The sophomore slump is a phenomenon that applies to both the video game and movie industries. Video game sequels and movies often fall short of emulating their blockbuster predecessors. Yet, there have been some great no II video game sequels that got it right and even eclipsed their blockbuster predecessors for industry impact. These are some of the best video game sequels in history with no II in their titles.
Street Fighter II
Although the original Street Fighter was a modest hit that popularized one-on-one martial arts combat in the arcades, it was still a little clunky and is completely overshadowed by its SF II sequel. Street Fighter II is one of the best video game sequels in history because of its revolutionary special moves. It was also a significant enhancement on its predecessor because it included a much more diverse character roster, with fighters that had unique playstyles. Thus, Street Fighter II became one of the biggest competitive arcade gaming phenomena in history by addressing the shortcomings of the original SF game.
Portal 2
Portal was a good bite-sized addition to Valve’s Orange Box. However, Portal 2 truly blew the gaming industry away as one of the best video game sequels ever. Portal 2 expanded on the minimalistic experience of its predecessor with a full-length cinematic gaming masterpiece based on the robotic Aperture research base. Players loved Portal 2 because of its ingenious puzzle gameplay mechanics, stellar voice acting, dark comedy, and dedicated co-op campaign.
Half-Life 2
The original Half-Life was great, but HL 2 pushed the boundaries of first-person shooters even further. Half-Life 2 isn’t just one of the best video game sequels; it’s one of the greatest games ever for how it combined revolutionary physics, seamless storytelling, and explosive shooting action. Added to that, Half-Life 2 was a technical marvel with its advanced animations and cutting edge lightning and rendering. Gordon Freeman’s battle against the Combine in City 17 in Half-Life 2 is now a part of gaming folklore.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 was technically a third-entry to its series, but was a numbered narrative successor to the original RDR game. Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 was a big-budget game that became a huge hit with its remarkably detailed open world for players to indulge in. The unmatched Wild West open-world exploration in Red Dead Redemption remains something special, but players also love RDR 2 because of its compelling story and characters. It remains a landmark Rockstar game for its realism and storytelling.
Assassin’s Creed II
Although Assassin’s Creed launched the AC franchise, Assassin’s Creed II perfected it. Assassin’s Creed II addressed some of the more repetitive gameplay flaws of its predecessor and introduced sun-drenched Renaissance Italy as the primary game setting. This sequel also introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an unforgettable protagonist who defined the AC game series more than any other (hence The Enzio Collection compilation game pack). With its refined gameplay and pacing and stunning setting, Assassin’s Creed II was one of the best instalments in the AC series.
Halo 2
The first Halo was a tough original game to eclipse, but Bungie pulled it off with this sequel. This sequel eclipsed its predecessor by expanding on the Halo lore with its dual-narrative solo campaign from the Master Chief and Covenant Elite perspectives. Halo 2 featured some unique gameplay innovations, such as dual-wielding weaponry. However, the Xbox Live integration for online matchmaking was the biggest game changer that made Halo 2 one of the best ever video game sequels.
Mass Effect 2
The original Mass Effect was an enthralling space adventure, but ME 2 was even better. Mass Effect 2 refined the combat and stripped away some of the clunky inventory management of its predecessor for a better sequel. This is among the best video game sequels in gaming history because of its intimate, character-oriented narrative based on a suicide mission into uncharted space. The fluid first-person combat and more polished production in Mass Effect 2 also made it a superior sequel.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Ok, Mario Galaxy 2 wasn’t the second instalment in its series, but it was a direct numbered sequel to the original MG game. This was a sequel that incorporated many of Nintendo’s leftover ideas from the original Mario intergalactic platform romp. Mario Galaxy 2 retained a similar story and structure to the original MG game, but it raised the bar even further for level design. This sequel is a game of unbridled color and creativity, with a wonderfully integrated Yoshi mixed in, that delivers even better platforming frolics than its predecessor.
Today, you can play both Mario Galaxy games on the Switch to judge for yourself which is better. The Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 package includes both games with upgraded high-definition graphics. It also includes new storybook chapters, Assist Mode, and an integrated soundtrack player.
Those are eight of the best video game sequels you can play today with remakes, remasters, or compilation packs. What those games show us is that the greatest sequels don’t simply offer players more of the same. Super Mario Galaxy 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, Mass Effect 2, Halo 2, Half-Life 2, Assassin’s Creed II, Street Fighter II, and Portal 2 were huge gaming hits because they incorporated bold graphical and gameplay innovations that made them even better than their predecessors.
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