In this article, I will take a look at some of the best games I’ve played which so far have not received direct sequels. I’ll explain what I loved about the games and also discuss what the odds of a sequel to them are. First up,Demon’s Souls.
Here are some great games which deserve to receive direct sequels
1) Demon’s Souls
Demon’s Soulswas more open-ended than any of its spiritual successors, theDark Soulsgames. After its initial level, you can tackle its five domains in any order. Surprisingly, the visuals are also darker than any of theDark Soulsgames. With the checkpoints further apart than the bonfires ofDark Souls, losing healing potions forever when you’re defeated and a magic system that requires you to find a Talisman to use Miracles and a Catalyst before you can use spells, it remains one of the toughest Souls games. Isn’t it time for a direct sequel?
How likely is a sequel:Uncertain. Sony owns theDemon’s SoulsIP. So whether or not a sequel or a remake is made isn’t inFrom Software’s hands. But with the other Souls games doing so well, surely Sony andFrom Softwarewould want to work something out for a sequel to be made eventually?
2) Baldur’s Gate II
Baldur’s GateandBaldur’s Gate IIremain two of my favourite classic RPGs. Forget the disappointing action RPG spin-offs for consoles. The originals have a great story and interesting characters. Imoen and Minsc are my two personal favourites from the series. We seem to be going through a golden age for this style of roleplay game, thanks to a large part to Kickstarter. Could we see another proper Baldur’s Gate game making its way to PCs and consoles?
How likely is a sequel:Hopefully quite likely. Interplay tried to make a sequel but it was cancelled. Our best bet now lies with Beamdog - who madeBaldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition. They have said that they’re ultimate goal is to make Baldur’s Gate III.
3) Grim Fandango
Grim Fandangois one of the most beloved - and the most hilarious - point and click adventure games. Its world mixes elements of the Aztec beliefs with film noir to create the Land of the Dead. Recently departed souls must travel through the Land of the Dead before they reach their final destination, the Ninth Underworld. The story stars travel agent Manuel “Manny” Calavera who tries to save Mercedes “Meche” Colomar, a newly arrived but virtuous soul, during her long journey. A remastered version was released forPlayStation 4andPS Vitaconsoles.
How likely is a sequel:It’s unlikely. Tim Schafer rarely makes sequels to games, preferring to move onto something new. When jokingly asked by Playboy about a Grim Fandango 8, he said:
“I’ve toyed with that because I love those characters and that world. I would love to go back and spend time with the characters from any game I’ve worked on, and I would love to make a sequel to any of them. But I also want to make something new. If there were five of me I might make sequels, but there’s always some new idea I want to explore.” - Tim Schafer, to Playboy.
Perhaps we should clone him?
4) Eternal Darkness
Eternal Darknesswas the darkest game on the Game Cube, with an intelligent plot that involves insanity as much as it does the supernatural. In the game, players control several characters, including a young female American student who returns to her family’s mansion in Rhode Island to investigate her grandfather’s murder. Mechanically it was similar to theResident Evilgames but the plot was so much better.
How likely is a sequel:Sadly, it’s unlikely. Despite gaining a cult following and high review scores from critics, it didn’t sell well enough. The game’s writer and director Denis Dyack tried to raise money for a sequel on Kickstarter but it didn’t receive enough support. I backed this one myself and was disappointed when it didn’t happen.
5) Lost Odyssey
Lost Odysseywas a JRPG developed by Mistwalker for the Xbox 360. The story follows Kaim, one of a select group of “immortals” who have lost their memories. He confronts threats caused by the world’s magical industrial revolution. In this emotional story, he must face pain brought on by his returning memories. When you’re an immortal, you leave a hell of a lot of friends behind. It featured a lot of the genre staples, such as turn based combat and random encounters. You could find collectables which were actually worthwhile finding, as they restored Kaim’s memories. The game also featured excellent music from Nobuo Uematsu, who composed music for theFinal Fantasyseries.
How likely is a sequel:Unlikely. Mistwalker aren’t really interested in making console games anymore and the producer Hironobu Sakaguchi said he “doesn’t like sequels”.
Which games would you like to receive direct sequels? Please comment below and let us know.
So, did you like this article? If so, you could read theKingdom Come Deliverance Reviewnext. Alternatively, you could try theSmoke and Sacrifice Coming to Consolesarticle.
