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PC Games Deserving of a Sequel
February 12th, 2007, 04:40
Well, more accurately, deserving of a continuation.
I was discussing this with some friends a few days ago after we'd finished a skirmish match in Starcraft, musing over Blizzard Entertainment's fixation with WoW (which I, for one, despise…but, then again, I hate all MMOs) and the lack of a follow-up to this genre-defining game. Our conversation only grew more and more heated as we discussed some of the controversial "forthcoming" additions to long-running franchises we hold dear to our hearts (Fallout 3 and C&C Tiberium Wars). So, what do you guys think? Feel free to throw out some PC games you wish had seen a sequel or continuation of.
For my part, I'd like to see the following be made:
Warcraft IV
The classic Blizzard RTS series, I was frothing at the mouth when they announced years ago that another "Warcraft-themed title" was coming. Of course, the fact that it turned out to be World of Warcraft, not another strategy game, dropped me into a fit of depression which still makes me cry (but only late at night). After the reinvention of the interface and update to the game that was Warcraft III, I had expected some great things from another Warcraft game, something to carry on the proud tradition. After all, they rather left the story undecided at the end of The Frozen Throne. It seemed only natural that they'd push for another game in two or three years. Sadly, it's been WoW ever since…
Diablo III
Another Blizzard fave, Diablo was the first RPG-ish game I ever played on the PC (prior to that I only had experience with the greats from the SNES), and it was great, in a totally mindless fashion. Diablo 2, as everyone knows, really defined the hack n' slash genre, adding depth to the series with more choices in characters, a larger world, and freeform skill point allocations that made for unique character builds. Of course, I'm certain many here are familiar with the dropping of the Diablo 3 bomb, but I'm still waiting for Blizzard to come back with this franchise.
Starcraft II
Finally, the last Blizzard franchise, and another one that deserves a sequel. It's been ten years, and still no sign of anything. S:Ghost was put in deep-freeze, and there hasn't been a peep out of them since. Yeah, there were some recent comments regarding a "non-WoW project" but that could be anything. Personally, I hope they come to their senses and give us another Starcraft ere the fanbase all perishes.
Vampire the Masquerade
In this case, a Bloodlines 2 by the legendary Troika would be preferable, however, as that cannot happen, a B2 by just about anyone else (so long as it stayed true to the concepts of the first) would be fine by me. Either that or a new variant of the series. I just want to play a really cool vampire again.
Mafia 2
Now this is what freeform gaming with guns is all about. Mafia was ahead of its time when released, an even better, more polished title than the comparable GTA of that period. The atmosphere (everything from the beautifully rendered scenery and cars, to the music and well-chosen voice actors) combined with the stellar gameplay to create a truly memorable experience for anyone looking to play as a Mafioso. The combat bested GTA, and where you could get away with flying down the highway in GTA, you'd get a ticket for running a red light or speeding in Mafia…if you decided to pull over and accept it. It was realistic touchs like this (and the citizens that reacted appropriately, the fully-functional and boardable train system, and the great missions) that cemented Mafia as a superb title. There has been some talk lately that a Mafia 2 is currently in development, however, nothing specific has been mentioned (insofar as I'm aware).
Gothic IV
Let's face it, the Gothic series is fantastic. I just finished G2 a few months ago, and it instantly shot to a position in my top ten PC games of all time. Still, it had some issues that were…irksome. The lame looking dragons (that were also incredibly easy to kill), the invulnerable characters (some of whom seemed to possess a certain degree of clairvoyance), and the inventory management interface. Luckily, the former and latter were resolved in G3 (monsters look great, and you finally get a cursor interface), but we all know that game came loaded down with some bugs of its own. So, why make a Gothic 4? One, the series deserves it, if simply as it presents an alternative to the more mindless drivel of other "next-gen" games, and offers some true originality in certain areas. Two, the games continue (in most areas) to improve with each iteration. Three, why not?
