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Unlike Movie-Goers, Gamers Love Sequels?

Posted by simoniker on from the bring-it-on dept.

Thanks to EvilAvatar for pointing to a Seattle Post-Intelligencer article discussing how gaming sequels tower above most movie sequels in terms of desirability and quality. The piece argues of movies: "Sequels suck, right? For every 'Godfather 2' and 'Aliens' there are hundreds of horrendous rehashes clogging the video store shelves. Hollywood wants your money; quality control be damned", before contrasting them with games: "Fans chomp at the bit for a few screenshots from the next installment of beloved games such as 'Half-Life' and 'Halo.' When the games arrive they rarely disappoint. Gaming franchises get better and better while their celluloid cousins go straight to video." Valve's Gabe Newell also comments on feedback for sequels: "We are super-involved in the community that has sprung up around our games. Whether through e-mail, the forums, the fan sites, or calling my house at 3 a.m. in the morning, we have a pretty good idea what they are thinking. And it absolutely factors into our decisions."

3 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. That's largely relative by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I think first of all it depends entirely on the sequel in question.

    Personally, however, I really do not like sequels at all. Unless the studio in question can create a unique addition to the franchise instead of more of the same, I will always shy away from repeated outings under a single title. If I detect that the developer or publisher is being cheap and trying to cash in, they can kiss my money good bye

    Like I said at first though, depends on what it is; "Tomb Raider" (and the more recent addition: "Hitman" series) being the worst case scenario, while, say Halflife 2, which is obviously an honest attempt to reach new heights, is an example of a sequel I might buy (too bad about the steam technology).

    1. Re:That's largely relative by Goldberg's+Pants · · Score: 5, Interesting

      I hate sequels in forms of entertainment. It shows a dirth of creativity and originality. I couldn't care less about Half Life 2. Just like I don't care about Doom 3. Been there, done that. How about having some original ideas instead of just churning out more of the same?

      Say what you will, when you get right down to it, Half Life 2 is a first person shooter with a good story, and it's the sequel to a first person shooter with a good story.

      This is why I'm rapidly losing interest in games. I've been a gamer for over 20 years now... But I'm just losing interest when all that's coming down the pike is more of the same. Don't get me wrong, the games aren't BAD... But when you get fed apples all the time, you really long for an orange or too...

  2. HUGE difference with movie/game sequels... by BTWR · · Score: 4, Interesting
    The huge difference between movie & game sequels is that, for the most part, gamers will accept (and very often WANT) basically more-of-the-same, often with simple graphical or other updates. Myself included.

    Take a look at these sequels. They were very similar to their predesessors, with graphical updates or other updates and changes that keep it very similar in overall feel to the winning original's formula. And in doing so, they were hugely fun and entertaining:

    Doom 2

    Madden Football series (and most other "annual" sports games)

    Mortal Kombat 2,3

    Warcraft II

    Commander Keen games

    King's Quest games

    Battlefield: Vietnam

    Super Mario Bros to SMB: The Lost Levels ("SMB2" in japan - almost identical game but new maps)