5 Sequels That Are Superior To The First Game In Every Way

When developers release a completely new IP, they're taking a massive risk, as public reception can go one of two ways; the game can either be critically acclaimed, or it can receive terrible criticism, resulting in poor sales and no profit. When the reception is positive, more often than not, sequels are developed, building on the original concept.

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By  Ahmad Rafiq

While some jewels are so good that, no matter the effort, a sequel can't surpass them or even match them in quality and the experience they deliver, others pale in comparison to their successors. Here are some sequels that are superior to the first game in every possible way.

5 Killzone 2

A PlayStation Exclusive That Corrected Its Mistakes

• Massive improvement in AI, graphics and campaign over the first installment of the franchise
• The game pushed the PS3 in every possible way

When it was first announced, Killzone was expected to be the "Halo killer", but it unfortunately fell short on its promise, delivering an experience that, while not bad, left players desiring much. Luckily for Guerrilla Games, when they released Killzone 2 five years later, they finally delivered on many of their promises, leaving players satisfied with the experience. Killzone 2 is arguably better than the original due to its improved AI, better shooting mechanics and overall stronger campaign.

The game's multiplayer was also praised as it felt deep and required several strategic elements that far exceeded anything that was available in the previous installment. Killzone 2 also put the PS3's hardware capabilities to the test.

4 Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Great Improvements To B.J. Blazkowicz's Story

• Wolfenstein: The New Colossus improved upon both Wolfenstein and Wolfenstein: The New Order
• Action-packed combat and fun levels fighting Nazis

While Castle Wolfenstein, the franchise's first true installment came to players' screens way back in 1981, it wasn't until 2009 that the reboot would revolutionize everything about it. And the same happened with Wolfenstein: The New Order, and Wolfenstein: The New Colossus, as each installment improved on the previous title. Wolfenstein: The New Order, delivered action that felt fresh and much more fluid than the 2009 game. The 2014 reboot also had a stronger story and a nice balance between the feel of a 90s FPS and modern elements.

Wolfenstein: The New Colossus took things even further by not only introducing a family-oriented narrative for B.J. Blazkowicz, but also likable characters that players couldn't help but relate to, raising the stakes and making the possibility of their deaths much more concerning. The game's mechanics were also greatly improved, and the crazy premise that Hitler was still alive in a mansion on Venus in the late 60s and early 70s is very interesting.

3 Red Steel 2

Similar Game Mechanics To Its Prequel, But With Much Better Execution

• Red Steel felt clunky and bland
• Red Steel 2 introduced a unique art style and concept that worked well

When the Nintendo Wii was first announced, there were many games that claimed they could take advantage of its motion-sensitive capabilities, and one of them was Red Steel. Unfortunately, when players finally managed to get their hands on the console and this title, the result was a little underwhelming. Red Steel's controls felt imprecise, clunky, and overall unresponsive. What's more, players complained about the levels feeling bland and unexciting.

Luckily, Red Steel 2 greatly improved on the game's motion controls and introduced a more pleasing art style that worked well with what was presented. Red Steel 2 also had an odd, but interesting concept, combining katana combat with the Wild West, helping the sequel stand out. It would appear that the only thing the Red Steel franchise needed to shine, was a few more years for developers to learn how Wii control sensitivity worked, and Red Steel 2 is the proof.

2 The Crew Motorfest

A Great Racing Game That Redeemed Its Franchise

• Massive improvement in terms of vehicle handling over The Crew, and The Crew 2
• The Crew Motorfest offers a much more robust multiplayer experience

While it wouldn't be fair to say that The Crew franchise has had any bad titles, The Crew and The Crew 2 were not as good as The Crew Motorfest, which strongly improved upon many of its predecessors' mistakes and landed in much stabler territory with both veteran fans and newcomers. Some of the key issues fans allegedly had with the original game were unpolished handling, server and connectivity issues, and an ambitious design that often felt underutilized.

While The Crew 2's developers listened and corrected the course in many aspects, players still weren't happy with vehicle handling physics and felt the progression system needed more work. Luckily, with The Crew Motorfest, Ivory Tower finally hit the nail on the head by implementing stunning visuals, polishing vehicle handling, and featuring a much stronger and complete multiplayer experience.

1 Assassin's Creed 2

Incredible Story, And Major Improvement In Game Mechanics

• Assassin's Creed 2 improved on the original's game mechanics
• With NPC distractions, poison, and double hidden blades, the game felt much more varied and interesting than its predecessor

While the original Assassin's Creed was great and Altair served as a wonderful main character, many players complained that the overall story lacked more depth, and that at times, it could feel repetitive. The combat game mechanics were good, but sometimes felt clunky and limited. Despite this, the game managed to get positive reviews and kicked off what would become one of the most profitable franchises in gaming to date.

That said, Assassin's Creed 2 completely changed the game by introducing an even more likable main character, giving him a tragic backstory that fueled his desire for revenge, and letting players explore Italy in the Renaissance period. Ubisoft truly hit the ball out of the park by introducing double hidden blades, poison, and NPC distractions, as they made both open combat and stealth assassinations much more interesting and varied. Assassin's Creed 2 also had an incredible soundtrack and kicked off the famed Ezio Trilogy, which veteran fans of the franchise still play and cherish to this day.