Video Game Sequels That Let Fans Down
The video game industry is full of triumphs and disappointments, with some releases living up to the anticipation and others falling short of expectations. Although video games are supposed to be entertaining, instructive, and aid in hand-eye coordination, their overall operation, quality, and plot can be disappointing. In 2023, Backgammon-online.net created a list of the most disappointing video game sequels of all time. The list highlights how even popular franchises can falter when a sequel fails to meet expectations.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 vs. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5
Original game Metacritic rating: 94 | Sequel Metacritic rating: 39 | Difference: 55
The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series was once the gold standard for skateboarding games, but Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 fails to replicate that appeal. Several technical flaws, poor level design, and unreliable controls hindered the game, resulting in an unpleasant experience for players.
These technical flaws could mislead players, leading them to believe that there is a problem with their game system. But, do technical issues with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 only occur on specific consoles, or do they appear on all systems? A large portion of a game’s rating is likely to be determined by its functionality.
Dino Crisis 2 vs. Dino Crisis 3
Original game Metacritic rating: 86 | Sequel Metacritic rating: 51 | Difference: 35
Dino Crisis 2 was a popular survival horror game that offered a thrilling and immersive experience. Unfortunately, Dino Crisis 3 strayed from its beginnings, removing the horror themes in favor of a more action-oriented style. This departure saddened fans, resulting in a significant dip in the sequel’s Metacritic score.
Change is fantastic! However, fans may prefer that particular video games stick to a certain genre throughout the series. Transitioning into a different genre that has been popular for some time could lower its ratings simply because gamers will have to adjust to something they are unfamiliar with.
The Super Monkey Ball Sequel Missed The Mark
Original game Metacritic rating: 87 | Sequel Metacritic rating: 55 | Difference: 32
Super Monkey Ball 2 is a fun and hard puzzle platformer, but Super Monkey Ball 3D failed to match its popularity. The switch to 3D gaming proved to be a stumbling block, resulting in inaccurate controls and a loss of the series’ signature charm.
3D looks amazing in most, if not all, games. However, jumping between dimensions may disrupt a gamer’s level of interest as they are used to the game’s standard look. Perhaps before the sequel’s 3D transformation, players were used to Monkey Ball 2’s look. This familiarity could’ve enhanced their ability to succeed in the game. They were already comfortable with the controls, navigation, and overall tone.
Family Party: 30 Great Games vs. Family Party: 30 Great Games Obstacle Arcade
Original game Metacritic rating: 42 | Sequel Metacritic rating: 11 | Difference: 31
Family Party: 30 Great Games promises a variety of fun mini-games. The sequel, Family Party: 30 Great Games Obstacle Arcade, fell well short of expectations. The lack of variation, inadequate controls, and general mediocrity resulted for a lackluster follow-up.
In some cases, the invention of someone’s first project is often their best work. Anything after that doesn’t measure up to their initial project. Furthermore, it is critical to have a range of tasks available to a player to keep them engaged. Video games are seen as an experience. Gamers want to exercise their thoughts to discover levels and missions they didn’t expect.
The Syberia Sequel Left Fans Disappointed
Original game Metacritic rating: 80 | Sequel Metacritic rating: 51 | Difference: 29
Syberia II was well-known for its fascinating story and realistic world, but Syberia 3 fell short of that mark. Fans were disappointed with the long-awaited sequel, which had technical issues, awkward controls, and a disappointing narrative advancement.
Because we live in a world where technology is not always perfect, technical shortcomings will inevitably drive game enthusiasts away from a game if there’s no solution. Surely, the developers of Syberia 3 put in a lot of time and effort to create the sequel, but it must be upsetting when you finally release a long-awaited game that fans aren’t happy with. But, as the saying goes, everyone fails at something.
What Is Metacritic And Backgammon-online.net?
Metacritic is a well-known platform that collects reviews and provides ratings to video games based on the opinions of different reviewers.
Backgammon-online.net is a website dedicated to the game of backgammon, including information, tools, and an online platform for playing the popular game. It used a system to identify the most disappointing sequels, gathering Metacritic scores for the original games and their successors for each chosen title. By measuring the difference between these ratings, the website determined which franchises had the most substantial decline.
Spokesperson Comments on Video Game Sequel Failures
A spokesperson from backgammon-online.net commented:
These video games serve as cautionary tales in the industry, demonstrating that even successful franchises can stumble when sequels fail to meet expectations.”
They continued, “While the disappointment may linger, it is essential to remember that the industry is constantly evolving, and for every letdown, there are remarkable games waiting to be discovered!
