Attention: Stop Whining About Sequels
See Full ImageIt's the "l33t" thing to do these days: whine, moan and complain bitterly about every last sequel that comes down the pike. If you complain enough, you'll be seen as a seer of sorts; a "true gamer" who stands atop a rickety soapbox and lectures everyone on the importance of original ideas. "Innovate or grow stale and die," they say. ...yeah, maybe these people haven't noticed that the gaming industry is nothing like film. Sequels tend to rule.
Why? Because the gaming industry continues to advance forward in both technical and artistic areas; there are many ways to improve and in comparison to movies, games are still young. We've got a long ways to go, so of course a sequel in the PS2 era to an original title in the PS1 era will be better in a variety of ways. I'm not saying that better graphics or more hardware potential automatically translates to better quality, but let's face it: it usually does. Hey, I'm one of those old-school gamers who still thinks Super Mario Bros. is one of the greatest games ever made, even though I know dozens - if not hundreds - of titles in recent history have surpassed it in every conceivable way. We all have to admit that nostalgia plays a very large role in our "Greatest Ever" lists; objectivity is always difficult to embrace when the rose-tinged memories of our childhoods interfere.
But if we put all that aside, we should probably accept the glaring truth: a sequel in the world of video games is often bigger and better than the first title. Plain and simple. Granted, long-running franchises can begin to grow stagnant and backtrack along the quality progression line, but there's a damn good reason why the best games in the world have a number in the title. I could make a list but I don't have to; we all know what games are on that list, and you can check any resource you wish. Go to Metacritic or GameRankings and find the top 50 or 100 titles ever, and see how many aren't original IPs. Check sales charts. Just look at this year, for crying out loud; it's very likely that Game of the Year candidates will be Killzone 2, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Halo 3: ODST, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and if a good thing happens, Gran Turismo 5. Again, in very long-running franchises like maybe Madden or Final Fantasy, one can certainly argue over the last four or five installments.
But for the most part, sequels have provided us with some of the finest gaming experiences in history, which - strangely enough - separates us more from the movie industry than almost anything else. Yes, I want the original IPs, too - Heavy Rain, The Last Guardian, Alan Wake, Demon's Souls, Brutal Legend, etc. - and we absolutely need them to maintain originality and a forward-thinking philosophy in the industry. But we do have them and while it's easy to pick on developers and publishers for producing "just another sequel" to keep profits high, let's not pretend that sequels to great games aren't usually representative of more greatness.
9/1/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (86 posts)
N a S a H
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:34:10 PM
1 up, 0 down
ThePearlJamer
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:57:04 PM
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kevyd09
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 12:49:26 PM
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Imagi
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 12:53:03 PM
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They should not overstay their welcome though, like any form of story telling/entertainment, it should know when to end. The devs should resist the publishers trying milk the consumers over a profitable games, milking them till it gets sour.
Last edited by Imagi on 9/1/2009 12:54:25 PM
3 up, 0 down
neighber
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 12:54:30 PM
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Highlander
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 12:58:40 PM
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frylock25
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 12:59:40 PM
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mexgeo86
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 2:04:17 PM
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neighber
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:00:45 PM
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2 up, 0 down
frylock25
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:12:41 PM
final fantasy is a cool concept of a sequel and new idea
9 up, 0 down
556pineapple
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:04:15 PM
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Last edited by 556pineapple on 9/1/2009 1:05:37 PM
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Karosso
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:05:33 PM
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OK I might have to ask for new underwear if that actually happens ;-)
11 up, 0 down
kevinater321
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 4:08:31 PM
Last edited by kevinater321 on 9/1/2009 4:08:50 PM
2 up, 1 down
DarkManX
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:06:01 PM
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Karosso
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:06:15 PM
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Deadman
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:29:06 PM
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KBsocks
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:32:36 PM
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www
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:34:40 PM
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I know this article goes to some VERY people on this site, who have been whining too much about everything, and I dunno why they even have a PS3 when they should be playing their PS1s or PS2s. You know yourselves.
Heck, there are even people whining about the UPDATE 3.00 also,hmph!
1 up, 0 down
Fane1024
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 11:40:13 PM
People voted me down because they disagreed (as they should); I just hope they read what I actually wrote and didn't assume I was being a curmudgeon.
Oh, and you kids, get off my lawn.
BTW, I agree with everything Ben said about sequels.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 9/1/2009 11:58:41 PM
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Dogswithguns
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:36:16 PM
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Highlander
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:48:18 PM
12 up, 0 down
kevinater321
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 4:12:12 PM
1 up, 1 down
tes37
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 4:12:42 PM
5 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 4:42:49 PM
<Eric Cartman voice>
But Beeennnnnn.....! Please do something. They're all complaining.
