The gaming world eagerly anticipates upcoming sequels, but some titles might benefit more from a creative reimagining or a complete break. Several franchises, ranging from post-apocalyptic dramas to sprawling space epics, find themselves at a critical juncture.This article delves into which games might be better served by exploring new avenues rather than releasing a direct sequel, examining franchises like “The Last of Us,” “starfield,” and “Resident Evil.”

The Last of Us: A Prequel instead of Part III?

While “The Last of us” and “The Last of Us: Part II” have achieved critical acclaim and cultivated a dedicated fanbase, some argue that continuing the story directly from were it left off might not be the most effective approach. The emotional intensity of Ellie‘s journey and the complexities surrounding abby’s character have left some players desiring a different narrative direction.

Instead of “The Last of Us: Part III,” a prequel exploring the early days of the apocalypse with Tommy and Joel, and possibly even Tess, could recapture the magic of the original game.A playable prologue focusing on their struggles and survival before the events of “The Last of Us” could offer a fresh perspective and a compelling narrative.

I want to play Tommy and Joel (and Tess to some extent), and I hope the adventure happens before The Last of Us. A playable prologue,pure and simple.

Gamereactor

Starfield: Re-evaluate Before Launching a Sequel

Bethesda’s space epic, “Starfield,” has faced its share of criticism. Some players feel it hasn’t lived up to the hype or reached the heights of previous Bethesda titles like “Morrowind,” “Oblivion,” and “Skyrim.” The game has been described by some as “a stale, stiff menu simulator with meaningless exploration and paper-thin stories.”

Given these concerns,a sequel might not be the immediate answer. Rather, Bethesda should focus on improving “The Elder Scrolls VI” and possibly re-evaluating the core mechanics and narrative of “Starfield” before considering a sequel. Avoiding a “Starfield 2,” “Redfall 2,” or “Brink 2” could be a wise strategic move.

Bethesda shouldn’t even start developing Starfield, rather, they should put everything in The elder Scrolls VI.

Gamereactor

Resident evil: A Remake Before Resident Evil 9?

the “Resident Evil” franchise has experienced its ups and downs. While some elements of “Village,” such as Lady Dimitrescu and Castle Dimitrescu, were well-received, others found the game less memorable compared to other entries in the series. The first-person perspective, while effective in “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard,” didn’t resonate with all players in “Village.”

Rather than continuing with “Resident Evil 9,” a deluxe remake of “Code Veronica” could be a more appealing option. Additionally, a derivative title, “Resident Evil 2.5,” exploring the events directly after “Resident Evil 2,” could offer a fresh perspective on a familiar storyline.

Gears of War: A Return to Roots

For the “Gears of War” series, a return to its core values might be more beneficial than a direct continuation of “Gears of War 5.” Focusing on Marcus Fenix and his allies,reminiscent of Epic’s original vision,could revitalize the franchise.

an “E-Day” focused game, set after “Gears of War 4,” could recapture the essence of the series.Avoiding a direct sequel with Kait Diaz and Del Walker, and steering clear of elements like the frozen lake, could be a step in the right direction.

Halo Infinite: Back to Basics

While “Halo Infinite” has its merits, especially in its single-player campaign, some feel that the open-world aspect didn’t fully enhance the experience. A return to the more structured, level-based design of the earlier “Halo” games could be a welcome change.

Instead of “Halo Infinite 2,” focusing on traditional level design, similar to “Halo 1-3,” could be a better approach. For “Halo 7,” exploring the Flood and creating a more horror-focused atmosphere could offer a unique and compelling experience.

Wolfenstein: Quake V Over wolfenstein 3?

MachineGames, known for their work on the “Wolfenstein” series, is also developing “Indiana Jones and the Golden Circle.” Some argue that they should move on from “Wolfenstein” altogether, considering “New Order” and “New Colossus” to be mediocre.

Rather, MachineGames could focus on “Quake V,” leveraging their expertise in Quake design. A sequel to “Quake III: Arena,” incorporating modern concepts and growth techniques,could be a more exciting prospect.

Portal: Time for Something New

The “Portal” games are celebrated for their innovative puzzle design. However, some believe that the series has explored all possible avenues within its core mechanics. Valve should focus on new projects, such as “Team Fortress 3” and “Left 4 dead 3,” rather of “Portal 3.” The dream of “Half-Life 3” also persists.

Call of Duty: Black Ops: Fresh Perspectives Needed

After “Black Ops 6,” Treyarch should explore new narratives and characters within the “Call of duty” universe. The “Black Ops” storyline,with its confidential missions and government conspiracies,has become somewhat dated.A new engine,optimized beyond PlayStation 4 limitations,could also revitalize the franchise.

Focusing on fresh conflicts, past or future, with brand new characters, could inject new life into the series. Eliminating repetitive corridors, shooting range-like structures, and predictable enemy spawns could also improve the gameplay experience.

Need for Speed: underground Revival

The “Need for Speed” series has a rich history of memorable racing games. However, “Unbound” failed to capture the essence of what made the series great. EA should return to the roots of “Underground” rather than launching a direct sequel.

An “Underground 3,” set in a neon-lit Tokyo,could revive the series. Additionally

Gaming Sequels: When a Creative Pause Beats a Direct Sequel

Is the relentless pursuit of sequels in the gaming industry hindering creativity and ultimately harming beloved franchises? Let’s explore.

