10 Video Game Sequels That Surpassed The Original In Every Way
6. Gears Of War 2
The first Gears introduced us to Marcus Fenix & Co., locked in a battle of subterranean mutant beasts known as the Locust. The various and unique weapons are a lot of fun to play around with, the active reload is a great mechanic, and the designs for the Locust are beautifully sickening.
As a franchise, Gears helped pioneer the 'stop n' pop' cover system we still see implemented to this day, and when that sequel was made, dear lord, did it deliver.
Gears of War 2 turned everything on its head. The unique weapons were back, the mechanics felt much more complete, and the level design had improved immensely. In addition, the longer campaign provided more character development. The game also grants access to an entirely new setting, as it you eventually make your way underground to take the fight right to the Locusts' doorstep.
Rather than the generic ending we were given in the first game, Gears 2 provides one that is the very definition of a "last resort", showing the harsh realities that sometimes, you have to lose the battle to win the war.
Truly, the story of this game was everything that of a sequel should be.