</Eric>
:P
6 up, 0 down
Riku994
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:38:55 PM
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CH1N00K
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 2:36:56 PM
But only Ben will know where this game originated from. And I have the feeling he won't tell us if it does have to do with the secret game.
3 up, 0 down
Frenchy17
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:41:28 PM
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Diggity Dan
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:46:50 PM
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Also, I hate a guy in a blue suit...
4 up, 9 down
ThePearlJamer
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:58:48 PM
6 up, 4 down
fluffer nutter
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 6:08:53 PM
4 up, 1 down
ThePearlJamer
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 7:03:31 PM
3 up, 2 down
fluffer nutter
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 8:24:08 PM
Last edited by fluffer nutter on 9/1/2009 8:24:39 PM
3 up, 0 down
ThePearlJamer
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 9:22:26 PM
You're gonna tell me about civility? I say that I didn't agree with his comment so I was thumbs-downing it and then you come in, trying to offend me and you straight up say that I'm obtuse a.k.a lacking intellect. Who's the wrong one here...well, I can sure say that next time I have an opinion I feel like sharing that I'll check with you first Hitler before I'm publically branded as an idiot...
Last edited by ThePearlJamer on 9/1/2009 9:25:59 PM
2 up, 5 down
fluffer nutter
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 11:17:41 PM
"I didn't agree with his comment so I was thumbs-downing it and then you come in, trying to offend me and you straight up say that I'm obtuse a.k.a lacking intellect."
First of all, I apologize for your reaction but I did not attack you nor your intelect. The definition of obtuse states "not quick or alert in perception, feeling, or intellect; not sensitive or observant; dull" There are other definitions to this word but you will notice there is an "or" in the definition choices. I did make a comment, in general terms, about the lack of seeing things since this is all black text on a plain background.
"Who's the wrong one here...well, I can sure say that next time I have an opinion I feel like sharing that I'll check with you first Hitler before I'm publically branded as an idiot..."
Calling me Hitler would be a very quick assumption but I have neither Jewish nor German heritage, as far as I know, in my blood lines, but you couldn't have known that so I will hope that upon reading this, you will retract your assumption. I did not brand you as an idiot and I apologize that you took it that way.
I hope my replies above have helped to clarify my earlier statements and sorry for the additional comments but I did want to add this clarification to dispell any other negative beliefs that may be present by those that have read my comments. If you would like to carry this further, please contact me in the forums as that is a more appropriate venue. I will decline from further comment on this page, in this thread chain. Thank you for your time.
3 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 2:14:22 AM
Godwin!
To quote the Economist, "a good rule in most discussions is that the first person to call the other a Nazi automatically loses the argument."
You, lose.
Last edited by Highlander on 9/2/2009 2:16:29 AM
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SkantDragon
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 1:47:21 PM
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I think that's the real factor that makes sequels in games different than sequels in movies.
Yet some of the same negative factors can still apply as for movies. So you end up with the story rehashed (perhaps badly), but the game itself is a newer, improved version. So some good and some bad.
Some games, like Gran Turismo, are not story driven and tend to do nothing but gain with each new and improved version.
I think what's really getting people to complain about sequels, however, is companies like EA which have decided they can use sequels as a cash cow by re-releasing the same essentially unchanged game over and over again on a yearly basis. Why go to the effort of building a new game from scratch when you can just dust off an old one, change a minor thing or two, update the copyright notice on it, and release it again?
I think what people really mean is they don't like _half assed sequels_ sold to them at full price.
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tlpn99
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 2:08:35 PM
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We have all seen the GOW3 trailer right ? How good does this game look ?
As Ben says though we need original fresh ideas to keep the industry moving on otherwise it will get stale. A good mixture of the 2 if possible please but you cant please everybody.
Last edited by tlpn99 on 9/1/2009 2:09:22 PM
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LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 2:33:28 PM
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1 up, 2 down
CH1N00K
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 2:38:32 PM
1 up, 1 down
fluffer nutter
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 6:09:51 PM
1 up, 1 down
LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 2:34:39 PM
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7 up, 1 down
Ultimadream
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 2:42:01 PM
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I dont agree with this fully, take Crash Bandicoot for example, Crash 1-3 & Team Racing are phenominal. Crash, The Wrath of Cortext was plain, Twinsanity was nice, but lacking and after that its just unmentionable.
But obviously some titles have advanced, Fallout 3 id a title which really benefitted from the current gen, along with Street Fighter IV.
As for MGS4, while its good and i loved it on my 1st play through, i get bored with it quick now, unlike 1-3 which i can play for hours, especially 2.
