Top 10 Games That Deserve a Sequel

Star Wars games have spanned every genre, but Republic Commando remains a standout for its gritty, squad-based approach. Released in 2005, it followed Delta Squad through dark, intense missions during the Clone Wars. Unlike many other Star Wars titles, it focused on the ground-level experience of elite soldiers, delivering tight gunplay, squad mechanics, and atmospheric storytelling.

The game emphasized camaraderie and tactics, with players issuing commands to AI teammates in real time. Missions were varied, from breaching doors to navigating war-torn battlefields. It captured the emotional weight of war in a universe often dominated by lightsabers and space battles.

Despite its success and loyal fan base, Republic Commando never got a sequel. A modern version could introduce co-op multiplayer, advanced AI behavior, and expansive campaign missions set during different phases of the Clone Wars. With renewed interest in Clone Wars content thanks to Disney+, now is the perfect time to revive this beloved tactical shooter. For fans seeking intense Star Wars gameplay with a boots-on-the-ground perspective, Republic Commando deserves a triumphant return.

Long before BioWare became synonymous with Mass Effect and Dragon Age, they released Jade Empire, an action RPG set in a fantasy version of ancient China. With its martial arts combat, moral choices, and rich cultural backdrop, Jade Empire delivered an experience that was both fresh and immersive.

The game’s world-building was deeply inspired by Chinese mythology, complete with spirits, warriors, and philosophical dilemmas. Players made choices that influenced their alignment between the Way of the Open Palm and the Way of the Closed Fist. While the story reached a satisfying conclusion, the universe it established begged for more exploration.

A modern Jade Empire sequel could dive into neighboring empires, refine the real-time combat, and explore more nuanced political and spiritual conflicts. With increased diversity in game development and a growing audience for culturally inspired storytelling, Jade Empire feels more relevant than ever. It’s a game that was ahead of its time and now feels like it’s right on time for a comeback.

Inspired by the Divine Comedy, Dante’s Inferno was a bold action game that sent players into the depths of Hell, battling grotesque demons and confronting sins both literal and metaphorical. Developed by Visceral Games, the title offered visceral combat, shocking visuals, and thematic ambition that few dared to match.

While it drew comparisons to God of War, Dante’s Inferno had its own identity rooted in literary horror and moral complexity. The game's art design was bold and disturbing, turning each circle of Hell into a unique nightmare. It scratched the surface of the Divine Comedy but never made it to Purgatory or Paradise, leaving the trilogy incomplete.

A sequel has massive potential to not only continue the narrative but also explore the spiritual transformation of its protagonist. With modern hardware, a Dante’s Inferno sequel could feature dynamic environments, deeper lore, and evolved combat systems. It would offer fans a rare mix of mythological spectacle and theological exploration in a medium that’s rarely dared to go so far.

Developed by Ninja Theory, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a post-apocalyptic retelling of the classic Journey to the West tale, blending platforming, action, and character-driven storytelling. The relationship between Monkey and Trip, the two main characters, was at the heart of this visually rich and emotionally resonant adventure.

What made Enslaved memorable was its balanced tone. It combined stunning ruined landscapes with moments of levity, dread, and empathy. The game offered tight pacing, engaging puzzles, and fluid combat, yet it always centered around the growing bond between its leads. The story concluded with a twist that invited reflection—and the perfect setup for a sequel.

A follow-up could explore other regions, evolve their relationship, or introduce new characters navigating the remnants of humanity. With modern tools, a sequel could refine controls, enhance environmental design, and dive deeper into philosophical questions posed by the original. For those who appreciate narrative-rich action games with emotional depth, Enslaved remains a shining example of unrealized potential.

PlatinumGames is known for stylish, high-energy action titles, and Vanquish might be their most underappreciated gem. Released in 2010, Vanquish brought high-speed third-person shooting to the forefront, combining acrobatic slide maneuvers, bullet-time mechanics, and explosive set pieces in a futuristic setting. It was bold, fluid, and adrenaline-fueled in ways most shooters still haven’t matched.

The game’s protagonist, Sam Gideon, wore an experimental combat suit that allowed for rapid movement and tactical aggression. Set in a dystopian future where political tensions and orbital weapons collide, the game’s themes of global warfare and technological control remain surprisingly relevant. While Vanquish was mechanically brilliant, it was short and lacked the deep narrative arcs that could anchor a franchise.

A modern Vanquish sequel could expand on the lore, introduce co-op missions, and offer more complex levels with verticality and choice. Given the advancements in control feedback, AI responsiveness, and graphical fidelity, this franchise has the potential to become a top-tier sci-fi shooter. For fans of fast-paced combat and sleek design, Vanquish is a cult classic that deserves a second wind.