The Elder Scrolls V
Why? Because I like them. Once properly modded (yes, I know that says a great deal about the quality of the initial product, but lets not get into that) you'll be hard pressed to find better games currently in the market. Also, because I want to see some of the features removed from Oblivion put back…plus, curiosity is nagging at me to discover what they plan to do with the series now. No more Emperor, so who rules?
Dues Ex 2
Don't even suggest that Invisible War was Dues Ex 2. That travesty deserves to rot on the console from whence it sprung. That much aside, who can deny that Dues Ex is deserving of a true PC rebirth. No one? That's right.
Arx Fatalis 2
This was the RPG that made me a RPG fan, the one that stole my loyalty from every other game, and still stands proud in the company of modern games. The ambience, innovative magic system, storyline, and sheer amount of things to accomplish set Arx Fatalis apart from the crowd of games sporting nothing more than a slue of monsters to cut your way through. Frankly, it doesn't appear as though this one will happen anytime soon. Arcane seems to have sold their creative souls to the corporate sponsors in order to create "Action RPGs" like Dark Messiah and their upcoming "Crossfire" (or whatever it was) "action" game. Thrills and chills, aye?
Arcanum 2
Another Troika product that truly brought both originality and a definite sense of impact to the RPG world. While buggy, and largely unplayable on many modern computers, Arcanum is priceless. I won't bother trying to justify this one further, as it honestly requires no thought. The one and only true steampunk RPG.
Rogue Trooper 2
This is actually the only new game that I would like to see continued (TES doesn't count as it is a long-running franchise). Of all the third-person shooters I have ever picked up, none have compared to Rogue Trooper in sheer terms of original atmosphere, replayability, and just plain fun. I picked it up at release, and its been a favorite for mindless entertainment ever since. As a bonus, its probably the only game that isn't based on the Smurfs where you get to play as a blue-skinned guy.
Planescape Torment 2
Enough said.
Mechwarrior 5
The best mecha-based series of all time pretty much gave its last rattling cough of death with the horrendous "expansion packs that aren't really expansion packs" for Mechwarrior 4, but I can always wish. I jumped into this series at Mechwarrior 2, following it through to the bitter end. Nothing else comes close.
Monkey Island 5
I'm not even sure how the last game ended up (Escape from Monkey Island), as I never finished it (my disc was attacked by my cat), but what's not to love about this entire series. They continued the Sam & Max franchise, so there may very well be hope for this beloved gem as well.
Thief 4
Taking into consideration the relative flop that Thief 3 became on the PC, it may be seen as rather unlikely for another Thief title to be released anytime soon, but, then again, I'd willing settle for another T3 like game, if only as it would give me another game to play as a thief, and one more I get to sneak around in that isn't Metal Gear or Splinter Cell.
I was discussing this with some friends a few days ago after we'd finished a skirmish match in Starcraft, musing over Blizzard Entertainment's fixation with WoW (which I, for one, despise…but, then again, I hate all MMOs) and the lack of a follow-up to this genre-defining game. Our conversation only grew more and more heated as we discussed some of the controversial "forthcoming" additions to long-running franchises we hold dear to our hearts (Fallout 3 and C&C Tiberium Wars). So, what do you guys think? Feel free to throw out some PC games you wish had seen a sequel or continuation of.
For my part, I'd like to see the following be made:
Warcraft IV
The classic Blizzard RTS series, I was frothing at the mouth when they announced years ago that another "Warcraft-themed title" was coming. Of course, the fact that it turned out to be World of Warcraft, not another strategy game, dropped me into a fit of depression which still makes me cry (but only late at night). After the reinvention of the interface and update to the game that was Warcraft III, I had expected some great things from another Warcraft game, something to carry on the proud tradition. After all, they rather left the story undecided at the end of The Frozen Throne. It seemed only natural that they'd push for another game in two or three years. Sadly, it's been WoW ever since…
Diablo III
Another Blizzard fave, Diablo was the first RPG-ish game I ever played on the PC (prior to that I only had experience with the greats from the SNES), and it was great, in a totally mindless fashion. Diablo 2, as everyone knows, really defined the hack n' slash genre, adding depth to the series with more choices in characters, a larger world, and freeform skill point allocations that made for unique character builds. Of course, I'm certain many here are familiar with the dropping of the Diablo 3 bomb, but I'm still waiting for Blizzard to come back with this franchise.
