Top 20 Great Video Games That Will Never Get a Sequel

Days Gone (2019)

Days Gone, released in 2019 by Bend Studio, is an open-world action-adventure game that combines thrilling motorcycle mechanics with post-apocalyptic survival elements. The game follows Deacon St. John, a biker and drifter, as he navigates a world overrun by zombie-like creatures known as Freakers. With its intense storyline, dynamic weather, and massive world to explore, Days Gone garnered praise for its emotional depth and gripping narrative. Despite its positive reception, the game's lack of a sequel remains a mystery, especially considering the cliffhanger ending that left fans wanting more. Its ambitious open world and nuanced character development set it apart, but due to mixed sales and shifting development priorities, it’s unlikely we’ll see Deacon's journey continue. | © Bend Studio

Battlefront 2 (2017)

Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2017), developed by Electronic Arts (EA) and DICE, was a highly anticipated sequel to the 2015 reboot of the iconic Battlefront series. The game featured large-scale multiplayer battles, cinematic single-player campaigns, and all the iconic elements of the Star Wars universe. While the game suffered from controversy at launch over microtransactions, it eventually gained praise for its revamped content and improved balance. Despite the improvements, the chances of a true sequel seem slim, given the turbulence surrounding EA’s relationship with the franchise and the changing dynamics in online multiplayer gaming. With Disney now exploring other avenues for Star Wars games, Battlefront 2 may remain a once-in-a-lifetime chapter in the series. | © EA DICE

Bloodborne (2015)

Bloodborne, released in 2015 by FromSoftware, is a gothic horror action RPG that set a new standard for challenging gameplay. As a hunter battling terrifying creatures in the decaying city of Yharnam, players experienced the signature difficulty and atmospheric storytelling that FromSoftware is known for. Bloodborne became a cult classic due to its deep lore, punishing combat, and haunting visuals. However, despite overwhelming fan demand, a sequel seems unlikely, given the developer’s focus on other projects like Elden Ring. The game's intricate world-building and unique blend of horror and action left fans wanting more, but it appears that Bloodborne's story may remain a standalone masterpiece. | © FromSoftware

Sunset Overdrive (2014)

Released in 2014 by Insomniac Games, Sunset Overdrive was a colorful and chaotic open-world game that stood out for its fast-paced gameplay and quirky humor. Set in a post-apocalyptic city overrun by mutated humans, the game had players zip across the environment using a unique movement system, blending parkour with gunplay. Its vibrant art style and irreverent tone made it a fan favorite, but despite strong critical acclaim, a sequel has never materialized. Insomniac's commitment to other projects, including Spider-Man and Ratchet & Clank, along with the game’s exclusive status on Xbox, likely contributed to its lack of continuation. Still, Sunset Overdrive remains a fun, one-of-a-kind adventure. | © Insomniac Games

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013)

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013), developed by PlatinumGames and published by Konami, took the iconic Metal Gear franchise in a new direction. Unlike the stealth-heavy gameplay of the main series, Rising focused on fast-paced action and sword combat, starring Raiden as he battles through a futuristic, war-torn world. The game received positive reviews for its fluid combat mechanics and over-the-top action, but it was a departure from the series' core stealth gameplay, leaving some fans divided. While a sequel was briefly teased, Metal Gear Rising's niche appeal and the shift in focus for the Metal Gear franchise make it unlikely that Raiden's story will continue anytime soon. | © PlatinumGames

L.A. Noire (2011)

L.A. Noire, developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games in 2011, was a unique blend of detective work and open-world gameplay, set in a meticulously recreated 1940s Los Angeles. The game followed Cole Phelps, a police detective, as he unraveled a series of cases in a city rife with corruption and crime. L.A. Noire stood out for its groundbreaking facial capture technology, allowing for nuanced interrogations and a deep immersion into the world of detective work. Despite its innovative approach, the chances of a sequel seem slim, as Rockstar has shifted focus toward other major franchises, and the complexities of the game’s technology might not be easily replicated in future titles. | © Rockstar Games

The 3rd Birthday (2010)