Sleeping Dogs delivered a gripping open-world experience set in the bustling streets of Hong Kong, blending martial arts combat with undercover police drama. You played as Wei Shen, an officer infiltrating the Triads, balancing loyalty, justice, and personal identity. What made the game memorable was its smooth hand-to-hand combat, vibrant city design, and an emotionally charged narrative.

Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, a true sequel never materialized. United Front Games explored spin-offs, but plans for Sleeping Dogs 2 were ultimately canceled. This is a shame, as the game’s blend of Eastern cinematic flair and Western open-world mechanics was truly unique. A sequel could build on its strengths with expanded customization, improved AI, and deeper narrative consequences.

The demand for open-world crime games with cultural authenticity has only grown. With the resurgence of narrative-driven titles and global storytelling, returning to Sleeping Dogs' universe would be a welcome and commercially smart move. It’s one of the rare games that managed to feel both grounded and epic, making it more than worthy of another shot.

Released as a PlayStation 4 exclusive, The Order: 1886 was a visually stunning alternate-history shooter that merged steampunk aesthetics with supernatural lore. Set in a version of Victorian London patrolled by a knightly order, the game introduced advanced weapons, rich environments, and a mysterious storyline involving werewolves and conspiracy.

While the game received mixed reviews for its short length and linear gameplay, many recognized its potential as a foundation for a sprawling franchise. The lore was deep, the characters intriguing, and the art direction ahead of its time. A sequel could address earlier criticisms by expanding into more open levels, refining combat mechanics, and offering deeper narrative branches.

With today’s hardware and player expectations, The Order could evolve into a richly interactive universe filled with unique weaponry, mythological threats, and political intrigue. Fans of alternate history, gothic design, and cinematic storytelling continue to point to The Order: 1886 as a game that deserves a second chance to fulfill its vision.

L.A. Noire broke ground with its revolutionary facial animation technology and noir-inspired detective gameplay. Developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar, the game placed players in the polished shoes of Cole Phelps, an LAPD detective solving crimes in post-war Los Angeles. Each case was filled with moral ambiguity, evidence gathering, and interrogation sequences that felt as tense as a classic crime drama.

What sets L.A. Noire apart is how it married open-world mechanics with slow-burn storytelling and real-world historical depth. The attention to detail—from the vintage cars to the fashion and slang—was impeccable. A sequel could explore a new city like Chicago or New York, perhaps even fast-forwarding to the 1960s to introduce new crimes, cultural shifts, and investigative tools.

The potential for a next-generation detective game rooted in real emotion, advanced motion capture, and dynamic case structures is enormous. Players are still hungry for games that challenge their reasoning and ethics rather than just their reflexes. L.A. Noire left behind a promising formula and an unforgettable tone that deserves another run under the interrogation lamp.

Few games captured the psychological thriller genre quite like Alan Wake, a moody, atmospheric experience that blended action, horror, and literary storytelling. Released in 2010 by Remedy Entertainment, it followed novelist Alan Wake as he battled supernatural forces in the small town of Bright Falls. Armed with a flashlight and a revolver, players unraveled a story that blurred the lines between fiction and reality.

Despite a rich narrative and critical acclaim, the game never received a proper sequel—although expansions and a spiritual successor, Control, hinted at its legacy. The episodic format, eerie ambiance, and meta storytelling all laid the groundwork for a deeper universe begging to be explored. With Remedy now openly connecting Alan Wake’s world to Control’s lore, the demand for an official sequel has surged.

A modern sequel could explore darker corners of the narrative, feature more complex character arcs, and deliver advanced visuals using today’s hardware. The original game’s atmosphere would benefit greatly from ray tracing, spatial audio, and open-world design. For fans of supernatural storytelling and psychological thriller games with deep narrative immersion, Alan Wake remains an unmatched experience still waiting for its second chapter.

Rockstar Games has a history of delivering immersive open-world experiences, but Bully stands out for its unique setting and rebellious charm. Released in 2006, this title shifted the focus from crime syndicates to schoolyard politics, letting players experience life as Jimmy Hopkins, a rough-around-the-edges teen navigating the elite Bullworth Academy. Despite its cartoony edge, the game offered deep satire, social commentary, and an open-world schoolyard that felt alive.

What makes Bully such a strong candidate for a sequel is how ripe the concept is for expansion. The original game featured cliques, mini-games, pranks, and classes, but modern technology could elevate these mechanics with more dynamic AI, detailed environments, and branching storylines. A sequel could explore high school life in a different region or even follow Jimmy into college, introducing new social dynamics, ethics systems, and mature storytelling.

Fans have been asking for a Bully sequel for years, with rumors occasionally surfacing only to fizzle out. Given the rise in demand for narrative-driven open-world games, now feels like the perfect time for Rockstar to revisit this cult classic. A follow-up could not only deliver on fan expectations but also redefine coming-of-age storytelling in the gaming industry.