Starcraft II
Finally, the last Blizzard franchise, and another one that deserves a sequel. It's been ten years, and still no sign of anything. S:Ghost was put in deep-freeze, and there hasn't been a peep out of them since. Yeah, there were some recent comments regarding a "non-WoW project" but that could be anything. Personally, I hope they come to their senses and give us another Starcraft ere the fanbase all perishes.
Vampire the Masquerade
In this case, a Bloodlines 2 by the legendary Troika would be preferable, however, as that cannot happen, a B2 by just about anyone else (so long as it stayed true to the concepts of the first) would be fine by me. Either that or a new variant of the series. I just want to play a really cool vampire again.
Mafia 2
Now this is what freeform gaming with guns is all about. Mafia was ahead of its time when released, an even better, more polished title than the comparable GTA of that period. The atmosphere (everything from the beautifully rendered scenery and cars, to the music and well-chosen voice actors) combined with the stellar gameplay to create a truly memorable experience for anyone looking to play as a Mafioso. The combat bested GTA, and where you could get away with flying down the highway in GTA, you'd get a ticket for running a red light or speeding in Mafia…if you decided to pull over and accept it. It was realistic touchs like this (and the citizens that reacted appropriately, the fully-functional and boardable train system, and the great missions) that cemented Mafia as a superb title. There has been some talk lately that a Mafia 2 is currently in development, however, nothing specific has been mentioned (insofar as I'm aware).
Gothic IV
Let's face it, the Gothic series is fantastic. I just finished G2 a few months ago, and it instantly shot to a position in my top ten PC games of all time. Still, it had some issues that were…irksome. The lame looking dragons (that were also incredibly easy to kill), the invulnerable characters (some of whom seemed to possess a certain degree of clairvoyance), and the inventory management interface. Luckily, the former and latter were resolved in G3 (monsters look great, and you finally get a cursor interface), but we all know that game came loaded down with some bugs of its own. So, why make a Gothic 4? One, the series deserves it, if simply as it presents an alternative to the more mindless drivel of other "next-gen" games, and offers some true originality in certain areas. Two, the games continue (in most areas) to improve with each iteration. Three, why not?
The Elder Scrolls V
Why? Because I like them. Once properly modded (yes, I know that says a great deal about the quality of the initial product, but lets not get into that) you'll be hard pressed to find better games currently in the market. Also, because I want to see some of the features removed from Oblivion put back…plus, curiosity is nagging at me to discover what they plan to do with the series now. No more Emperor, so who rules?
Dues Ex 2
Don't even suggest that Invisible War was Dues Ex 2. That travesty deserves to rot on the console from whence it sprung. That much aside, who can deny that Dues Ex is deserving of a true PC rebirth. No one? That's right.
Arx Fatalis 2
This was the RPG that made me a RPG fan, the one that stole my loyalty from every other game, and still stands proud in the company of modern games. The ambience, innovative magic system, storyline, and sheer amount of things to accomplish set Arx Fatalis apart from the crowd of games sporting nothing more than a slue of monsters to cut your way through. Frankly, it doesn't appear as though this one will happen anytime soon. Arcane seems to have sold their creative souls to the corporate sponsors in order to create "Action RPGs" like Dark Messiah and their upcoming "Crossfire" (or whatever it was) "action" game. Thrills and chills, aye?
Arcanum 2
Another Troika product that truly brought both originality and a definite sense of impact to the RPG world. While buggy, and largely unplayable on many modern computers, Arcanum is priceless. I won't bother trying to justify this one further, as it honestly requires no thought. The one and only true steampunk RPG.
