Sequels are supposed to improve on what came before and are expected to become the popular games. They tend to be the ones expected to do better than the original game as they typically get a bigger budget, more attention, and additional resources.
However, that is not always the case for certain franchise where the OG games are still seen as the better one, according to ComicBook Gaming.
'BioShock'
One of the best examples on this list is "BioShock." The 2007 game gave the world one of the most captivating worlds, best stories, and a mind-boggling ending, with some regarding it as among the "best FPS combat games" in history.
That said, 2K Games and Irrational Games followed it up two years later with "BioShock 2," and it did not get the same hype and glowing reviews as this specific sequel was generally considered the "worst" game in the series.
Needless to say, it was overshadowed by the original.
'Metroid Prime'
There is no denying that "Metroid Prime" is one of the best FPS games in the world and is widely considered the best Nintendo game released on the GameCube.
However, "Metroid Prime 2: Echoes" and "Metroid Prime 3" did not quite live up to the original's popularity in the market. While these sequels were not considered catastrophic failures, they still were not able to match what the original delivered as both games moved away from the innovative story found in the first game.
'Perfect Dark'
There are only two "Perfect Dark" games, and it is no thanks to Microsoft. But the original one was considered one of the peaks of Nintendo FPS experiences, featuring stunning gameplay, complex enemy AI, and noteworthy multiplayer modes.
Its sequel, "Perfect Dark Zero," is considered a decent game, but nowhere near the gamechanger the original was. A planned reboot was later cancelled, and the series has been dormant ever since.
'Fallout'
Tim Cain and Interplay Games' original "Fallout" is without a doubt one of the best games of its era and has recently seen immense popularity because of the Amazon Prime Video series adaptation.
However, when Bethesda stepped in, the game moved away from its focus on RPG and strategic combat as it evolved into an action FPS title. While the likes of "Fallout 4" and "Fallout: New Vegas" gave the franchise newfound fame, they were not able to match the OG.
'Deus Ex'
"Deus Ex" was a gamechanger when it launched right when the new millennium came, and it introduced an immersive sim title to the world, showing that action shooters can be more than linear corridors. Here, every scenario gave players genuine options, whether coming in loud, using stealth, or talking their way through.
"Human Revolution" and other follow-ups are excellent games, but none have managed to top the way that first entry hit. A new "Deus Ex" was cancelled in 2024, and since then, there have been no updates regarding the future of the series.
