Video Game Sequels: Exceptions to the Rule?

Movie sequels are often unimaginative and derivative attempts to cash in on the success of the original. Film is a primarily narrative medium, and unless a sequel adds to the story of the first then it is pointless, serving only to line the pockets of greedy studios. They are horrendously transparent in their attempt to make money and establish a franchise, alienating many fans who don’t want to ruin their memories of the original. Some notable exceptions to this rule are Terminator 2, Aliens, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Godfather 2. These work as the worlds they portray are rich in detail and have plenty of interesting narrative material that can be further explored. Additionally, they are all blessed with fantastic writing, skilled direction and some truly memorable set-pieces.

Unlike film, games are primarily a mechanical medium. Quality is largely governed by the interface between player and game. Graphics and gameplay take pride of place over story in the majority of mainstream games, lending themselves well to sequels, as both can be objectively improved upon. Not only this but they are often much bigger in terms of scale and ambition.

Exceptions to this are titles like Bioshock and Heavy Rain. Their emphasis on narrative, like film, inhibits their potential to produce sequels. For example, although Bioshock 2 was technically outstanding, improving on the first in most areas, it held little appeal to some fans of the original. The first game brought the story to a natural and fitting conclusion. Many felt that the sense of curiosity, and wonder, of exploring Rapture, wouldn’t be so great the second time round. Having played both I am inclined to agree. Similarly, a direct sequel to Heavy Rain would be redundant; once the mystery of the origami killer has been revealed there is little reason to want to revisit.

On the whole, game story lines are nothing but a flimsy justification for the action that takes place. In most cases the smallest amount of context is needed so that we, the player, know what we are doing and why. In most instances this, or even less, is fine. The games are fun to play as their raw mechanics are well implemented. Obvious examples of these types of games are sports franchises and the COD series. As players we can put so much time into games that when its follow-up is released we are clamouring for more content. The same can’t be said for film. No-one buys a movie, watches it four or five times a week, then counts down the days until the sequel is released.

Of all the entertainment mediums, the gaming industry is unique in its ability to create game sequels that are expected to be better than their predecessor. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. As long as we still get original titles like The Last Guardian, and amazing sequels like Dead Space 2, I don’t care if COD starts releasing titles three times a year!