These Video Games Should Never Have Had A Sequel (Part 1)

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - June 20th 2025, 19:00 GMT+2

DOOM Eternal (2020)

DOOM Eternal successfully built upon the 2016 reboot with its fast-paced combat, stunning visuals, and heart-pumping soundtrack. It expanded the gameplay, introducing new mechanics and a deeper narrative, while maintaining the core intensity fans loved. However, the franchise took a huge misstep with DOOM: The Dark Ages. This medieval-fantasy spin-off strayed too far from the fast-paced shooter action that defined the series. The slow, clunky gameplay and poorly executed story made it feel out of place in the DOOM universe. DOOM: The Dark Ages failed to innovate or excite, leaving fans questioning why such a drastic change was made. Thankfully, DOOM Eternal revived the series, proving that sometimes, staying true to what works is the best approach. | © id Software

Cropped Subnautica — Subnautica (2018)

Exploring the depths of an alien ocean in Subnautica was an experience like no other. Its survival mechanics, combined with the sense of mystery and discovery, made it a captivating underwater adventure. The game’s beauty and isolation were gripping, pulling players into its world. However, Subnautica: Below Zero couldn’t quite live up to the magic of its predecessor. While it introduced new biomes and features, the cold, icy setting didn’t have the same charm as the original’s tropical waters. The sequel felt like a rehash, lacking the fresh sense of wonder that made the first game so unforgettable. | © Unknown Worlds Entertainment

Cropped Horizon Zero Dawn — Horizon: Zero Dawn (2017)

The post-apocalyptic world of Horizon: Zero Dawn was something to behold—lush landscapes, robotic creatures, and a rich story that captivated players. The game offered a unique blend of action, exploration, and a thought-provoking narrative. Unfortunately, Horizon Forbidden West didn’t quite match its predecessor. While it expanded the world and improved graphics, it failed to recapture the awe of the first game. The story felt a bit more predictable, and the gameplay didn’t bring enough new elements to feel truly fresh. Despite being a solid follow-up, it just couldn’t ignite the same spark as Zero Dawn. | © Guerrilla Games

Cropped Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle — Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (2017)

At first glance, the idea of combining Mario with the chaotic Rabbids seemed like a recipe for disaster. But Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle ended up being a surprisingly delightful tactical strategy game, blending humor and clever mechanics in a way that was both fun and engaging. However, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope didn’t hit the same highs. It added new mechanics and characters, but the novelty started to wear thin, and the gameplay felt more like an expansion rather than a fresh sequel. While still charming, it didn’t have the same level of excitement that made the first game stand out. | © Ubisoft

Cropped Overwatch — Overwatch (2016)

Overwatch was an instant classic, offering a fresh take on team-based shooters with diverse heroes, tactical gameplay, and a colorful, vibrant world. It was one of those games that seemed like a breath of fresh air in an often stale genre. So, when Overwatch 2 was announced, expectations were understandably sky-high. But when it arrived, it didn’t quite live up to the hype. The shift to 5v5 gameplay, the introduction of a battle pass, and some questionable balance changes left fans scratching their heads. Overwatch 2 felt more like a patch than a true sequel, and the changes didn’t really add up to something revolutionary. It’s a fun game, sure, but it was hard not to feel like the developers missed the mark on what made the first game so beloved. | © Blizzard Entertainment

Dying Light (2015)

The original Dying Light took the zombie genre and added a fresh twist with parkour mechanics, offering an exhilarating combination of survival and fast-paced movement. The open-world design and dynamic day-night cycle created a tense atmosphere that kept you on edge. However, Dying Light 2 couldn’t quite replicate the same sense of urgency and freedom. While the game expanded the world and added new mechanics, it felt bogged down by technical issues and repetitive missions. The magic of the first game’s intense parkour and combat felt diluted in the sequel, leaving fans wishing for the simplicity and chaos that made the original so memorable. | © Techland

Kerbal Space Program (2015)

There’s no denying the charm of Kerbal Space Program—a game that mixed humor, science, and space exploration in a unique and surprisingly deep way. Players were tasked with building rockets and sending their adorable Kerbals into space, often with hilariously disastrous results. But when Kerbal Space Program 2 arrived, it couldn’t match the magic of the original. The sequel promised more complex systems and better graphics, but it suffered from performance issues and technical bugs that hindered the experience. Where the original thrived on its simplicity and quirky charm, the sequel’s complexity made it harder to appreciate, leaving fans feeling like the magic was lost in translation. | © Private Division

