially evident in the story and character development. Adding forced innovations to the story can harm the spirit of the series by diverting the characters from their basic characteristics.
The story told in the first production usually reaches a certain conclusion and offers a natural closure. However, adding new story paths to this ending for sequels could undermine the integrity of the original story. The emotional connection evoked by the original structure becomes incompatible with the changes in the new game, and players may not be happy with this incompatibility. This causes the emotional ties established with the original game to be damaged.
Finally, commercial pressures are also a big factor in the development process of sequels. After the success of the first game, sequels are made with larger budgets and the aim of appealing to the masses. However, this may cause creative processes to become jammed and commercial concerns to come to the fore. In the eyes of the players, a sequel driven by commercial concerns may be perceived as having moved away from the originality of the first production.
1.Mass Effect
Mass Effect 3 failed to bring the various story paths and character relationships that had been built since the beginning of the series to a satisfying conclusion in the finale. Players are of the opinion that the fact that the series ends in three different colors (red, green, blue) does not add depth to the story.
2.DeusEx
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided continued the complex and fascinating story of the previous game, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, but left many questions unanswered. His story came to an abrupt end as he was heading towards a big event, and many players never got to see the sequel.
3. Resident Evil
Resident Evil 6 replaced the survival horror of previous games with an action-oriented narrative. This change led to negative reactions among fans of the series. Leaving the horror elements behind and crafting a story based more on action was considered contrary to the spirit of the series.
4. Silent Hill
Silent Hill: Downpour and Silent Hill: Homecoming could not reflect the deep psychological fear and symbolism of the first games of the series. Instead of the story structure and emotional depth of the characters, the focus was on more superficial horror elements, which caused the series to move away from its main theme.
5. Assassin’s Creed
The modern-day story of the Assassin’s Creed series underwent significant changes after Assassin’s Creed III, and Desmond Miles’ story came to an abrupt end. This left the modern-day story that the series had been trying to establish for a long time incomplete and was criticized by some players.
6. Dragon Age
Dragon Age II narrowed down the vast world of the first game, offering a story set in a single city. The contraction in story and character development spoiled the epic atmosphere created by the first game of the series, and the sequel failed to deliver what was expected.
7. Fable
Fable III failed to maintain the fascinating and deep story structure of the first two games. The course of the story did not affect the consequences of the decisions and character development to the extent expected. Additionally, the ending of the game was found unsatisfactory and caused the series to lose its magic.
8. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain left many gaps in the story with the departure of series creator Hideo Kojima. The fact that the story was left unfinished was seen as a major deficiency, especially for the last game that was expected to connect the main points of a long-running series.
9. The Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls Online could not remain faithful enough to the deep story structure and character-oriented narrative of the main games of the series. Being an online game, the main story is limited to quick missions and team-based activities rather than open-world exploration and deep role-playing elements. This was criticized by single-player focused fans of the series.
10. Final Fantasy
The Final Fantasy XIII series (especially XIII-2 and Lightning Returns) further confused the complex and multi-layered story structure of the main game, making the series difficult to follow. The story’s themes of time travel and alternate reality caused many players to lose interest. Compared to other games in the series, the narrative was too complex and disjointed, which did not satisfy the fans.
Maintaining the success of legendary first games is often challenging. This challenge arises from many factors, including pressure to innovate, difficulty maintaining story integrity, and commercial considerations. As a player, it will be saddening if we see games that continue this in the future, as in the past.
There have been sequels that disappointed you too. You can share it with us in the comments.