10 Video Game Spin-Offs That Surpass The Original

When a video game becomes a hit, a follow-up is practically guaranteed. If that instalment is also a success, another sequel should be on the cards. Then another. Then another. Then another.

But at a certain point, an IP should venture in a different direction to avoid becoming stale. In situations like this, the next logical step is a spin-off. By focusing on a different character, looking at the same story from another angle, or dropping the characters in a new genre, there are plenty of avenues a spin-off can go in.

Of course, fans might not have gravitate towards these little experiments, especially if they deviate too far from the original. Even if the premise seems great on paper, the finished product doesn't always come together.

But every once in a while, an offshoot of a popular title captures the same magic as the one that started it all. Some byproducts outgrew the source material, to the point where fans don't realise they originated from a different franchise. This is all the more impressive when the side-game was unwanted or initially sounded like a bad idea. (Seriously, it's impossible to make The Sims sound appealing to anyone who hasn't played it.)

As awesome as these games are, there's no question the spin-offs are better.

Despite having little connection with Titanfall, Apex Legends is classed as an offshoot of Respawn's mega mecha-shooter. Not only does this instalment share many features and mechanics, Apex Legends actually started off as Titanfall 3.

But since the project lacked core elements, including a one-player campaign, pilots, and the titular Titans, this instalment was revised into a separate entity.

Although this was a ballsy decision, it paid off (especially after Titanfall 2 suffered an abominable release). Though Apex Legends had to compete with other Battle Royales like Fortnite and PUBG, it was an instant hit. The free-to-play title won over millions with its nuanced mechanics and accessible gameplay. The "ping" system was applauded for allowing squad members to communicate with each other without relying on verbal cues.

Apex Legends brought in 25 million players in the first week, doubling that amount within a month. Two years later, it achieved one of the highest player counts of any game, and raked in over a billion dollars in revenue.

Even though Titanfall is solid, it never came close to matching its successor, critically or financially.