Sequels, Please! - Games That Need Another Entry

A successful game generally spawns a sequel. After all, if you made money off your first project, why wouldn't you want to follow it up? That's what many game publishers and developers do. While it's obviously always nice to see brand-new franchises pop up, that doesn't mean that the word "sequel" should be chastised or have people stick their noses up to. In fact, sometimes more of a good thing can be a great thing.

It's with that in mind that we take a look at some games that would be incredible to have sequels to. There are so many, really, that I could have a full month of articles on this subject, but like sequels themselves, moderation is key. When you've seen my selections, let me know if you agree/disagree, or which games you want sequels to badly!

Ratchet & Clank (PS4)

Insomniac Games is busy working on Spider-Man's PlayStation 4 exclusive outing, and judging by the team's previous output, the webhead is in good hands. However, once that project is done and shipped out the door, I'd love to see a return to the world of Ratchet & Clank. While the PS4 game was a revival of the original game, it'd be great to have a sequel that wasn't tied down by having to follow a movie's plot. Instead, there are two options that Insomniac Games could take: 1) A completely new entry in the series, or 2) A remodeled version of Going Commando, the second entry in the franchise and my favorite entry to date. Whichever path Insomniac chooses, like Spider-Man, the lombax and robot pair would be in good hands.

Sunset Overdrive (XB1)

While we're on the subject of Insomniac Games, the developer worked on Sunset Overdrive, a wacky and highly stylish game for the Xbox One. It was the type of game that made those without the system yearning for one, or at least a bit envious. It would happen to be a tremendous showcase for the Xbox brand to receive a sequel to this stellar game, upgraded and improved over the slight issues seen in the original. It would help diversify Microsoft Studios' currently anemic Xbox One output of games (well, anemic to me and countless others who grow tired of the trio known as Halo, Gears of War, and Forza), and it'd just be awesome to dive back into the colorful and entertaining world of Sunset Overdrive.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii)

Metroid Prime 3's bonus ending and even the recent Metroid Prime: Federation Force both hinted at the return of one of the hunters seen in Metroid Prime Hunters. It seems these hints indicate interest in expanding the Metroid Prime franchise, and what better way to do that with a brand-new entry. The most recent entries, Metroid: Other M and Metroid Prime: Federation Force, didn't sit too well for many fans of the Metroid franchise, so it would behoove Nintendo to correct the course of the series instead of letting it fade into obscurity. Whether under the helm of Retro Studios or an entirely new developer, a fourth Metroid Prime could bring Metroid back to greatness and tie up the loose ends of previous games.

Dragon Quest Builders (PS4, Vita)

Minecraft isn't just a game or service-- it's a phenomenon. It continues to capture the minds of today's youth as well as full blown adults. Parents can share the fun with their kids as their young brains come up with massive constructions based off of blocks and bricks. It's no wonder why the gaming world jumped at the chance to chase that Minecraft money. Dragon Quest Builders offers Minecraft-style gameplay while featuring many of its own additions to the formula, such as quests, a story, NPCs, monsters to battle, materials to gather, and so much more. The first game melded the gameplay of Minecraft with the world of Dragon Quest beautifully, so there's no question that many of us would enjoy seeing Square Enix's second take on the formula.

Pokken Tournament (Wii U)

Last month, I mentioned Pokken Tournament as a Wii U game that I'd like to see get a second chance on the Nintendo Switch. Why limit it to that, however? How about a full-fledged sequel with enhancements to the Pokken Tournament foundation and formula, offering gameplay tweaks, new battle systems, a new story, and a bounty of new Pokemon playable characters and assists? That sounds mighty fine to me. Even a Super Pokken Tournament in the style of Super Street Fighter II and the like would suffice. Just something that brings the fighting game featuring Pokemon both big and small to the Nintendo Switch would be a stellar proposition.

