Top 10 Video Game Sequels That Divided Players

Script written by Johnny Reynolds

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at video game sequels that divided loyalties and fanbases.

<h4>#10: “Call of Duty: Ghosts” (2013)</h4>

When you look at the trajectory of “Call of Duty,” from the WWII-inspired originals, to the “Modern Warfare” outings, to the 1960s-era “Black Ops,” all of them were received relatively positively. But then along came 2013’s “Ghosts.” While it still included fun mechanics that made the series a multiplayer juggernaut, changes to gameplay modes rubbed some players the wrong way. So too did the lackluster campaign, which didn’t feature any stand-out characters or narrative beats the same way its predecessors did. It was an early instance of players feeling like we maybe didn’t need one of these every year. And that feeling has persisted, spawning an endless debate as the series has continued on.

<h4>#9: “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” (2003)</h4>

There are several reasons some “Zelda” fans rejected the cartoony style of “The Wind Waker.” A GameCube tech demo in 2000 made it seem like the next entry would be more adult, as did previous, darker installments like “Majora’s Mask.” Games were also becoming more mature at the time, and that’s what many Western players wanted from Link’s next adventure. So when the cel-shaded “Wind Waker” was revealed, they were ready to riot. Dubbing it “Celda,” those upset with the change spoke with their wallets, leading to disappointing sales in Nintendo’s eyes. It was still a solid action-adventure game, and its visuals have aged incredibly well. Still, when the next console game, “Twilight Princess,” turned out to be more mature, it broke franchise sales records.

<h4>#8: “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty” (2001)</h4>

When “Metal Gear Solid 2” was released, its narrative themes were thought by some to be overly complicated, bringing down the overall experience. Others believed those themes made the game ahead of its time. But what truly made it divisive was who you played as. “Sons of Liberty” has you begin as the franchise lead, Solid Snake, before a small time jump has you take over as new character Raiden. When you have a well-liked main character in the first game, and then switch who players will control in the second, it’s bound to stir the pot a little. At the time, players weren’t nearly as keen on this protagonist, considering him whiny, and would have enjoyed playing as Snake much more.

<h4>#7: “Doom 3” (2004)</h4>

The “Doom” series is rightfully known as an intense, quick-paced, blood-soaked joyride. Sadly, going against that grain upset some diehard fans. The premise in “Doom 3” is basically the same as always: while conducting experiments on Mars, scientists accidentally open a portal to Hell, giving players hordes of demons in need of slaying. But in this case, it slows things down by going the survival horror route. Although the mechanics were great, many felt that loss of energy greatly affected its pacing. Enemy AI was also a point of contention, as it became repetitive and predictable as the game progressed. While by no means a bad game, many fans consider it to be the weakest installment.

<h4>#6: “Dragon Age II” (2011)</h4>

When BioWare released the original “Dragon Age,” it was seen by players and critics alike as an excellent step forward in the fantasy RPG genre. When it comes to “Dragon Age II,” however, there’s a great many things all players would’ve liked changed. A big part of the blame belongs with publisher EA, who crunched the studio and forced reused assets. The setting was also scaled down, making those reused assets all the more noticeable. Big changes were made to combat, focusing more on action than strategy. Although singular quests and companions featured strong writing, the delivery of the central narrative was also divisive. There are definitely still strengths, but the experience as a whole is certainly uneven.

<h4>#5: “Fallout 3” (2008)</h4>

The original “Fallout” games, made by Black Isle Studios, are considered pinnacles of isometric RPGs. Sadly, the studio was closed in 2003 when parent company Interplay was experiencing financial woes. And its version of “Fallout 3” essentially died with it. Enter Bethesda, who purchased the rights and released its own third entry in 2008. The game injected the series with action, in particular thanks to its first-person view and gunplay. However, such a big shift in genre was bound to upset purists, and it did. Despite strong sales and reviews, there are those who simply wish Black Isle had been allowed to retain the franchise. That disappointment has likely never gone away, especially with the missteps Bethesda has made with “Fallout” since.

<h4>#4: “DmC: Devil May Cry” (2013)</h4>

When Capcom announced a “Devil May Cry” reboot and fans got their first look at the new Dante, you’d have thought he killed their pet in front of them with how much hatred he drew. The change in design and characterization is still well-remembered over a decade later, so intense was the vocal outrage. Actually playing it, though, was still a ton of fun. Developer Ninja Theory’s combat was the right level of fresh and familiar. And both the visuals and boss fights were striking. Unfortunately, the backlash likely played a part in “DmC” not selling as well as previous entries. Capcom would later go back to developing internally, as well as the original continuity, with “Devil May Cry 5.”

<h4>#3: “Resident Evil 5” (2009)</h4>

Capcom’s seminal survival horror series began dipping its toe into the action pool with “Resident Evil 4.” However, many fans agree it went overboard with the follow-up. Gone was the tone of fear, replaced by bravado and larger-than-life set pieces. Mechanics were still top-notch, but it didn’t feel like a “Resident Evil” game. Sure, there were some visceral enemy designs and some thrilling fire fights. But there’s no denying the fanbase would’ve preferred something a bit more subtle. The game’s success led to an even more action-packed sixth entry, which most consider to be the weakest mainline game. Thankfully, Capcom took the series back to its roots with “Resident Evil 7.”

<h4>#2: “Final Fantasy XIII” (2009)</h4>

With a franchise as expansive as “Final Fantasy,” everyone has their favorite and least favorite. When it comes to the latter, “Final Fantasy XIII” is a top contender for many. The graphics, music, and combat were all praised. However, the game’s design, plot, and pace tested the patience of every player. It was far more linear in design, even in comparison to some of the franchise’s oldest entries. One element that became infamous was its overly long opening section, which was decreed as dull and tedious by certain players. Plenty of people still got enjoyment out of “Final Fantasy XIII,” or else it wouldn’t have gotten two sequels.

<h4>#1: “The Last of Us Part II” (2020)</h4>

The controversies surrounding “The Last of Us Part II” are so varied, that it’s almost impossible to have a civil conversation about it. Some complaints were closed-minded, such as a focus on LGBTQ+ characters. Others were down to individual taste, such as pacing and storytelling decisions. Discussions and debates even transcended the game, looking at Naughty Dog’s crunch culture as a reason not to support it. However, when it comes to sales and awards, it was nothing but an immense success. Some players still defend the sequel’s bold decisions, while others feel something close to betrayal. If there’s one thing we know for certain, it’s that “The Last of Us Part II” will remain the most divisive sequel for a long time.

Which polarizing sequel do you defend to the death? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe for more great videos every day!