Community Blogs (thecosmicfly) - Asks: What should a sequel be?

thecosmicfly
"Seeing as this generation is rife with many sequels and prequels, I thought this would be a good topic to discuss. How do you think developers should tackle the next game in a series? For instance, should they only improve and add on the gameplay set out by the first? Should they be more focused on taking a few risks and changing the formula entirely? Same could be said about the story. Should it continue the plot with the main characters returning in their rightful places or take interesting and unique steps in telling the story? I'm interested in reading your indepth opinions and thoughts.

Note: this is on the subject of sequels and prequels only, not remakes, spin offs etc. if it isn't an official installment and hasn't got a giant number at the end then it's irrelevant, unless you're prepared to argue that point."


AznSenzation
"A sequel MUST have a good story. Without it, what's the point of a sequel.

1) Sequels in my eyes should keep some of the game mechanics that that game used. IF not keep the game mechanics, add more. Example, Resistance: FoM and Resistance 2. Resistance FoM had chimera in online that could use chimeran rage, to be able to see through walls and be stronger. They took that out in Resistance 2, but they added the aiming mechanic, red screen for health, and berserks in multiplayer.

2) The story should be well done. Like in Killzone 2, I don't really feel the story is that strong. However, the gameplay from Killzone 1 to 2 is INCREDIBLE. Games like Resistance need a good story, because I loved the story in Resistance: FoM. It should be able to continue the story, in a strong way that will keep the players guessing, wondering and waiting."


sophora
"A sequel should be something that improves and builds on the original. Games that continue the story of the original are welcome, but there has to be a sort of refresher that reminds you what has happened. Having something like that in the title menu as an option would be nice (ex. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner).

You can't really diverge from the original when making a sequel too much, otherwise you end up with something like Xenosaga II >_>."


davethezombie
"A sequel of series can be expressed in different ways in terms of the different features of a video game. However, a good and true sequel, is able to surpass its faults from previous games in all areas of the features of a video game.

In the respect of a storyline, the sequel doesn't necessarily have to tie up loose ends, in the case of another sequel, but it should answer some questions. The writing should work back from previous games, and give the gamers a different perspective on the previous games in the series. That is what creates a good and strong story, open to future sequels.

In terms of gameplay, it should take an errors from previous games, and challenge them, making it a smoother and just plain more enjoyable experience for the gamer. A sequel should make attempts at trying innovative gameplay, reworking the original gameplay status quo, to keep their gamers interested in the series.

Sequels should always be an improvement of previous games, not some side project that the developers decided to work on."


IkusaGTx
"Sequels should be an improvement or over the game with the same things that made it great along with new mechanics involved."


daikenjo
"i think a game should improve and add onto their already existing gameplay, unless the fans feel that a drastic change is needed. when the developers listen and really apply feedback to their sequels, they're making large steps towards making a game that tons of people would have a blast playing.

for the most part, any big risk-taking wouldn't be wise for a sequel unless it was a long running franchise that was getting stale with the same style of gameplay. in my opinion, all the gambles and risks should be made on the very first installment; that's the best way to reap the biggest rewards, so they can then fine tune their new formula in future installments, making them more enjoyable, refreshing, and start new trends in the gaming industry(Valkyria Chronicles T_T).

in terms of story, i think gamers are pretty lenient to what direction the story goes, as long as it's CLEAR and well written. when i think of a bad story, it's usually ones that are too convoluted, vague, or "clusterfucky" for me to care about. how stories should be developed for sequels would differ for each genre, and what kind of story they are telling. if the game had a lone protagonist, then continuing the story with the same character would make sense until it sees the end(God of War, Resistance, etc). but like i said, as long as the gameplay is solid and well-made, the story is safe to go in most directions. this may not apply to some jrpgs however, as story is usually equally as important(if not more) than the gameplay. as long as they know when to stop, unlike some franchises..."

exocel
"a sequel should have you cheering about seeing your favorite characters return, and not roll your eyes at them getting into another similar situation."

Feel free to continue the discussion over in the forum thread.



Brad