Tales From The Borderlands (2014)

The first Tales from the Borderlands took the humor and zaniness of the Borderlands universe and turned it into a surprisingly heartfelt and well-crafted narrative adventure. The characters were lovable, the story engaging, and the writing spot-on. New Tales from the Borderlands, though, failed to hit the same high notes. While it kept some of the charm, it felt more like a cash grab than a genuine continuation of the original’s quality. The characters weren’t as memorable, and the humor often felt forced rather than organic. What made the original so special was the balance of humor and depth, but the sequel struggled to maintain that magic. | © Gearbox Software

PAYDAY 2 — Payday 2 (2013)

When the first Payday hit, it was a revelation—a co-op, high-stakes heist game that felt both thrilling and strategic. The sequel, Payday 2, perfected the formula, allowing players to work together to pull off heists in increasingly creative and chaotic ways. However, by the time Payday 3 came out, something felt off. Despite introducing new features, the game felt repetitive, and the excitement of planning and executing heists seemed to dwindle. The thrill that made Payday 2 so addictive just wasn’t there anymore, leaving players wishing for the spark of the original. | © Overkill Software

The Last Of Us (2013)

A post-apocalyptic world, unforgettable characters, and a gripping narrative—The Last of Us redefined storytelling in video games. The bond between Joel and Ellie felt real, grounding the game’s action in genuine emotion. The Last of Us Part II, however, struggled to capture that same sense of connection. While the gameplay was solid and the visuals stunning, the bold narrative choices divided the fanbase. The emotional depth that made the first game so iconic was overshadowed by shock value and controversial story decisions. Although it was well-crafted, it didn’t offer the same powerful emotional journey that made the original so memorable. | © Naughty Dog

Assassins Creed IV Black Flag — Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)

Sailing the high seas, battling rival pirates, and exploring a beautifully crafted Caribbean world—Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag was a high point for the franchise. The pirate theme brought fresh life to the series and felt like a true reinvention of the formula. However, Assassin’s Creed Unity felt more like a step backward. The switch to a more traditional setting in Paris didn’t capture the same sense of freedom and adventure. While it had its moments, the game lacked the thrill of exploring vast oceans and hunting on the high seas. Black Flag set the bar, and the sequels struggled to follow its course. | © Ubisoft

Borderlands 2 (2012)

The chaos, humor, and addictive loot-shooter gameplay of Borderlands 2 made it a standout title. It was an explosion of fun and personality that connected with players on every level. But in the wake of its success, Borderlands 3 seemed to miss the mark. While it offered new characters and environments, the humor felt a bit forced, and the story didn’t quite hit the same emotional beats. The charm of Borderlands 2 was harder to recapture in a sequel that felt more like “more of the same” than something new. Despite its action-packed fun, it couldn’t match the magic of the second installment. | © Gearbox Software

Cropped Gears of War 3 — Gears Of War 3 (2011)

The conclusion of the original Gears of War trilogy was a masterpiece, wrapping up the story of Marcus Fenix and his crew in a satisfying, emotionally charged way. The intense action and character-driven narrative made it feel like the perfect farewell to the series. Unfortunately, Gears of War 4 didn’t quite live up to the legacy. The new characters felt less compelling, and the action, while solid, lacked the emotional depth that made Gears of War 3 so memorable. It’s a hard act to follow, and the sequel didn’t manage to carry the same weight, feeling more like a continuation rather than a true evolution. | © Epic Games

Dead Space 2 (2011)

By all means, Dead Space 2 was a terrifying sequel that expanded on everything the original did right—more gore, more scares, and more action. It took what worked in the first game and turned the dial up to 11. But when Dead Space 3 came around, the tone shifted drastically. The focus on co-op and a more action-heavy approach felt jarring, detracting from the eerie, isolated atmosphere that made the first two games so spine-chilling. Gone were the slow-burning moments of tension, replaced by explosive firefights. Dead Space 3 simply wasn’t the heart-stopping horror that the previous games mastered, leaving fans disappointed. | © EA