Rogue Trooper 2
This is actually the only new game that I would like to see continued (TES doesn't count as it is a long-running franchise). Of all the third-person shooters I have ever picked up, none have compared to Rogue Trooper in sheer terms of original atmosphere, replayability, and just plain fun. I picked it up at release, and its been a favorite for mindless entertainment ever since. As a bonus, its probably the only game that isn't based on the Smurfs where you get to play as a blue-skinned guy.
Planescape Torment 2
Enough said.
Mechwarrior 5
The best mecha-based series of all time pretty much gave its last rattling cough of death with the horrendous "expansion packs that aren't really expansion packs" for Mechwarrior 4, but I can always wish. I jumped into this series at Mechwarrior 2, following it through to the bitter end. Nothing else comes close.
Monkey Island 5
I'm not even sure how the last game ended up (Escape from Monkey Island), as I never finished it (my disc was attacked by my cat), but what's not to love about this entire series. They continued the Sam & Max franchise, so there may very well be hope for this beloved gem as well.
Thief 4
Taking into consideration the relative flop that Thief 3 became on the PC, it may be seen as rather unlikely for another Thief title to be released anytime soon, but, then again, I'd willing settle for another T3 like game, if only as it would give me another game to play as a thief, and one more I get to sneak around in that isn't Metal Gear or Splinter Cell.
Philosopher Emeritus
February 12th, 2007, 05:19
Wiz9 has got to be at the top of my list, although it would be hard to follow up that gem. You could update the graphics and maybe streamline combat a bit, but you really wouldn't want to mess with the formula much.
If we're going to allow "overlooks", then I'll overlook MM9 and make the call for MM10. Something that takes me back to MM7 and MM6. Again, a graphics modernization is called for, but somehow maintain the gameplay.
How about XCom4? There's been a few attempts, and UFO:Extraterrestrials is coming out soon, but so far nothing has really captured the magic of the first release. UFO:ET might do the trick, but it's really too early to tell.
And to throw out a lesser-known title, how about Majesty2? Different guilds, or a wider variety of critters? Hmm.
If we're going to allow "overlooks", then I'll overlook MM9 and make the call for MM10. Something that takes me back to MM7 and MM6. Again, a graphics modernization is called for, but somehow maintain the gameplay.
How about XCom4? There's been a few attempts, and UFO:Extraterrestrials is coming out soon, but so far nothing has really captured the magic of the first release. UFO:ET might do the trick, but it's really too early to tell.
And to throw out a lesser-known title, how about Majesty2? Different guilds, or a wider variety of critters? Hmm.
--
Sorry. No pearls of wisdom in this oyster.
Dallas Cowboys: Can we be done with the offseason? / / Detroit Red Wings: At least we get a new coach
Sorry. No pearls of wisdom in this oyster.
Dallas Cowboys: Can we be done with the offseason? / / Detroit Red Wings: At least we get a new coach
Shoegazer
February 12th, 2007, 06:11
The only one left might be Ultima 10 (SP)!! PS-T 2 would be my all time most desired game, but DD 2 and BG 3 are also worth considering. I don't dare mention Fallout 3.
If we go WAY back, there's always BT 4, Wasteland 2 and such, but perhaps it's only nostalgia speaking. However, I wouldn't say no to UU3, or SS 3 either!!
If we go WAY back, there's always BT 4, Wasteland 2 and such, but perhaps it's only nostalgia speaking. However, I wouldn't say no to UU3, or SS 3 either!!
--
If God said it, then that settles it!!
Editor@RPGWatch
If God said it, then that settles it!!
Editor@RPGWatch
On The Razorblade of Life
Super Moderator
RPGWatch Team
RPGWatch Team
February 12th, 2007, 07:25
Apart from some titles already mentioned, Lands of Lore deserve (yet) another part, so I don't have to replay the same titles over and over again. There are many other titles I want to see continued, but none of them are CRPGs.
--
ESO-playing machine
Semper HiFi!
Motto of the 54th Groove Bde.
ESO-playing machine
Semper HiFi!
Motto of the 54th Groove Bde.