Battalion Wars (GCN), Battalion Wars II (Wii)

The Battalion Wars series is a spin-off of the Advance Wars series, a franchise that also needs a new entry something fierce. Instead of being turn-based, Battalion Wars is pure action, having players switch between infantry, tanks, and other troops to complete various objectives across an expansive map. With the popularity of multiplayer games in a more mature-oriented style, Battalion Wars could get Nintendo's foot in the door for an exciting multiplayer third-person action shooter where players take on the opposing side. Instead of blood and gore, the colorful and whimsical style would be fitting for the usually family-friendly approach Nintendo goes for in its titles.

Bomberman 64 (N64)

Bomberman recently made a reappearance after a long hiatus. His new game? Super Bomberman R for the Nintendo Switch. That game was a wholly traditional Bomberman entry. I'd love to see Konami and former Hudson staff explore the Bomberman 64 style form of adventure-- open areas, exploration, an engrossing story, and lots of hidden secrets to uncover. Bomberman 64 received a sequel on the same system, the Nintendo 64, called The Second Attack. (Good luck finding a used copy for a sane price, though.) There would be much greatness in seeing Bomberman return this kind of adventure outside of his traditional grid-based bombing and blasting.

Sunset Overdrive (XONE) TV Spot

One of my most anticipated Xbox One games is Insomniac Games' Sunset Overdrive. When a carbonated soft drink turns a plethora of citizens into monsters, there's just one person to call upon-- you! Check out Sunset Overdrive when it hits store shelves on October 28!

13 Most Wanted Games for the Rest of 2014

We're approaching the busiest time of the gaming year, so I figured I'd share the top titles that have my attention for the rest of the year. From Super Smash Bros. to Destiny, Sunset Overdrive to Fantasy Life, this list has all sorts of goodies on it! Once you've read my entries, feel free to share your most wanted games for what's left of 2014. You could even heavily criticize my list to the point of driving me to tears! Anyhow, let's get to my list!

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS (Wii U, 3DS)

While leaks for some folks may spoil a bit of the intrigue and hype behind a game, the character leaks from early this week have done nothing but extremely hype me for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U versions of Super Smash Bros. Like most of Masahiro Sakurai-led projects, both new Smash Bros. games are already packed with content, and we're not even through reading and hearing about most of the new content officially. I, like many other Smash fans, will no doubt vegetate and do nothing but play Smash once the 3DS version hits in early October. Then, I'll veg again when the Wii U's holiday release date comes.

Destiny (Multi)

The game with the closest upcoming release date, Destiny is joint venture by Bungie, known for starting the Halo series on the Xbox, and big publisher Activision. Those who have already played the now-closed beta are now foaming at the mouth to play more of this massively multiplayer online shooter, whether it's for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, or Xbox 360. Thankfully, those beta entrants as well as those who didn't get a chance to play in-depth with the game before Destiny's release won't have to wait much longer to invest as much time into it as they want. Destiny launches in just a couple of short weeks.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection (XONE)

As someone who has really only played one full Halo game in the series and that was Halo 3, an essential compendium of Halo's greatest hits in one neat little package seems like a no-brainer of a pickup. You get the anniversary edition of the original Halo, a version of Halo 2 that is getting the same updated treatment as the original, and updated versions of Halo 3 and Halo 4. In addition to that, if your hunger for Halo is still not satiated (you greedy goose), the entire package comes with an invitation to the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta. If you're like me and have little experience with Halo or even LESS experience with the series, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is an essential purchase if you're into first-person shooters or science fiction.

Sunset Overdrive (XONE)

I always knew those energy drinks were evil, and Sunset Overdrive is going to prove it to the world. The game, made by Insomniac Games of Ratchet & Clank and early Spyro games fame, has you playing as a customized character, wall-running, jumping, and grinding through a colorful city world. This is all the while taking out OD'd human beings, those who have overdone it on FizzCo's newest energy drink. The nimble and agile action of Sunset Overdrive mixed with the comic book-like world are breaths of fresh air on the Xbox One, and it's a title that makes me and a whole lot of other non-Xbox One owners wishing to purchase the system.

LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4, PS3)

One of the most exciting games for me that is coming out this year, as someone who A) loves platformers, and B) has a great amount of interest and fascination with level design, is none other than LittleBigPlanet 3. This sequel is being created by Sumo Digital, a studio with a high range of top-tier titles including Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. All previous downloadable packs from past LittleBigPlanet games can be used in LittleBigPlanet 3, all levels from the past two console games can also be played in. In addition to that, instead of being able to switch between three layers of depth, LittleBigPlanet 3 offers a game-changing 16. Oh, and did I forget to mention that creators are no longer slaves to a thermometer? Instead, creators can make levels as big as they wish, as long as their PS3 or PS4 hard drive has room available on it.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U)

While the European release has been delayed to early next year, North American and Japanese Wii U owners will get to enjoy Captain Toad's first solo adventure this holiday season. The game revolves around small but packed areas where Captain Toad must maneuver through obstacle-laden courses to reach a gold Power Star, serving the purpose of each stage's goal. E3 2014's cavalcade of footage proved that this idea originally inspired by Super Mario 3D World's Captain Toad levels can be an excellent concept for a full game. I can't wait to explore levels and take control of Captain Toad later this year.

Hyrule Warriors (Wii U)

My favorite video game series is almost without question The Legend of Zelda. It's awesome to see the series continue to evolve and spread out into uncharted territory. Hyrule Warriors takes the Zelda franchise and mixes it with Dynasty Warriors to create a unique hack 'n slash action game. The amount of fan service is incredible, and while the lack of online is definitely lame (that's the word us professionals use *rolls eyes*), I'm happy that I'll at least be able to play cooperative modes with friends and family with both players having different screens to use. One player uses the GamePad screen while the other utilizes what's on the TV. Repetition may set in, but I love the source material so much that it might not even faze me.

Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

A sizable amount of great games released last console generation (PS3, 360, Wii). It was definitely hard to play them all, much more find any time to do so! One of the games that I missed out on regrettably was Platinum Games's Bayonetta. However, now I can make up for that. The October release of Bayonetta 2 on Wii U will not only have that exclusive game for owners of Nintendo's latest home console, but it will also include the original Bayonetta with some new content thrown in for good measure like Nintendo-themed costumes for Platinum's leading lady. If that wasn't enough, Bayonetta 2 looks to continue Platinum's tradition of ever-escalating action that will get your pulse pounding and heart beating wildly. I'm excited to finally get a formal introduction to Miss Bayonetta.

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (Multi)

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is one of my favorite LEGO games in the entire line of LEGO software, and if take a look at all the LEGO games that have released, that's A LOT o' LEGO! The upcoming LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham takes Batman and over 150 other DC characters and puts them in a new setting, space. You can be sure that the LEGO series's trademark humor will be a big part of the game, and that LEGO Batman 3 will be as accessible to play for all ages when it launches this November.

Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (3DS)

It's funny that I'm hyped for this new duo of Pokemon games, remakes of the Game Boy Advance's Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, despite not even playing a second of Pokemon X or Y. It's a testament that I'm a not a Pokemaniac like some folks are (nothing wrong if you are one, though), but it just goes to show that there's something special that Nintendo and Game Freak have going. A series that was once labeled a passing fad a decade ago is still going strong during its fifteenth year in existence. I think I'll finally break out Pokemon X and give it a shot now! ...Wait. Wasn't I supposed to talk about Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Now I'm out of room. Oops!

Fantasy Life (3DS)

It's very gratifying when we do a segment on SuperPhillip Central such as "Localizations, Please!" and then we receive the games we wished to get localized! Fantasy Life is one of those titles, and I'm absolutely giddy about it. Sure, it might have taken a little under two years for the game to come out of the land of the rising sun, but Fantasy Life seems like it will be worth the wait with its role-playing game action, customization, and abundance of charm.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call (3DS)

The original Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is one of my favorite music games ever created. It helps that I have a fondness for the soundtracks the Final Fantasy series possesses, one of the few always incredible constants of the franchise. This edition of Theatrhythm features all of the songs from the original-- that's over 200 songs on the game card. The game also has a myriad of content, modes, characters, RPG-style quirks, and so much more. How can we possibly hold all of this content?!

