Wednesday, August 30, 2023

5 Unappreciated Video Games That need a Sequel But May Never Get One



Anyone who has been gaming for awhile has more than likely experienced this. A gam or series that it feels like you are the only one that still cares about and want to see return. However, it is especially upsetting when those games have an unfinished story or unrealized potential. Here are 5 games that fit that description for me. Click "read more". 

My one rule is that they cannot be games that have any sequels. While there are still plenty of unfinished stories out there, having at least 1 sequel means the games and storis had a chance to evolve or finish.

5. Days Gone


The newest title on this list and one that is not completely under the radar. Days gone was a PS4 exclusive that failed to get the sales that Sony was expecting which led them to deny any pitch for a sequel. When the game came out it was viewed as nothing special, but most who play it now find a fair amount of enjoyment. But, with most of the original developers no longer with the same company, it is highly unlikely there will be a Days Gone 2.
An open world Zombie-like survival game where the main character Deacon is a drifter, bounty hunter, and biker in a post apocalyptic world that ended on a cliffhanger. It is a solid game that, while not doing anything too out there, is still a lot of fun. It's most notable feature is the "horde" of 30-100+ freakers (zombies) all at once. 
But, with a movie supposedly happening, at least the story may get a conclusion.




4. R.A.D.


Robot Alchemic Drive, a lesser known Playstation 2 game. A story that is intentionally written and acted like an 80s anime and a unique take on a giant robot game. You don't directly control the giant mecha or Meganite, but instead you play one of 3 characters that has a controller that controls the Meganite. You then see the battle from the perspective of wherever you took control of the Meganite which can be obstructed by buildings so you need to drop control in order to find a better point but that leaves your Meganite vulnerable. The challenge is not just to win fights, but do so without causing too much collateral damage. There are multiple endings depending on how much damage you cause you avoid. For example, you have a friend character that struggles on her own and her condition can get worse if you continue to destroy her employer or apartment. She could end up doing very well for herself or committing suicide or something in-between. Similar story alterations or other characters.
The story ended properly, and the actions effecting characters enables re-play. However, a lot of it has not aged well. Levels and gameplay can get repetitive and there are only 3 Meganite's. But, that is exactly why I believe it needs a sequel. I still have not come across this type of game since R.A.D. and there is a lot of potential. Imagine this type of game with modern mechanics and hardware. The way you controlled the Meganite from the perspective of a normal person was a great way to make them and their opponents feel like giants and that can be taken so much further with modern hardware. Heck, an open world with basically a pet giant robot is already a selling point. Sadly, given how obscure this game has become I cannot realistically seeing it getting any re-visit unless one die-hard fan does it.





3. Shadow Complex


A Metroidvania style game from the Xbox 360 arcade. Actually a modest success, but the developers, Epic Games, are too busy getting rich with Fortnite to ever finish this story.
This game is a case of something being done simple, but well. It is a simple story, the main character, Jason, was given military training by his Father which comes in handy when his new girlfriend Claire is captured by some shady underground army. You start with just a pistol and slowly turn into a super soldier. 
All of that was no coincidence because Claire turned out to be part of an organization who needed the Jason to stop the terrorist threat that was going on. What that organization is or what this evil army was really up too are details left unanswered for the sequel. A sequel we may never get.









2. Breakdown


A first person shooter by Namco on the original Xbox that focuses more on melee combat and realistic physics than shooting. It was different, but really well made. Everything is done from the main character's perspective. Derrick. He has amnesia and the player is not given any explanation about what has happened or why Derrick is in the situation he is. This is very immersive. There are even hallucinations that have had a lot of work put into them. The story never does any kind of cutaway or a pure cutscene so every answer to the plot is filled in as Derrick witness them along the player. It is honestly one of the more artistic FPS's I have ever played.
The story ends on a happy note, but one that implies that the story and fight is not over. But, aside from some fanfic websites, there does not seem to be much demand for a sequel to this old FPS from 20 years ago. If only.








1. God Hand


No game has ever left an impression on me like God Hand did. 3D beatemup and a rare care of a game being made based on what the developer thought would be fun rather than what was believed to sell well. 
The main character, Gene, gets his arm cut off in a fight while trying to save a girl named Olivia and she gives him the God Hand afterwards. It is a right arm that gives Gene "the ultimate power of a God". Gameplay features a customizable hit combination with a lot of variety and some very memorable and bazar villains. 
This was Clovers last game before being shut down. While it will probably never get a sequel, its legacy lives on. Several of the Clover staff that worked on this game went on to work for Platinum Games and the frantic fighting found in God Hand carries on in several of Platinum Games titles.

Your game is no Alexander The Great, God Hand is.







Those are my 5 games that I wish could return but I have accepted they most likely never will. It is depressing to think about, but I will at least try to make a positive note. While these games could have done more, at least they are extra special because they stand alone and have no low points. If you ever have a chance to check out any of these games, I do suggest it. They may not be for everyone but at least they are worth the experience. Until next time, this is Cendoo the Ghost Ranger, signing off.

1 comment:

  1. I think its rare to read a piece on under appreciated games that are actually under appreciated. Very well done article.

    ReplyDelete

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