Play nice.©
RPGWatch Team
February 12th, 2007, 07:26
Wizardry 10 and Ultima 10 for sure. Bard's Tale 4 no doubt. Baldur's Gate 3 and Icewind Dale 3.
Sam and Max finally got their long deserving follow up.
how about Star Frontiers 3? (I understand there was a 3 but it got renamed).
Ultima Online has badly needs a successor.
We need another Zork. A decent one this time. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy 2..still waiting on that. Asteroids 3d?
Sam and Max finally got their long deserving follow up.
how about Star Frontiers 3? (I understand there was a 3 but it got renamed).
Ultima Online has badly needs a successor.
We need another Zork. A decent one this time. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy 2..still waiting on that. Asteroids 3d?
Daywatch
February 12th, 2007, 08:34
All those previously mentioned--especially the older ones like Lands of Lore and Bard's Tale that I haven't got to play--fervently wish somebody would bring us some modern installments of the ancestors of today's games.
I'd also like to see their original developers produce these sequels :
Disciples 3
Evil Islands 2
Kult 2 (there may be one in Europe?)
Temple of Elemental Evil successor(a module you could move your ToEE chars to)
I'd also like to see their original developers produce these sequels :
Disciples 3
Evil Islands 2
Kult 2 (there may be one in Europe?)
Temple of Elemental Evil successor(a module you could move your ToEE chars to)
--
Where there's smoke, there's mirrors.
Where there's smoke, there's mirrors.
Hedgewitch
SasqWatch
Original Sin Donor
February 12th, 2007, 09:49
Originally Posted by dteownerIt's number one my list as well. Even though I don't really hope it will ever appear.
Wiz9 has got to be at the top of my list, although it would be hard to follow up that gem.
Sentinel
SasqWatch
Original Sin Donor
February 12th, 2007, 11:22
I still live in hope that Outcast 2 the lost paradise would see the light someday.
Man with the hat
Original Sin 2 Donor
February 12th, 2007, 13:59
Originally Posted by JDR13This one would most certainly deserver sequel as well. I really did enjoy it…
Also, Max Payne.
Sentinel
February 12th, 2007, 14:15
Privateer III and a real new Realms of Arkania IV in the Spirit of the old Series - not as a Baldur's Gate in 3D, for this I would like to see a real BG 3, oh and Darklands II would be great…
On second Thought:
Every Classic Series deserves Continuation… (if we forget some of the last parts of the series i.e. Ultima or Might & Magic).
On second Thought:
Every Classic Series deserves Continuation… (if we forget some of the last parts of the series i.e. Ultima or Might & Magic).
Böser Onkel
Watcher
February 12th, 2007, 18:40
I would love to see a sequel to Dragon Wars (which was itself a "spiritual sequel" to Bard's Tale 3).
That game didn't get the attention it deserved (mostly because of the fact that it didn't have the BT name tied to it), but it was a blast.
That game didn't get the attention it deserved (mostly because of the fact that it didn't have the BT name tied to it), but it was a blast.
Sentinel
February 12th, 2007, 19:11
Originally Posted by JDR13Maybe that falls under the topic, "PC Games Deserving a Better Sequel" (and that's worth considering too, isn't it?). Daggerfall would be #1 on my list for that, followed by Tie Fighter and Civilization II.
Gothic IV?! How about a real Gothic 3 first?
I think Freelancer definitely deserves a sequel.
connoisseur of tidbits
February 12th, 2007, 19:44
I want to see some indie games continued:
Yendorian Tales 4
Darkness (Sequel to Prelude to Darkness)
Aethra Chronicles 2
Excelsior 3
Retail:
Amber**** sequel to Amberstar and Ambermoon
Divine Divinity 2 (Larian makes games so slowly they might as well be out of business)
Magic Candle 4
Starflight 3
Yendorian Tales 4
Darkness (Sequel to Prelude to Darkness)
Aethra Chronicles 2
Excelsior 3
Retail:
Amber**** sequel to Amberstar and Ambermoon
Divine Divinity 2 (Larian makes games so slowly they might as well be out of business)
Magic Candle 4
Starflight 3
Survival Game Nut
RPGWatch Donor
Original Sin Donor
Original Sin Donor
February 12th, 2007, 19:49
Comments…
Baldur's Gate III
Throne of Bhaal had a perfect A++ ending… no way that game can have a sequel.