The 3rd Birthday, developed by HexaDrive and published by Square Enix in 2010, is a spin-off of the popular Parasite Eve series. The game featured Aya Brea, a strong-willed protagonist who finds herself in a battle against monstrous enemies threatening humanity. With a focus on third-person shooter mechanics, The 3rd Birthday combined fast action with a complex narrative involving time travel and the survival of the human race. Unfortunately, despite a dedicated fanbase, a sequel never materialized, as the game struggled to find a wide audience and was overshadowed by other major titles at the time. | © Square Enix

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010)

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, released in 2010 by Ninja Theory, is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game based loosely on the Chinese novel "Journey to the West." The game features Monkey, a strong yet reluctant hero, as he teams up with Trip, a clever and resourceful woman, to traverse a ravaged world filled with mechanical enemies. With its compelling narrative and rich character development, Enslaved was praised for its cinematic presentation. However, despite its strong critical reception, the game’s commercial performance didn’t justify a sequel. The lack of a continuation was compounded by Ninja Theory’s shift to other projects, and Enslaved remains a gem that never got the attention it deserved. | © Ninja Theory

Vanquish (2010)

Vanquish, developed by PlatinumGames and released in 2010, is a fast-paced, third-person shooter that combines intense action with stylish visuals. Players control Sam Gideon, a soldier equipped with advanced technology, as he battles through futuristic battlefields against an army of robotic enemies. Vanquish was praised for its fluid combat system, tight controls, and unique blend of cover-based shooting and high-speed action. Despite being well-received, the game's sales were not strong enough to warrant a sequel. PlatinumGames’ focus on other franchises like Bayonetta and Astral Chain, along with the game’s niche appeal, means that a follow-up is unlikely. | © PlatinumGames

Brütal Legend (2009)

Brütal Legend, developed by Double Fine Productions and released in 2009, is a unique blend of action, strategy, and heavy metal culture. Players take on the role of Eddie Riggs, a roadie who is transported to a fantastical world inspired by heavy metal imagery, where he must battle evil forces using his guitar as a weapon. The game’s humor, engaging combat, and metal soundtrack made it an instant classic. However, despite its cult status, Brütal Legend didn’t achieve the commercial success necessary for a sequel. Double Fine’s focus on other projects, combined with the game’s unconventional genre mix, means that Eddie Riggs’ story likely won’t continue. | © Double Fine Productions

Stranglehold (2007)

Stranglehold, released in 2007 by Midway Games and developed by Tiger Hill Entertainment, is a third-person action game that takes players into a stylish world of martial arts and bullet-riddled chaos. The game features Inspector Tequila Yuen, a character brought to life by John Woo, in an intense adventure filled with cinematic action and high-octane shootouts. The game’s environmental interaction, where players could destroy objects and use them as weapons, was groundbreaking at the time. Although Stranglehold received praise for its action sequences and visual style, its sales were lackluster, and a sequel never materialized. Midway's financial troubles and the shifting focus of game development meant that this action-packed saga was left incomplete. | © Midway Games

Bully (2006)

Bully, developed by Rockstar Games in 2006, was a unique open-world action-adventure game that placed players in the shoes of Jimmy Hopkins, a mischievous teenager navigating the trials and tribulations of life at Bullworth Academy. The game offered a fresh take on the Rockstar formula by blending the studio's signature open-world gameplay with a school setting, filled with quirky characters, pranks, and the complexities of adolescent life. Despite being critically acclaimed, especially for its humor and narrative, Bully didn’t receive a direct sequel. Rockstar’s focus shifted to other massive franchises, particularly Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, leaving Jimmy’s story unfinished and sparking ongoing fan demand for a follow-up. | © Rockstar Games

Black (2006)

Black, developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts in 2006, is a first-person shooter that was praised for its intense, action-packed gameplay and cinematic presentation. Set in a fictional Eastern European conflict, Black allowed players to unleash explosive gunplay in destructible environments. The game's attention to detail in weapon mechanics and visual effects helped it stand out as a technically impressive shooter. However, despite its success, the chances of a sequel were slim due to Criterion’s shift toward developing racing games like the Burnout series and the changing landscape of the first-person shooter genre. Fans have longed for a continuation, but Black remains a one-off experience. | © Criterion Games

Jade Empire (2005)