3 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 2:49:25 PM
3 up, 1 down
Ultimadream
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 3:12:24 PM
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Kowhoho
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 3:24:24 PM
Howard Wright is my hero.
1 up, 0 down
Fane1024
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 12:07:48 AM
Also, Crash is a bit of an exception, as the newer games were made by a different developer. Sonic might be a better example for your position.
1 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 3:03:16 PM
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But for the most part sequels are great, and expanding an ip with sequels is always a good thing.
Where is this bullsh*t 'bout people not wanting sequels coming from?
There's a certain group of "new gamers" who are just here to whine and ruin the gaming industry.
Seriously, during SNES and ps1 era you'd never hear this kind of crap
"OMG don't make Mario or Zelda anymore"
WTF?
Last edited by Scarecrow on 9/1/2009 3:03:29 PM
3 up, 0 down
Zemus101
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 3:31:57 PM
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Last edited by Zemus101 on 9/1/2009 3:32:40 PM
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darxed
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 3:36:48 PM
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telly
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 3:46:58 PM
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when the technology moves SO fast, and programmers are learning a TON of new things every time they go out, the game name, genre, character, etc. becomes the anchor. Almost everything else changes immensely over time.
2 up, 0 down
Fane1024
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 12:12:27 AM
Last edited by Fane1024 on 9/2/2009 12:13:10 AM
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telly
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 12:51:38 PM
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Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 4:10:16 PM
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I believe the game industry is picking back up slightly with the likes of Flower, The Last Guardian, Heavy Rain and the like but, we got a long way to go...
Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 9/1/2009 4:10:50 PM
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outcelgeist
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 4:15:29 PM
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Same goes for Out of this World... Heart of the Alien was pretty damn atrocious.
1 up, 0 down
Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 5:47:04 PM
Flashback is one of my favourite games. Truly was ahead of time. But, without Out of this World/Another World, Flashback would be none existent.
1 up, 0 down
tes37
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 4:23:56 PM
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Highlander
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 4:47:40 PM
OK, now my head hurts. Where's that drink?
6 up, 0 down
frostface
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 5:24:17 PM
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Imagine a (gaming) world without the anticipation of getting into another adventure with a hero we've connected with in the previous outing.
Who wouldn't want another COD? Resistance? Killzone?
Sure we all love a new original but it's nice to feel like you're part of an ongoing story, or better still feeling that there could be a possible continuation when we finish that last closing scene of a gripping title.
4 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 10:33:23 AM
Hey, as far as I'm concerned sequels are fine with me, how about...
Uncharted 3 All That Glitters
Uncharted 4 Valley of The Kings
Uncharted 5 Lost In Plain Sight
Uncharted 6 Drake's Revenge
Uncharted 7 Secrets of The Raj
Uncharted 8 Treasures of The Han Dynasty
...
Uncharted 12 Drake's Return...
Sequels are as strong as the character and story make them. Games like Guitar Hero and Madden NFL don't have sequels, they have versions and revisions.
1 up, 0 down
fundando
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 6:49:22 PM
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s360s
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 6:50:51 PM
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5 up, 0 down
Sir Shak
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 9:08:55 PM
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3 up, 1 down
slackernz
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 9:09:16 PM
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KOSMOS111
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 9:50:22 PM
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LowKey
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 9:57:07 PM
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___________
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 3:05:06 AM
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i mean seriously 1 per 3 months, and there exactly the same but with new songs, that warrants $110 release? no thanks.
call of duty not so much, because theres 2 different teams working on them, and the last 2 were actually good.
one thing that i hate and seems to be getting worse is games been announced, than given a release date, than delayed 10 times between the original and final release date.
LA Noire for example they did a interview with IGN early last september and said the game will be out in 1 year.
1 year later is it out? no.
do we even have a rough release date? no.
do we have any gameplay videos? no.
do we have more than 1 video teaser? no.
do we have any previews of the game? no.
do we even know some of the characters names? no. not that i can remember.
i dont understand how the game is suppose to be out by now but we have absolutely no info on the game.
do me a favor developers from now on dont announce your game till its 2 years before expected release, and dont announce a release date till your 99% sure you will make the date.
a few weeks delay is fine but when it gets to months it gets annoying and when it gets to year or years thats when it really gets annoying.
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Nynja
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Tuesday, September 01, 2009 @ 12:47:06 PM
Side note; I agree with you. Usually a sequel will bring the best parts of the previous installment and enhance the experience with new and innovative features that gamers asked for.
Now, making a sequel for Lair? That might not be such a great idea. UNLESS, it was completely rewritten by a team that hasn't been stuck in the Star Wars universe for the past decade. It really did feel like a mid-evil Tie-Fighter game.