Vampire: The Masquerade
Probably wont happen since the RPG behind it was discontinued in favor for a new version that was not as popular as the first.
Gothic IV
With that ending it was screaming for a sequel, but also one without all the characters we learned to love.
Deus Ex II
Invisible War was Dues Ex 2.
A #3 would not be bad though.
Planescape Torment 2
I do not think you can continue the story of the first one and the RPG behind it is discontinued.
Anachronox 2
Did not this game end in a cliffhanger?
Still Life 2
Again… a game that ended in a cliffhanger…
Gabriel Knight 4
Again a game ending in a cliffhanger
The Longest Journey 3
Again, cliffhanger. Need the next game.
Beyond Good and Evil 2
3 games was planned, but the first sold so bad they cancelled the sequels
Broken Sword IV
BS3 was just great as an ending… BS4 ripped that apart and now we need a BS5 to clean up the mess
Call of Cthulhu
This frenchise is far from dead and DCotE was fantastic. Now we need another company who can produce another CoC game.
No One Lives Forever III
We need Cate Archer once again.
Divine Divinity II
Come on, release it already…
Jedi Knight IV
Every one of theese series was great. More money to be had here. Come on already.
Knights of the Old Republic III
Again one of the few sucessful Star Wars games…
Neverwinter Nights 3
With the crap ending of #2 we need a sequel that bandaid #2 together.
Baldur's Gate III
Throne of Bhaal had a perfect A++ ending… no way that game can have a sequel.
Vampire: The Masquerade
Probably wont happen since the RPG behind it was discontinued in favor for a new version that was not as popular as the first.
Gothic IV
With that ending it was screaming for a sequel, but also one without all the characters we learned to love.
Deus Ex II
Invisible War was Dues Ex 2.
A #3 would not be bad though.
Planescape Torment 2
I do not think you can continue the story of the first one and the RPG behind it is discontinued.
Anachronox 2
Did not this game end in a cliffhanger?
Still Life 2
Again… a game that ended in a cliffhanger…
Gabriel Knight 4
Again a game ending in a cliffhanger
The Longest Journey 3
Again, cliffhanger. Need the next game.
Beyond Good and Evil 2
3 games was planned, but the first sold so bad they cancelled the sequels
Broken Sword IV
BS3 was just great as an ending… BS4 ripped that apart and now we need a BS5 to clean up the mess
Call of Cthulhu
This frenchise is far from dead and DCotE was fantastic. Now we need another company who can produce another CoC game.
No One Lives Forever III
We need Cate Archer once again.
Divine Divinity II
Come on, release it already…
Jedi Knight IV
Every one of theese series was great. More money to be had here. Come on already.
Knights of the Old Republic III
Again one of the few sucessful Star Wars games…
Neverwinter Nights 3
With the crap ending of #2 we need a sequel that bandaid #2 together.
Okay, now roll sanity.
February 12th, 2007, 20:03
Originally Posted by themadhatterI agree - I really loved Bloodlines, and knowing that a sequel isn't coming soon I hope for something as interesting as that to come along.
Vampire the Masquerade
… I just want to play a really cool vampire again.
Originally Posted by themadhatterThis one nearly made me choke … I liked it, but as you can tell quickly by my review I didn't think it warranted a sequel …
Rogue Trooper 2
This is actually the only new game that I would like to see continued
--
-- Mike
-- Mike
SasqWatch
February 12th, 2007, 20:05
Originally Posted by JemyMI'll be very happy to get a Jedi Knight III
Jedi Knight IV
Every one of theese series was great. More money to be had here. Come on already.
--
-- Mike
-- Mike
SasqWatch
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