1) Half-Life 2
Perhaps it was a little unfair to list successful sequels to games that were already considered pretty good anyways. But chances are, games that are poorly received tend not to go much further. Sequels to these titles also tend to be equally as weak, or are released rather subtly under the radar. Conversely, it’s very easy for a sequel to be met with poor reception, particularly when compared to the success of the original.
This is why this topic is critical. It shows that no matter how amazing a game is, there are always opportunities to improve on it or take it a step further.
Half-Life is a special title because it was the very first game developed by Valve. Back then, nobody had heard of them. But the release of their most popular product to date shot them to overnight success, and they’ve been on top ever since.
Then they went and did it again in 2004. But it was harder this time, because everyone already expected them to produce a quality game that would hopefully outshine its predecessor (which, at this point was already considered one of the most influential games of all time – a tough act to follow). And if you don’t deliver, your reputation takes a nose-dive.
Half-Life 2 not only proved that a sequel can be successful, but that it could receive more praise than its predecessor. With 39 Game Of The Year awards and an entry in the Guinness Book Of Records for “Highest Rated Shooter by PC Gamer Magazine,” it blew the competition out of the water and has secured its spot as one of the most successful sequels in modern gaming history.
