10 Video Game Sequels That Played Things Way Too Safe

EA's UFC series has stayed firmly stuck in the shadow of UFC Undisputed 3 now for six straight years, as the developers have completely struggled to match fan expectations set by that title.

After UFC 3 took a massive leap forward with the striking being the closest to real fighting in the cage yet, UFC 4 instead made such incremental changes it joined the list of EA's other bland annualised sports efforts.

Instead of learning from the past and adding the deep systems that THQ's series drew acclaim for, the developers adapted to the situation by using the motto 'Streamline everything to broaden appeal'.

There was no focus on improving the gameplay and putting in missing features that people have cried out for since the first entry. Gamers are instead given a bevy of wacky custom gear to kit out their fighter, hardly any of which would be allowed in a cage, and a slew of taunts and dances to choose for their created fighter.

Take two and a half years of development, and you get the exact same base game as EA UFC 3, but with worse visuals and streamlined mechanics. The developers almost seemed terrified of moving out of their comfort zone.