10 popular games that somehow never got a proper sequel

The gaming industry produces many sequels and many of them are better than their original titles. After all, developers can build on what worked in the original and remove everything that didn't. So this is how you end up with iconic games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin's Creed 2 and Halo 2.

Unfortunately, not every game gets this treatment. There are plenty of excellent titles that never got any kind of sequel. This includes the following games that we secretly hope will one day see sequels.

Sleeping dogs

Great open-world crime games have a history of launching entire series. For example, Grand Theft Auto, Saints Row and Mafia are all open-world crime titles with multiple sequels. That's why it's very unfortunate that 2012's Sleeping Dogs didn't get a sequel. After all, this is a great open world game that revolves around a Hong Kong police officer hiding in the Triads.

Unlike many of these types of games, weapons are secondary in this one. Most fights are varied as you use the protagonists' martial arts skills to defeat your opponents. This combat is super smooth and satisfying, so it would be nice to see another game with it, even if the title had a different story and cast of characters. Additionally, a sequel would mean another game set in modern China, a rare setting.

Split/Second

Split/Second is a unique racing game that combines arcade racing with a bit of simulation. The simulation comes primarily in visual form. The cars and tracks look very realistic and just from the screenshots you can compare the game to Gran Turismo or Forza. It's not like those titles though, as you can destroy an entire airport with the click of a button, which is unusual for entries in the GT or Forza series.

This is where the arcade side comes in, as you can perform actions called “Power Plays” that allow you to trigger things like opening gates or exploding buildings. This allows you to create shortcuts or eliminate other vehicles. Not many racing games provide this kind of wild fun. Sadly though, there probably won't be another Split/Second title since its developer quit.

Defeat

Vanquish is a very chaotic third-person shooter. You play as a guy in a fancy tech suit that lets you run and slide around the battlefield fast. His story isn't very interesting, but he's a lot of fun to play. This is helped by the fact that you are not the only one who is fast. Enemies can also be quite fast and there are often a lot of them. It all makes for a very fast spectacle that is a joy to behold.

Unfortunately, though, the game is quite short, which means you'll be left wanting more by the end. Since this game came out in 2010 with no sequel in sight, it's likely that more will never come.

Marvel's Midnight Sun

There aren't many superhero games like Marvel's Midnight Suns. Instead of being an action game like a typical superhero affair, it's a tactical turn-based RPG. When it's your turn, you get a selection of cards from which to choose your next move. There is a lot of strategy in combat.

Outside of missions, you can team up with your team, which consists of various Marvel heroes. Together, you're on an escapade to overthrow your own character's mother, Lilith. Both the combat system and the relationship simulation elements are excellent and it would be nice to see them built on in the sequels, but there's no sign of that happening.

Sunset Overdrive

You'd be hard-pressed to find an open-world game like Sunset Overdrive. After all, the premise is that many people in the world have turned into mutants due to drinking an energy drink. These serve as the main enemies in the game and the story is about surviving in this world of mutant energy drink lovers. So the premise is unique.

The gameplay is also unique as it challenges you to always be grinding on rails, zip lining and wall running whether you're traversing the city or fighting enemies. It's such an original and creative game that it should have spawned a sequel.

Grim Fandango

Unfortunately, when Grim Fandango was released in 1998, it went a bit under the radar, leading to low sales. However, the appreciation of this classic adventure game grew over time. Nowadays it is known as a classic. In the game, you play as Manny, who is a “travel agent” in the Land of the Dead.

That means he helps pass people on and Meche is the person he helps in this game. The game's art design and film noir style are what really helped it become a memorable title. However, the overall gameplay and writing are also good. It would have been nice to see more games set in this world, but the title's lack of commercial success stopped it.

The Simpsons: Hit And Run

Games based on TV shows or movies are usually not very good. Yet one that manages to buck the trend is The Simpsons: Hit and Run. This open-world game quickly became a cult classic when it was released in 2003. It's more of a light-hearted version of Grand Theft Auto.

You drive around Springfield completing missions that usually involve some sort of driving. Looking at the game now, you can see that the missions could have been more varied and creative. That said, the game has so much charm and is a great adaptation of the famous yellow family. A potential sequel could improve the mission structure while giving us another great Simpsons adventure.

Star Wars: Republic Commando

The world is full of Star Wars games, but Republic Commando still manages to stand out. That's because it puts you in the shoes of the Clone Troopers and embarks on a grounded narrative adventure with tactical FPS gameplay. That's why it's more subtle than the average lightsaber-swinging Jedi game that often comes from the Star Wars franchise.

Since you are not an all-powerful Jedi, you must be strategic when leading your team of soldiers. You have to command them to do things like hacking computers, opening doors and getting into sniper positions. It's a really nice team-based shooter, although it's a bit limited since it was made in 2005. The sequel could be enhanced with modern technology.

Bullies

The problem with an IP created and owned by Rockstar is that it has to do very well to earn a sequel. Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption generate so much revenue that there is no reason for the studio to work on anything else. This is probably why the world never saw a sequel to Bully.

The original title is a PS2 classic where you play as a delinquent kid who enters a boarding school. While there, you interact with various cliques and teachers at the school. In addition, you can fully explore the campus and its surroundings. Because it takes place in a school, it's very different from GTA and has a Rockstar charm at the same time. More of this would be greatly appreciated.

Bloody

Bloodborne is definitely one of the most watched games that never got a sequel. An iconic soul-like title that came out in 2015, it's one of the best the genre has ever seen.

That's because it's an incredibly atmospheric adventure full of well-designed enemies and impressive locations. The story and lore are also good, so much so that a movie is being made about them. Despite this, there is still no sign of a second game that could build on the fascinating world that the first entry created.