Jade Empire, released by BioWare in 2005, is a role-playing game set in a fantastical version of ancient China, blending martial arts combat with rich narrative choices. Players assume the role of a young martial artist tasked with saving the empire from dark forces. The game was lauded for its deep storyline, memorable characters, and the freedom it gave players to shape their character's journey. Despite strong reviews and a dedicated fanbase, a sequel never came to fruition. BioWare’s shift toward other successful franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, coupled with the unique cultural setting that made Jade Empire stand out, left the game as a standalone classic. | © BioWare

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System (2003)

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System, released in 2003 by Sierra Entertainment, is a third-person shooter that follows the adventures of Glitch, a rebellious robot who fights to free his fellow machines from an oppressive regime. The game offered a mix of action, humor, and inventive level design, with players controlling Glitch through a variety of combat scenarios, from robotic battles to using quirky weaponry. Despite its unique gameplay and positive reception, the game’s commercial performance was underwhelming, and its potential for a sequel was never realized. The niche appeal of Metal Arms and the transition of its developers to other projects left this promising franchise as a one-hit wonder. | © Sierra Entertainment

Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (2002)

Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, developed by Silicon Knights and released in 2002 for the GameCube, is a psychological horror action-adventure game that pushed the boundaries of what players could experience in terms of both gameplay and storytelling. The game featured a unique “sanity meter,” where players would encounter hallucinations and mind-bending events as they faced off against ancient evil forces. The game was lauded for its atmosphere, clever mechanics, and dark narrative. However, despite its cult following, a sequel was never made, largely due to Silicon Knights’ shift toward other projects, and Nintendo’s waning interest in the franchise. Eternal Darkness remains one of the most unforgettable horror games, but its story never continued. | © Silicon Knights

Conker’s Bad Fur Day (2001)

Conker’s Bad Fur Day, released by Rare in 2001, was an action-adventure game that broke away from the typical family-friendly mascot platformers of its time. The game featured Conker, a foul-mouthed, hard-drinking squirrel, navigating a world filled with bizarre and often adult-themed humor. With its sharp writing, unique characters, and blend of platforming and mini-games, Conker's Bad Fur Day became a cult classic. However, despite its critical success, the game didn’t achieve strong sales, and Rare’s acquisition by Microsoft in the early 2000s put the future of the series in doubt. Though fans continue to dream of a sequel, it seems unlikely given the shift in Rare's focus to the Kinect and Sea of Thieves. | © Rare

Skies of Arcadia (2000)

Skies of Arcadia, developed by Overworks and released in 2000, is a turn-based RPG that takes place in a world of floating islands and sky pirates. Players control Vyse, a young pirate, as he embarks on a journey to stop an evil empire and uncover the mysteries of ancient ruins. The game is remembered fondly for its engaging world, charming characters, and strategic airship battles. Despite its cult following, a direct sequel was never made, likely due to the decline of the Dreamcast platform and the studio’s focus on other projects. Fans continue to hope for a revival, but the prospects of Skies of Arcadia returning remain slim as time passes. | © Sega

Grim Fandango (1998)

Grim Fandango, developed by LucasArts and released in 1998, is a point-and-click adventure game set in the afterlife, where players control Manny Calavera, a travel agent for the dead. The game is celebrated for its unique blend of noir detective stories and Mexican Day of the Dead imagery, along with its witty writing and memorable characters. Despite its critical acclaim, Grim Fandango's commercial performance was disappointing, which likely prevented a sequel from being made. However, the game’s re-release and remaster in later years shows that its influence endures in the hearts of fans, but it appears that Manny's story will remain a one-off classic. | © LucasArts

Blade Runner (1997)

Blade Runner, released in 1997 by Westwood Studios, is a point-and-click adventure game set in the world of Ridley Scott's iconic sci-fi film. The game allows players to take on the role of a new Blade Runner named Ray McCoy, investigating a series of mysterious replicant murders. The game stood out for its faithful recreation of the film’s atmosphere, as well as its branching narrative that allowed players to experience different outcomes. While the game received praise for its innovative storytelling, its commercial performance didn’t lead to a sequel. Given the complexity of its narrative and the shifting focus of Westwood Studios, Blade Runner has remained a unique, self-contained experience. | © Westwood Studios