10 Iconic Video Games You Had NO IDEA Were Originally Sequels

10. Splinter Cell

Originally: James Bond stealth game

Back in 1999, when Ubisoft was still just a Montreal-based developer without dozens of global offshoots, the team was experimenting with a prototype for a Sci-Fi action game called The Drift. It featured some interesting, forward-thinking mechanics, like the ability to aim at two enemies at once, or, most relevant, a grapple gun that could also fire custom surveillance cameras - but the rest of the project wasn't coming together.

In a last-ditch effort before higher-ups likely shut it down, the developers repurposed the concept into a spy-action game based on the James Bond IP, adding stealth missions, globe-trotting action, and blockbuster flair. They pitched it to the rights holders, who firmly turned them down.

Then another license came along to save the day. Ubisoft had recently acquired the rights to the Tom Clancy brand and was eager not only to create a “Metal Gear Solid 2 killer,” but also to plaster its new label onto games already in development. The unused Bond concept was reworked to fit, as cocktails were traded out for night vision - first as an adaptation of The Sum of All Fears, before shedding any story connections and simply adopting the Clancy aesthetic and tone.

From that, Sam Fisher was born - a worthy rival to Solid Snake, and arguably the most iconic character to ever emerge from a Tom Clancy game. Now, where on earth is that remake?