Sequels are often viewed as cheap cash grabs. It seems like any game that enjoys even moderate success will have a fellow up released within two or three years. This doesn't mean that many developers don't go above and beyond to ensure that the sequel offers the same, and often times a better, experience for gamers.

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Whether it be enhanced gameplay mechanics, added items to use, or a larger story, these select sequels have proven that just because something is created to generate a profit, that doesn't mean creative effort can't be applied. The best sequels are the kinds that can not only stand on their own but also overshadow their predecessors.

Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption

Some sequels stand on their own so well, many fans don't even realize they are sequels. Red Dead Revolver was released on the Playstation 2 and Xbox in 2004. The game saw massive success with its western setting and unique characters; the game seemed perfect franchise material.

Those expectations were realized when the follow-up, Red Dead Redemption launched six years later on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 and improved on everything the original game laid out. The story was attention-grabbing and the world was in-depth and immersive. Red Dead Redemption 2 further expanded on this and shows the franchise is just getting started.

Street Fighter II

Street Fighter II

The tournament fighter genre dominated the arcade in the 90s. Gone were the days of building up a high score, and instead, the more violent games were the ones that ate the quarters of local fans. Street Fighter became an almost instant success and a sequel was inevitable.

Street Fighter II hit arcades in 1991 and completely changed the way fighting games were made. The game added new characters and move sets helping it totally overshadow the previous. This installment was so successful, that six different versions of the game were released over various platforms.

Batman: Arkham City

Batman Arkham City

Up until 2009, the Dark Knight didn't have the best of luck in video games. Batman: Arkham Asylum broke this streak, creating legions of fans upon release. Everything that Asylum accomplished was nearly doubled with the first sequel, Batman: Arkham City.

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The game added numerous new gadgets for the player to utilize, along with a story that many fans have stated is among the best Batman has ever been a part of. The game has not only been praised as one of the best superhero games, but also one of the greatest games of all time.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls series of games were popular RPGs in the 90s. The PC games offered players the chance to explore worlds full of magic, creatures, and fascinating characters. The fourth entry in the series, Oblivian, took the series to the next generation and earned the franchise even more popularity.

While this game seemed to be the high point of the franchise, Skyrim soared the world of Elder Scrolls to new heights and became a nearly instant phenomenon. With exciting gameplay and deep world-building lore, it is no wonder the game is still celebrated ten years after its release.

Fallout 3

Fallout 3

Like the Elder Scrolls series, Fallout had its beginnings on the PC, before completely changing the gameplay mechanic in the jump to console. Fallout 3 took everything fans loved about the original game and added so much more. The open-world contained in the game sucks the player in and doesn't let go until every mission is completed.

Fallout 3 debuted many new elements that carried on to the subsequent games and will prove to become staples for the franchise from here on out. In addition to this, the story contained in the game was more in-depth than any of the previous entries and included countless engaging areas to explore to ensure hours of gameplay.

The Legend Of Zelda A Link To The Past

Adventure games as people know them would not exist if not for the Nintendo classic, The Legend Of Zelda. The game pioneered much of what fans love about this genre of video games. The adventures of Link in the land of Hyrule are still as beloved as they have ever been, and plenty of sequels have been released for fans to choose from.

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One of the best received, came in the franchise's debut on the Super Nintendo, The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past. The series 16-bit launch added more dungeons and a deeper story that fans have yet to see in the series. The later 3D entries owe practically their entire existence to this game, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the best on the console.

Super Smash Bros: Ultimate

Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Nintendo has one of the most iconic rosters of characters. When Super Smash Bros was released on the Nintendo 64, fans were finally able to pit their favorite characters against each other in a full-on battle royale. Every major Nintendo console has had an entry in the franchise since, and the Nintendo Switch's contribution, Super Smash Bros. Ultimateis the most jam-packed entry yet.

Multiple characters from each of Nintendo's flagship franchises are present, along with characters from franchises outside of Nintendo's ownership. With 80 playable characters and an astounding 103 stages to battle on, it will be hard to top the content in this entry.

Bioshock 2

Bioshock 2

Gamers were introduced to Rapture in 2007 with the release of Bioshock. A sequel followed in 2010 and made for an intense experience that built upon that of the first game. The player takes control of a Big Daddy, the terrifying enemies present in the original.

With this new character, games were able to use new attacks unique to the Big Daddy including the famous drill. the game also featured all-new plasmids to use in their fight through the sunken city, and a story that can easily be compared to the one found in Bioshock.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Nate hanging from a plane in Uncharted 2 Among Thieves promo art with Drake hanging and debris falling

The exploits of Nathan Drake began in 2007 with Uncharted: Drake's Fortune for the Playstation 3. This new character created by Naughty Dog charmed gamers in the journey to find the fabled Eldorado. A sequel was naturally released and managed to surpass the first in several aspects.

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The follow-up game added more weapons to choose from and more intriguing puzzles to solve. The game remains a stand-out entry on the legendary Playstation 3 and is constantly mentioned in best-of lists when referring to the console.

Silent Hill 2

Silent Hill 2 Maria sitting in a chair behind bars

Few games have stricken fear into the hearts of gamers quite like the Silent Hill series. The games have become iconic and for good reason. The original masterpiece was released on the Playstation in 1999 and gave players an experience unlike anything in the medium before.

The Playstation 2 follow-up released in 2001 gave an even more terrifying game that has stood the test of time where others have failed. The game expands on the heart-pounding lore set forth in the original and stands on its own not only as one of the scariest games of all time but one of the best games, period.

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