Tales of Hearts R (Vita)

I've been yearning for more handheld games of the role-playing variety, and Tales of Hearts R is looking to feed that yearning splendidly. The original version of Tales of Hearts released only in Japan on the Nintendo DS. Now, us Westerners get a chance to play the game in most of our native languages with this PlayStation Vita remake. While our only option at least here in the United States will be to purchase the game from GameStop if we go the retail route, it's better than no release at all.

14 in '14: Most Wanted Games

It's the start of a new year, and while all of us have already failed at our new year's resolutions, we're taking the beginning of 2014 in stride anyway. Why? Because our first feature for the year is a look at our most anticipated games from now until December 31st. From Xbox One to PlayStation 4, Wii U to Nintendo 3DS, this list of 14 games for 2014 has it all. After we've made our handpicked games known, feel free to share what your top desired titles are!

Titanfall (X1, 360, PC )

Recently, Titanfall made some waves, but not in a positive sense. The reveal that the multiplayer would only support 12 players soured some gamers out there. However, the saying "quality instead of quantity" seems apt here. Titanfall will no doubt make waves in stellar ways; no doubt being a system seller for the Xbox One, especially those looking for an online multiplayer title (Titanfall is online only) that stretches the idea of what a first-person shooter can be. Plus, who can resist piloting kick-ass mechs?

Destiny (PS4, X1, PS3, 360)

The first game of Activision and Bungie's ten-year publishing contract, Destiny is a game that blurs the line between a first-person shooter with always-online functionality and an MMO. The developers at Bungie have been quick to strike down the idea that Destiny is an MMO. This is for good reason. Despite sharing some features with an MMO, Destiny will have a "shared world" where players are matched up with others to play together as opposed to being put in an online world with everyone. We're hoping it's in our destiny (har-har) to get in on the beta coming this summer. The final product releases September 4.

Infamous: Second Son (PS4)

Sucker Punch's Infamous series makes the leap from the PlayStation 3 to the PlayStation 4 in style. Infamous: Second Son takes place in Seattle, Washington and features an abundance of powers for protagonist Delsin Rowe to utilize. Not only that, but using these powers is much easier, allowing the player to simply use a targeting reticle to fire them off without needing to enter an aiming mode. You may not be playing as Cole MacGrath, but there's still a wide amount of parkour action to enjoy, as well. All in all, Infamous: Second Son is shaping up to be the first must-have PlayStation 4 exclusive.

Sunset Overdrive (X1)

Given a nebulous 2014 release date, Sunset Overdrive is the first Insomniac Games (Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, Resistance) title to hit a Microsoft platform. Sunset Overdrive is set in an open world infested with mutants.. Thankfully, according to the trailer shown at E3 2013, the player will have some tricks in their arsenal to combat the mutant menace, including a repertoire of quick skills, acrobatics, and the ability to run along walls. Insomniac Games may not have been batting .500 lately, but Sunset Overdrive excites us from morning to way past when the sun falls.

Dark Souls II (PS3, 360, PC)

We are ready to have our backsides handed to us over and over again once more. The original Demon's Souls and its spiritual sequel, Dark Souls, kicked our butts more times than we'd like to admit. Then again, that was how pretty much everyone's experience with the series turns out. The Souls series isn't for the faint of heart, so beginning gamers need not apply! You'll probably just end up severely frustrated, as Dark Souls II is not lowering the bar for entry and survival by any means. That's all right, though. We accept your challenge, Namco Bandai!

Tales of Symphonia Chronicles (PS3)

We have great memories of sitting down during the hot months of our summer vacation and becoming immersed in the worlds of Tales of Symphonia. Now, we get to experience this all over again, but this time in high definition and with some new bells and whistles. Also included is the not-as-great Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World, the Wii sequel. Still, for the price point, Tales of Symphonia Chronicles looks like a smart purchase for any RPG fan.

Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

The Wii U isn't selling well. Guess what? That's too bad. While people play "Nintendo should have done this" and "Nintendo should do that", we'll be too busy playing the upcoming crop of what seems to be quality titles for Nintendo's struggling system to care. Mario Kart 8 is one of the games, due out this spring. With anti-gravity (rubbing salt in that old F-Zero wound), HD visuals, online play, video records to share with friends and on Miiverse, bikes, sixteen awesome-looking new tracks (of those revealed) alongside sixteen returning ones, kart customization, underwater and air sections, and more, Mario Kart 8 makes us wish we could take our victory lap in spring early.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS (Wii U, 3DS)

It's important to note that these are two different games, featuring completely different stages, unlockable trophies, and art styles. However, the character roster will be the same among the two games. That said, we wanted to combine the two into one entry because the games strike us as somewhat similar. Despite there being no cross-play between the two games (obviously because of the aforementioned unique set of stages for each game), characters can be transferred from one game to another. Just what this accomplishes remains to be seen. Regardless, as fans of Nintendo, we're excited to view what's in store for this fourth and fifth installment of Smash Bros.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

Although it was a bit disappointing for us to see Retro Studios' much-hyped Wii U title be revealed as a sequel to the 2010 Wii return to the Donkey Kong Country franchise, we have since grown to very much hype this Wii U sequel. With more detailed and dynamic levels, HD visuals, swimming sections, a wholly Dave Wise-composed soundtrack, and three playable partners for Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze comes across as a game we didn't know we wanted until we saw more of it.

Hyrule Warriors (Tentative Title) (Wii U)

It seems all that Nintendo can do regarding third-parties is to collaborate with them-- giving them license to its properties. We've seen this to great results in the past, and we've even seen collaborations of different franchises that you wouldn't expect. The latest is what is currently known, but most certainly subject to change, as Hyrule Warriors, a Dynasty Warriors take on The Legend of Zelda franchise. ...Or is it the other way around? Anyway, this title came out of nowhere during the latest Nintendo Direct from early last December. We're quite skeptical of the quality and end result of the project, but we can't deny we're extraordinarily curious, too!

Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

Platinum Games' second Wii U project, Bayonetta 2 takes the femme fatale and gives her a bit of a makeover in the form of a shorter 'do. No doubt the character-driven action of the game and taking down colossal creatures and demons in ever-escalating set pieces will make fans of the genre salivate and take down foes with glee. One has to wonder if Nintendo will ask SEGA about porting the original Bayonetta to the Wii U for those who did not have the chance to play it to catch up and see what all the commotion is about.

X (Tentative Title) (Wii U)

We have seen little of this next game apart from the initial unveiling shown a year ago and some clips here and there. Despite this, Monolith Soft's first Wii U project is looking as ambitious as their work on Xenoblade Chronicles, one of the best RPG's of the last generation (and SuperPhillip Central's Best Game of 2012, cough, cough). We do know that the so-called "X" is absolutely stunning, and has gameplay that allows you to enter and exit giant mechs seamlessly. Whether X gets a 2014 release is up in the air, but that's currently what Nintendo's release schedule is saying...

Bravely Default (3DS)

Our Japanese, European, and Oceania pals already have sunk their myriad teeth in one of the most original and intriguing titles to come out of Square Enix in years. While the company heads towards a more mobile-centric approach, Bravely Default on Nintendo 3DS is getting wide acclaim across the pond. While we North Americans must wait a little while longer (less than a month to go!), the wait is a little less annoying, as we have a demo to enjoy, one that is wholly separate from the main game.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe (3DS)

Borrowing some ideas from Wario Land on the Virtual Boy (most notably the shifts between the player being in the foreground and in the background), Kirby: Triple Deluxe is the latest in the long-running series starring that cuddly pink puffball. 3D is used to great effect here, having hazards that come in from the background towards the screen and used when changing from the foreground further back into the level. Collectible key rings showcasing the history of the series show up to give players fun collectibles to acquire. Kirby: Triple Deluxe hits Japan this week, but us Westerners will have to patiently wait for a release date.