Are Sequels as Good as the Originals?

MasonicGamer.com - Right now, somewhere in the world, a Sony fan is telling his 360-loving friend, “God of War: Ascension looks awesome! Best game of 2013, guaranteed!”. In fact, I was told something to this effect just the other day. From what I’ve heard of the game, it sounds pretty good, and why wouldn’t it be? After all, the original was one of the finest games on PS2, and the sequel was probably the aging console’s last big hit after the launch of PS3. Even the PSP’s Chains of Olympus was superb, bringing all the action to the small screen with controls that were, in some ways, better than it’s large screen counterparts. Yes, each game in the franchise has been an improvement over the one that came before it. Or have they?

[CLOUD1983]

"In the end, the question of sequels’ superiority of inferiority comes partly down to individual preference, and can’t be answered definitively."

That's exactly how I feel, for example some say that Resident Evil 2 was better than the original I disagree, for me the first will always be the best same for Silent Hill & same for Metal Gear Solid.

But there is many examples where a sequel is by far superior compare to the original the first games that comes to my mind is Uncharted & Killzone.

[RockmanII7]

A sequel can fix problems in the original and make the good things even better, but too many sequels can make a series stale. In some cases, the best franchises are the ones that end.

[morganfell]

Sequels are often necessary to bring about that closure. Sometimes the scope of an idea or story does not permit such an ending in a single game.

Also there are sequels that are in many ways wholly different fromt he original. Since the writer brought up God of War I will use that. Many people with little to no insight believe the GoW games are all the same.

They are not.

As much as I like Kratos I also know that this pain and rage he has is of his own making. Frankly Kratos old buddy your brought this tragedy on yourself.

But Ghost of Sparta is distinct and separates itself in this regard. Although leveling up and combat is similar in many respects, the game itself comes off as a completely unique experience for many because it is the one instance where Kratos truly was a victim and really deserves redemption. The title is more about a man in desperate pain attempting to right a wrong than it is a warrior raging for revenge.

Sequels. Don't like them? Then don't buy them.

[WeskerChildReborned]

In some cases, sequels are better than the original. Like my favorite Arkham City, i liked Arkham Asylum but i had more fun Arkham City.

[Nexgensensation]

it depends
sequels are only good when the original show undeniable potential. But when the original is undeniablely incredible the sequel usually fall on the short end of the stick.

[Adolph Fitler]

Is this topic the most stupid question in the history of questions? I think so..... I mean, is Terminator 1 better than 2? Is Aliens better than Alien? Is Predator 2 better than Predator?
Such a dumb question because take Terminator for example, some will think T2 is the better movie, due to it's more lighthearted, action packed nature, whereas others prefer the more pure, non-convoluted, hardcore, unflinching, edge that T1 is renowned for. I, personally love both & think while T2 certainly did NOT outdo T1 in any way, it did use the latest spfx & technology (same as T1 did) & came up with a contrasting story & opposite role for Arnie, going from definitive baddie to sort-of good guy.

So, movies like T1 & T2, Alien & Aliens are films that's originals are awesome & there sequels are also awesome, so the conclusion to which is better is in the eye of the beholder. But on the other hand, films like Predator & Predator 2, well, only a drunk, blind, mental asylum escapee would rate Predator 2 in the same league,....no scratch that, same stratosphere as the infinately awesome Predator. The original Boondock Saints is a true classic, that I personally love, yet the sequel was a trashy, cash in, that should never have been green lit.
So there you go. This kind of question cannot be asked, as there isn't a definitive answer. Every case is totally different, & every person that watches or plays great original films or games & there great sequels, will likely have different opinions on which is better & why (if they can even seperate them).

So asking this question, is as dumb as asking how long is a piece of string?

[Hicken]

I came in here to insult the author for asking such an incredibly stupid and subjective question, but instead I'll just give you a bubble for Well Said.

[Wintersun616]

Most series' sequels are usually better than their previous entries. There are a lot of examples where the 2nd game of a series is better in many ways than the first: Assassin's Creed, Ratchet & Clank, Uncharted, God of War, LittleBigPlanet, Batman: AA/AC etc.

But it can't go on forever. If continued for too long, the series is at great risk of becoming stale and repetitive. Also sometimes a sequel is technically better than the sequel due to a generation leap or other reasons, but can't live up to it's predecessor in other areas. One such series is MGS.

The question asked in the title can't be answered with yes or no, because there are a lot of examples of both scenarios.

I like sequels as long as they keep it fresh either via new kinds of gameplay or new good stories to tell.

[MoCowbell]

If they keep adding new elements and do not milk the series, yes.

[-MD-]

Well for example Darksiders 2 looks like it's taking what the original did but on a much bigger scale with many additional features (leveling, loot, more robust combat system). That seems like a direct upgrade from the original game. Same deal with Borderlands 2.

When you look at stuff like God of War, Call of Duty or Madden nothing really major changes from game to game, they're all essentially the same.

[ChunkyLover53]

Some sequels are better than the originals. I think its opinion mostly, but there is a reason sequels tend to sell. If its a solid franchise, people know they are getting quality with their $60. People are less willing to part with that money if they are unsure of the product.

[GTRrocker666]

Uncharted 2 was better than the original. Also all of the God of war games have been great so far. Dead space 2 was also good. I guess it depends on the game and the person playing it more than it being a sequel.

But also you have to remember that usually they have more time and money the second time around when making sequels, so It could be argued that more often than not the sequel will be better.

I guess I am kind of contradicting myself a little.

[DivineAssault]

Theres usually give & take when it comes to sequels.. The improvements come at the cost of some of the little things that made the originals so good.. Only so much devs can squeeze out of the consoles when theyre towards the end of the cycle.. It happened with Mass Effect to me.. I really liked the RPG elements & exploration of the first then 2 took out alot of it to refine the visuals & combat.. Then 3 did it again... GOW2 was a MUCH better game than 1.. 3 SMASHED em all in that first level but then it kinda slowed down as the game progressed.. I still think that the first segment of GOW 3 was the best impact in every way this gen.. It was fun, absolutely BEAUTIFUL, & top notch production...

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Over all this gen no. Yearly releases like cod go for the "holiday market" every single year and throwing creativity out the window (Madden to). GTA IV that game was horrible R* went for a more story focused game and failed imo opinion. GTAIV wasn't nearly as great as San Andreas. Scope and content is very very VERY important for all GTA's (original game only, not DLC).

Deadspace is digging an early grave. And ME 1 is still king, when its all said and done. ME2 being the worst, ME3 being better than 2 but shy of 1.

Half of it is probably due to raging fanboys bossing and telling devs how to make there games.

The other half is follow the leader mentality if it works in this game, it'll work in our game. And putting in features that'll "appeal to everyone" and basically leaving out the hardcore fanbase that loved and supported there game originally, and doing it all for that noob market...