Cropped Rage — Rage (2011)

Rage showed a lot of promise with its gorgeous visuals, immersive world, and smooth gameplay. It had the potential to be a groundbreaking experience, blending open-world exploration with fast-paced shooting. Unfortunately, the sequel, Rage 2, didn't live up to expectations. While it added more action and explosive combat, it lacked the depth and atmosphere that made the first game intriguing. The world felt empty, and the story didn’t carry the same weight. Rage 2 leaned heavily into chaotic gunplay without offering enough substance or innovation, leaving fans of the original craving what could’ve been. | © id Software

Dead Island (2011)

Zombies on a tropical island, brutal melee combat, and a surprisingly emotional storyline made Dead Island stand out in a genre that’s often focused on sheer chaos. The open world felt unique, offering players a real sense of isolation, which added to the tension of survival. But when Dead Island: Riptide came out, it just didn’t have the same punch. While it tried to build on the formula, the magic of the first game faded. The story felt weaker, the environments less exciting, and the gameplay just wasn’t as fresh. It turned into a bit of a grind rather than a thrilling adventure, leaving players wishing they had just left it at one solid entry. | © Techland

Dead Rising 2 (2010)

The over-the-top zombie-slaying chaos of Dead Rising 2 took the wild, open-world carnage of the first game and perfected it with new mechanics and a larger, more interactive environment. But by the time Dead Rising 3 rolled around, it felt like the series had lost its charm. The huge open world in Dead Rising 3 didn’t quite capture the same frenetic energy of the earlier games. The chaotic feel was lost in the vast spaces, and the zany fun of smashing zombies with ridiculous weapons didn’t seem as fresh. Dead Rising 3 just felt like too much, and unfortunately, it couldn’t live up to the unpredictable, high-energy madness of its predecessor. | © Capcom

Cropped Mass Effect 2 — Mass Effect 2 (2010)

When Mass Effect 2 came out, it was a revelation, refining the original’s mechanics while taking the narrative to greater emotional depths. It was a perfect blend of RPG elements, shooting mechanics, and the weight of player choice, making every mission feel important. But Mass Effect 3, while still a solid game, didn’t quite match the level of storytelling and complexity that its predecessor offered. The infamous ending left a lot of fans frustrated, feeling that the game didn’t honor the hard choices made over the course of the trilogy. Despite the great gameplay, Mass Effect 3 struggled to provide the satisfying conclusion that Mass Effect 2 had built up. | © BioWare

Cropped Fallout New Vegas — Fallout: New Vegas (2010)

What Fallout: New Vegas did so well was creating a world that felt alive—rich with stories, characters, and consequences. It was an RPG that took the freedom of choice to new levels, offering a complex, branching narrative with real weight. However, Fallout 4 shifted gears, putting a greater emphasis on action rather than choice-driven storytelling. The gameplay was polished, but it lacked the same depth and narrative freedom that made New Vegas stand out. The focus on a more streamlined experience left fans wishing they could dive deeper into the complex world and choices that New Vegas offered. | © Obsidian Entertainment

Prototype (2009)

The power fantasy of Prototype was irresistible—being able to shape-shift into a super-powered antihero and tear through New York City was exhilarating. The fast-paced combat and destruction were what made the game so much fun. But Prototype 2 failed to capture the same level of excitement. The mechanics were refined, but the story felt weaker and the new protagonist, James Heller, never managed to connect with players the way Alex Mercer did. The sequel ended up being fun, but it was lacking the original’s chaotic energy, and it felt more like a rehash than a worthy continuation. | © Radical Entertainment

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Video game sequels have the potential to expand beloved worlds, refine mechanics, and introduce fresh stories. However, not every sequel is necessary—or even beneficial—to the original game's legacy. While some of these sequels aren't necessarily bad, the truth is they were often unnecessary at best, and downright atrocious at worst. In certain cases, a follow-up couldn't live up to the magic of the original, either because of missed opportunities or a sharp decline in quality. These games serve as a reminder that sometimes, it’s best to leave a masterpiece untouched. In this article, we’ll explore the video games that should have never had a sequel, focusing on those that failed to capture the essence of their predecessors.

This is part 1 of the list. If you think we missed any, why not check out part 2?