Top 7 Video Game Sequels That Surpassed All Expectations

In today's video game industry, new intellectual properties (IPs) can either skyrocket or fade into obscurity. This is why many developers opt for sequels instead. Whether or not players agree with this trend, it's undeniable that fans of a particular game love to explore the same world in a bigger and better way.

However, some video games are so beloved that fans worry that their sequels won't live up to the original's greatness. This can be due to a change in direction, development issues, or a questionable track record. Nevertheless, these titles have done their predecessors proud.

7. BioShock Infinite

Many fans were skeptical about BioShock 2, fearing another underwhelming experience in the series. The game's departure from the familiar setting of Rapture to the open world of Columbia only added to these concerns, as players wondered whether the game would still deliver the same horror elements.

However, with the release of BioShock: Infinite, all doubts were dispelled as the game proved to be a masterpiece and one of the best video games of all time. While some may criticize the game's story in today's context, it remains a thrilling and engaging adventure that will keep players on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Metro series is known for its challenging gameplay, requiring players to navigate through cramped and eerie environments while facing off against terrifying enemies that lurk in the darkness. It's a game that demands quick thinking and precision, as taking too much damage can result in a cracked gas mask and, ultimately, death if not replaced promptly.

When Metro Exodus was announced to have open-world features, fans of the series were skeptical about how the game's intense and nerve-wracking gameplay would fit into this genre. However, Metro Exodus proved to be a stunning masterpiece of first-person shooting and immersion that silenced all its critics. It is a game that deserves more attention from gamers everywhere.

5Dark Souls 3

After the underwhelming reception of Dark Souls 2, fans were skeptical if the third installment could live up to the high standards set by the original. The first Dark Souls is widely regarded as one of the best action games ever created, making it a difficult act to follow.

However, Dark Souls 3 proved to be another masterpiece by game director Miyazaki, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the gaming industry. The game built upon the storyline of its predecessor while also expanding on the lore, resulting in a hardcore action game that is considered among the best of its genre.

Ubisoft's previous open-world design in Far Cry 4 was criticized for being too repetitive, which made fans skeptical about the upcoming game in the series. Many players were hesitant about purchasing Far Cry 5, unsure if it would bring anything new to the table.

However, Far Cry 5 exceeded expectations and revitalized the franchise. The tedious towers were removed, and secrets were thoughtfully placed throughout the map. Moreover, the combat was more thrilling than ever before, though the enemy spawning could have been toned down a bit.

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Age of Empires 4 was highly anticipated by fans of the series, but there were concerns about whether it would live up to the legacy of its predecessor. However, after a long development process, the game was finally released.

However, Age of Empires 4 was a highly anticipated release, and it did not disappoint its fans. The game managed to strike the perfect balance between classic gameplay elements and modernization, making it a hit among the masses. Despite some criticism that it emulated Age of Empires 2's gameplay too closely, players were drawn to the game's single-player campaign, which was structured like a historical documentary.

The release of Tears of the Kingdom, the highly anticipated sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, was met with overwhelming critical and commercial success. Despite its numerous delays and concerns over the capabilities of the Switch's hardware, the game's mechanics proved to be even more intricate and creative than its predecessor. Fans continue to be amazed by the level of innovation present in Tears of the Kingdom, especially considering its impressive performance on the outdated Switch.

Dragon Age: Inquisition's development cycle was poorly managed, which was not helped by the disappointment of many loyal fans with Dragon Age 2's smaller focus and homogenized approach. As a result, players approached the release of this title with tempered expectations.

However, Dragon Age: Inquisition exceeded these expectations by bringing back the epic scope of the narrative and integrating many new engaging gameplay systems of its own. While some fans were irritated by the lack of a proper conclusion to the base game's narrative, it was a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent addition to Dragon Age's legacy.