10 Popular Games That Somehow Never Received A Proper Sequel

The gaming industry produces many sequels, and many are superior to their original titles. After all, the developers can build on what worked in the original and remove anything that didn't. So, that's how you end up with iconic games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin's Creed 2, and Halo 2.

Sadly, not every game gets that treatment. There have been plenty of excellent titles that never got any sort of follow-up. That includes the following games we secretly hope will still get sequels someday.

Sleeping Dogs

Great open-world crime games have a history of launching full series. For instance, Grand Theft Auto, Saints Row, and Mafia are all open-world crime titles with many sequels. Therefore, it's very unfortunate that 2012's Sleeping Dogs hasn't had any follow-up. After all, this is a brilliant open-world game that revolves around a Hong Kong Police Officer going undercover in the Triads.

Unlike many of these types of games, guns are secondary in this one. Most of the combat is of the hand-to-hand variety, as you use the protagonists' martial arts skills to beat your adversaries. This combat is super smooth and satisfying, so it would've been nice to see another game with it, even if the title had a different story and cast of characters. Plus, a sequel would mean another game set in modern-day China, which is a rare setting.

Split/Second

Split/Second is a unique racing game that combines arcade racing with a bit of simulation. The simulation mainly comes in the visuals. Cars and tracks look very realistic, and from screenshots alone, you may compare the game to Gran Turismo or Forza. However, it isn't like those titles, as you can bring down an entire airport at the click of a button, which is uncommon in entries in the GT or Forza series.

This is where the arcade side comes in, as you have actions you can take called 'Power Plays' that allow you to trigger things, like opening gates or exploding buildings. With this, you can create shortcuts or eliminate other vehicles. There aren't many racing games that provide this kind of wild fun. Sadly, though, there probably won't be another Split/Second title since its developer closed down.

Vanquish

Vanquish is a very chaotic third-person shooter. You play as a guy in a fancy tech suit that allows you to run and slide around the battlefield at speed. His story isn't very interesting, but playing as him is a lot of fun. This is helped by the fact that you aren't the only one who's stuck. The enemies can be pretty quick, too, and there are often plenty of them. All of this creates a very fast-paced spectacle that is a joy to behold.

Sadly, though, the game is quite short, meaning you're left wanting more at the end. Since this game was released in 2010 with no sequel in sight, it's likely that more isn't ever coming.

Marvel's Midnight Suns

There aren't many superhero games like Marvel's Midnight Suns. Instead of being an action game like the typical superhero affair, it's a tactical turn-based RPG. When it's your turn, you get a selection of cards you can choose from to pick your next move. There is a lot of strategy to the combat.

Outside of missions, you get to bond with your team, which is made up of various Marvel heroes. Together, you're on an escapade to bring down your custom character's mother, Lilith. Both the combat system and relationship simulation elements are excellent, and it would have been nice to see them built on in sequels, but there is no sign of that happening.

Sunset Overdrive

You'd be hard-pressed to find an open-world game quite like Sunset Overdrive. After all, the premise is that many of the humans in the world have been turned into mutants due to drinking an energy drink. These serve as the main enemies in the game, and the story is about you surviving in this world of mutated energy drink enjoyers. So, the premise is unique.

What is also unique is the gameplay, as you're encouraged to always be grinding on rails, zip-lining, and wall-running around, whether you're traversing the city or fighting enemies. It's such an original and creative game that should've spawned a sequel.

Grim Fandango

Unfortunately, when Grim Fandango was released in 1998, it went a little under the radar, leading to low sales. However, appreciation for this classic adventure game has grown over time. These days, it's known as a classic. In the game, you play as Manny, who is a 'travel agent' in the Land of the Dead.

This means that he helps people pass on, and Meche is the person he's helping in this game. The art design and the film noir style of the game are what really helped it become a memorable title. However, the general gameplay and writing are good, too. It would've been nice to see more games in this world, but the lack of commercial success of this title put a stop to that.

The Simpsons: Hit And Run

Games based on TV shows or movies aren't typically very good. Yet, one that manages to buck the trend is The Simpsons: Hit and Run. This open-world game quickly became a cult classic when it was released in 2003. It's more of a light-hearted version of Grand Theft Auto.

You drive around Springfield, completing missions that typically involve some kind of driving. Looking at the game now, you can see that the missions could've been more varied and creative. That said, the game has so much charm and is a great adaptation of the famous yellow family. A potential sequel could improve the mission structure while giving us another great Simpsons adventure.

Star Wars: Republic Commando

The world is filled with Star Wars games, but Republic Commando still manages to stand out. This is because it puts you in the shoes of Clone Troopers for a grounded narrative adventure featuring tactical FPS gameplay. Therefore, it is more low-key than the average lightsaber-swinging Jedi game that often comes from the Star Wars franchise.

Because you're not an all-powerful Jedi, you must be strategic as you lead your team of troopers. You have to order them to do things, like hack computers, open doors, and get into sniper positions. It makes for a really enjoyable squad-based shooter, although it is a little limited because it was made in 2005. A follow-up could be elevated by modern technology.

Bully

The problem with an IP being created and owned by Rockstar is that it has to do very well to earn a sequel. This is because Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption generate so much revenue that there is no reason for the studio to work on anything else. This is probably why the world has never seen a Bully sequel.

The original title is a PS2 classic where you play as a delinquent kid who joins a boarding school. While there, you interact with the various cliques and teachers around the school. On top of that, you can fully explore the campus and the surrounding area. Because it's set in a school, it feels very different from GTA while still having the Rockstar charm. More of this would be very much appreciated.

Bloodborne

Bloodborne is certainly one of the most high-profile games to never get a sequel. It's an iconic soulslike title that came out in 2015, and it's one of the best the genre has ever seen.

This is because it's an incredibly atmospheric adventure, filled with well-designed enemies and compelling locations. The story and lore are good, too, so much so that there is a film being made of it. Despite this, there is still no sign of a second game, which could build on the fascinating world that the first entry created.