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, renowned game design expert and author of “The art of the Sequel: Innovation vs. Iteration,” welcome to World Today News. Your insights on the current state of gaming sequels are highly anticipated. Many triumphant franchises, like The Last of Us, Resident Evil, and even Starfield, are facing this very question: is another direct sequel truly the best path forward, or would a creative pause benefit their long-term health?

Dr. Sharma: That’s a crucial question facing the industry. The pressure to deliver sequels – driven by market expectations and investor demands – often overshadows the need for genuine creative innovation. While sequels can be profitable, rushing them without a strong, compelling narrative or innovative gameplay mechanics can damage the very franchise they intend to extend. We’re seeing evidence of this in several prominent examples.

Interviewer: We’ve seen many gamers express concern about the overuse of sequels. You’ve written extensively about the phenomenon of “sequel fatigue,” could you elaborate on some of these concerns and discuss the risks associated with releasing a game sequel too soon?

Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. Sequel fatigue arises when a franchise over-saturates the market with similar entries, leading to a decline in player interest and critical acclaim. the risks are multifaceted:

Narrative Stasis: Repeatedly revisiting the same characters and settings without significant narrative progression can lead to a predictable and ultimately unsatisfying experience. This is particularly damaging for story-driven games were the emotional connection with characters is paramount.

Gameplay Stagnation: Sticking rigidly to established gameplay can stifle innovation. Players crave fresh mechanics, challenging environments, and unexpected gameplay twists, and failing to deliver these can lead to dissatisfaction.

Brand Dilution: A flurry of poorly received sequels can substantially damage a franchise’s reputation, leading to a loss of fan engagement and possibly long-term market share.

Financial Losses: While initial sales might seem high, poor critical reception and player burnout can affect long-term profitability, ultimately resulting in financial losses for the game developer.

Interviewer: Your work highlights the importance of careful consideration before greenlighting a direct sequel. What are some alternative approaches game developers should explore before jumping into a direct sequel?

Dr. Sharma: Instead of a direct sequel, consider these innovative approaches:

Prequels or Side Stories: Exploring the backstory or offering a different outlook within the established universe can introduce fresh narratives and expand the franchise’s lore.

Remakes or Remasters: Revisit classic games leveraging modern technology and gameplay mechanics to breathe new life into beloved titles.

Spin-offs: Develop independent titles set within the franchise’s world but featuring different characters and storylines, offering a change of pace and expanding the overall narrative.

Creative Pauses: Sometimes, stepping back to re-evaluate the franchise’s core identity and potential directions is crucial. This provides time for fresh ideas to emerge.

Interviewer: Let’s discuss specific examples. Many fans believe The Last of Us part III risks tarnishing the legacy of the previous entries. what are your thoughts?

Dr. Sharma: The last of Us series possesses a powerful narrative that has deeply resonated with players. A direct sequel runs the risk of diluting the emotional weight of the previous installments. A prequel focusing on the early days of the pandemic and other characters, or even a spin-off with different protagonists, might be better options, preserving the core story’s strength and creating additional engaging gaming experiences.

Interviewer: Starfield‘s reception has been mixed, to put it mildly. What dose this reveal about the necessity of truly evaluating a game’s performance before immediately investing in a direct sequel?

Dr. Sharma: Starfield‘s mixed reception underscores the importance of critical analysis before committing to a sequel. Developers need to honestly assess the game’s strengths and weaknesses, listening to player feedback and identifying areas needing betterment before attempting to build upon a potentially flawed foundation. A direct sequel to a game that didn’t meet expectations might exacerbate existing issues rather than addressing them.

Interviewer: Resident Evil has a long and varied history. You mentioned in your book the possible benefits of revisiting past games strategically. Could you elaborate on this point,highlighting strategic game development based on the successes and failures of past titles?

Dr. Sharma: Precisely. Resident Evil has demonstrated the ability to both revitalize and sometimes deviate from core gameplay elements across its releases. instead of a direct numbered sequel,a new remake of an existing title,carefully integrating modern gaming elements,could resonate well with players. Considering a game like Code Veronica, for example, could be a more strategic option than simply releasing Resident Evil 9. Analyzing past franchise iterations is critical for navigating future developments.

Interviewer: Beyond the examples we’ve discussed, what are some broad steps game developers, publishers, and industry stakeholders can take to ensure the longevity of their franchises and improve the quality of sequels across the board?

Dr. Sharma: The gaming industry must prioritize:

Player Feedback: Actively solicit and seriously consider the opinions and experiences of gamers. Engage with communities and actively consider feedback in planning new game development.

Creative Risk-Taking: embrace bold new ideas, experimenting with different genres, narratives, and gameplay mechanics to avoid stagnation.

* Strategic Planning: Focus on the long-term health of franchises, rather than short-term revenue projections. Develop complete plans that consider the overall narrative arc and long-term potential of game series,avoiding hasty decisions driven purely by market demands.

Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your expertise. Your insights on the critical balance between leveraging franchise success and fostering continued innovation offer valuable guidance for the gaming industry.

Dr. Sharma: My pleasure. The gaming landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and balancing legacy with innovation is essential for the long-term health and success of any game franchise. Let’s hope the industry can learn from past mistakes and prioritize truly meaningful and innovative experiences over the relentless pursuit of simply creating sequels. I encourage you to engage in the discussion – what are your thoughts on the future of gaming sequels? Share your comments below!