5 underwhelming sequels that did not live up to the hype

Some video games are launched without any intention of producing sequels. However, when they become successful, developers sometimes feel compelled to release follow-ups. For example, titles like Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and God of War were initially conceived as standalone experiences, but favorable reviews from fans and critics led to unexpected sequels.

While sequels are created to keep a video game franchise alive and running, they don't always live up to expectations. This can sometimes affect the legacy of a series.

This article lists five underwhelming sequels that did not live up to the hype.

Note: This article solely reflects the writer's opinions and is not ranked in any particular order.

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Underwhelming sequels that did not live up to the hype

1) Mass Effect: Andromeda

Mass Effect: Andromeda is one of the most hyped sequels of all time (Image via Electronic Arts)

Mass Effect: Andromeda was highly anticipated as fans were expecting the game to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors. However, the title disappointed fans with its buggy launch.

Mass Effect: Andromeda launched with game-breaking glitches and a storyline that wasn't as good as the previous entries. The plot lacks focus on character development, preventing players from forming meaningful connections and resulting in the absence of emotional depth. While future updates fixed the bugs, the story still kept many players away.

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2) Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided was disappointing (Image via Eidos-Montréal)

Deus Ex: Human Revolution was a promising entry in a franchise that provided players with a deep narrative and complex RPG systems. Mankind Divided became a highly anticipated sequel, as all it had to do to surpass its predecessor was expand on the already existing gameplay mechanics. However, the game failed to meet players' expectations.

Mankind Divided left players with what seemed like an unfinished narrative. It left little room for the plot and characters to fully develop. Compounding this disappointment was the introduction of microtransactions in the single-player experience.

With its lackluster storyline and intrusive monetization, this sequel ultimately fell short.

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3) Tom Clancy's The Division 2

Tom Clancy's The Division 2 is an underdeveloped sequel (Image via Ubisoft)

Tom Clancy's The Division has been a popular game for a long time, thanks to its post-apocalyptic New York setting and RPG mechanics. The title set a high standard for its sequel, but The Division 2 struggled to match, let alone exceed, the success of its predecessor.

The excitement surrounding The Division 2 waned quickly as players recognized its shortcomings, particularly the lack of emotional storytelling and endgame content. There was little for players to engage with after completing the main campaign. This ultimately hindered the live service model, making it difficult for the game to keep enough players online.

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4) Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II was underwhelming (Image via Aspyr Studios)

The Star Wars games have always been a mixed bag, with some performing better than others in terms of story and gameplay. However, The Force Unleashed was a mega-hit in the franchise due to its engaging gameplay, generating significant excitement for its sequel. However, The Force Unleashed II fell short of expectations.

The Force Unleashed II was called out by the gaming community for being a very short game compared to the predecessor. Its storyline felt like a rushed version of the original, lacking the emotional depth and character development that made the first title compelling. Additionally, the short length limited the gameplay segments, preventing them from fully realizing their potential.

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5) Crackdown 3

Crackdown sequels have seemingly lost their charm (Image via Sumo Digital Ltd)

The Crackdown franchise was always popular for its open world and high-octane action. This series was meant to reach new heights with the announcement of Crackdown 3 starring Terry Crews. Microsoft marketed the game as their next big heavy hitter, which would utilize cloud-based destruction technology for better environmental demolition.

However, the sequel underdelivered even after being delayed for years. The advertised destruction physics was heavily toned down, and the tech looked wonky at times. The gunplay mechanics also felt outdated compared to its predecessor, which made it difficult for the title to stand out among other releases at the time.