Game sequels are often anticipated with excitement and trepidation. While many sequels stick closely to the formula that made their predecessors successful, others break the mold by introducing significant gameplay changes. These bold shifts can both excite and alienate fans, but they undeniably leave an impact on the gaming landscape. In this article, we will discuss game sequels known for their major gameplay changes and how these transformations influenced both the series and the gaming community as a whole.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
One of the most iconic examples of a sequel that radically changed gameplay is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Released in 2017, Breath of the Wild redefined the Zelda series by introducing an open-world structure, where players could explore Hyrule without the linear restrictions https://cwins.me/ seen in previous games.
Prior to this sequel, Zelda games had a fairly traditional structure with clearly defined dungeons and puzzles. However, Breath of the Wild broke this tradition by allowing players to tackle objectives in any order, with a focus on exploration, physics-based puzzles, and environmental interactions. The game also introduced a new survival mechanic, such as hunting, cooking, and gathering, which were previously unheard of in the series.
This shift in gameplay was met with widespread acclaim, as Breath of the Wild garnered numerous Game of the Year awards and is often cited as one of the greatest games of all time. The success of this major gameplay change set a new benchmark for open-world games, influencing other developers to consider similar shifts in their own franchises.
2. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), released in 2013, took the GTA series to new heights with its ambitious gameplay changes. While the series was known for its open-world sandbox gameplay, GTA V introduced the ability to switch between three main characters, each with their own unique storyline and set of skills. This mechanic was a game-changer, allowing for more dynamic missions and storytelling.
Additionally, GTA V pushed the boundaries of realism, incorporating a more detailed and expansive open world, improved driving mechanics, and a new online multiplayer mode. The introduction of GTA Online transformed the game into a living, breathing ecosystem where players could interact with one another, participate in heists, and complete missions in a shared open world.
These gameplay changes not only made GTA V one of the best-selling video games of all time but also set new standards for open-world games and multiplayer experiences.
3. Assassin’s Creed Origins
The Assassin’s Creed series has long been known for its parkour-heavy combat and historical settings, but Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017) took a major departure from its predecessors by reinventing its gameplay mechanics. Moving away from the traditional stealth-based, assassination-focused missions, Origins introduced RPG elements, such as character leveling, loot, and a vast open-world environment to explore.
The new combat system in Origins was more fluid and cinematic, shifting away from the previous counter-based combat in favor of more dynamic and strategic encounters. Players now had to focus on timing, weapon variety, and combat skills, adding a layer of depth previously absent in the series.
Assassin’s Creed Origins was praised for its fresh approach, and its success led to the incorporation of similar RPG elements in subsequent Assassin’s Creed games, such as Odyssey and Valhalla.
4. Dark Souls III
The Dark Souls series is known for its punishing difficulty and deep lore, and Dark Souls III (2016) carried the torch by introducing several gameplay changes that refined the experience. Although it stayed true to the series’ hallmark challenging combat and dark atmosphere, Dark Souls III introduced smoother mechanics, a more streamlined progression system, and enhanced visual fidelity.
One of the most notable changes was the incorporation of faster combat, which made the game more fluid and dynamic. The stamina system was also adjusted, allowing for more aggressive combat strategies. Additionally, the game focused on enhancing the overall pacing, offering faster travel and shorter load times, making it more accessible to a wider audience while retaining the difficulty that fans adored.
These changes, along with the series’ signature world-building and interconnected level design, solidified Dark Souls III as one of the best entries in the series and marked a fitting conclusion to the saga.
5. Resident Evil 4
When Resident Evil 4 was released in 2005, it dramatically changed the way players interacted with survival horror games. The series had previously relied on fixed camera angles, tank controls, and slow, methodical combat. However, Resident Evil 4 introduced over-the-shoulder camera views, real-time aiming, and more fast-paced action, making it feel like a completely new experience.
The game emphasized intense action sequences, but it still maintained its survival horror roots with limited ammunition and tense encounters with enemies. Resident Evil 4 set a new standard for the survival horror genre and influenced the design of future games, including the direction of the entire Resident Evil series. Its success inspired sequels, remakes, and imitators, and its gameplay changes have had a lasting impact on the industry.
6. Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) brought the beloved 1997 classic to new generations with a complete overhaul of the gameplay. The original Final Fantasy VII was a turn-based RPG, but the remake shifted to real-time action combat with a mix of traditional turn-based elements.
The combat system was redesigned to allow for more dynamic and strategic battles, blending real-time combat with the ability to pause the action and issue commands to your party members. Additionally, the story was expanded upon and reimagined, allowing for deeper character development and new plot points.
While the remake still honored the original’s spirit, its gameplay changes offered an exciting and modern take on a classic, showing how game sequels can evolve in ways that satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers.
Conclusion
Game sequels that introduce major gameplay changes are a bold gamble for developers, but they often result in some of the most memorable and influential titles in gaming history. Whether it’s a shift to open-world exploration, a new combat system, or a complete overhaul of mechanics, these sequels shape the direction of their respective franchises and the industry as a whole. The games discussed here—The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Grand Theft Auto V, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Dark Souls III, Resident Evil 4, and Final Fantasy VII Remake—are just a few examples of how changing the gameplay can elevate a sequel to legendary status, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for future games.