10 Big Leaps Between Video Game Sequels

Red Steel was a logical launch title for the Nintendo Wii. Set in the Japanese criminal underworld of America, the game is about cutting down enemies with a sidearm and a katana by using the console's motion controls. Unfortunately, its concept perhaps oversold its execution. Many critics and gamers found the game to be awkward to play at times, with the best sword moves poorly (if at all) explained and the graphics leaving a lot to be desired.

So it's kind of incredible it got a sequel at all and, in fact, that Red Steel 2 might be one of the best games on the system when it comes to utilising the system's strengths. The original's MetaCritic score of 63 compared to the 80 for the sequel is a good place to start.

Red Steel 2 ditches the modern-day setting for a really stylish samurai-cowboy aesthetic. It's cel-shaded graphics mean that it has remarkably well. Most importantly, with the arrival of the Wii Motion Plus and the failings of the first game to learn from, Ubisoft Paris were able to craft a (what they called) "first-person brawler" which is exceedingly rewarding to learn and execute. Whilst the game might be heavy on the tutorials at first, it's worth it to understand and appreciate the combat of this sequel which finally reaches the promise of the original.