8 Underrated RPGs Deserving a Sequel

The landscape of gaming is vast, filled with numerous titles, many of which become hidden treasures; the underrated gems of the industry often get overlooked. In today’s gaming culture, however, we are witnessing a revival of sequels that cater to both nostalgic fans and new players alike. Whether a game is a decade old or even older, there’s always a chance for a revival if the community rallies behind it. Below, we explore several underrated RPGs that certainly merit a sequel.

8 Foreshadowing

Good Ideas Lost in the Sauce

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Forspoken faced considerable backlash upon release, and I’m not here to argue otherwise. Yet, buried within this criticism lies a foundation of excellence. The combat system became increasingly enjoyable as players gained access to an impressive array of powers, while the mechanics for exploring its expansive world were exhilarating.

The graphics showcased breathtaking visuals, featuring stunning spell effects and epic boss encounters characteristic of high-budget productions. Admittedly, the narrative struggles with subpar dialogue and an often unlikable protagonist, yet its unexpected twists—including a finale that could catch anyone off-guard—hint at possibilities for a sequel that can introduce a new lead character.

The combat mechanics deserve a second chance, and history shows us that sequels can emerge from initial disappointments—consider how The Witcher series found its footing after a rocky start.

7 Jade Empire

Bioware’s Best?

Jade Empire was released as Bioware transitioned from its early successes to blockbuster titles like Mass Effect. Unfortunately, the drastic tonal shift from Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) caught some players off guard, stunting Jade Empire’s potential as a franchise. This oversight is regrettable, as it stands as the finest Kung Fu RPG ever crafted.

The game excels with its captivating revenge narrative, superb writing, impressive voice acting, and mind-bending plot twists that can compete with Bioware’s more recognized works. With dynamic real-time combat that allows players to explore a variety of martial arts styles—and memorable party characters that break the mold of typical RPGs—a remake or sequel could elevate this title to its rightful glory.

6 X-Men: Destiny

Choose Your Mutant

Upon its 2011 debut, X-Men: Destiny was derided for its simplistic choices and uninspired mechanics during a time when RPGs were expected to offer deep, meaningful choices. However, retrospect reveals a solid brawler that featured exciting concepts, despite its shortcomings. Players could choose their mutant and align with the X-Men or the Brotherhood, greatly influencing the game’s outcome.

The power customization was particularly engaging, allowing users to develop abilities that expanded and evolved throughout the gameplay, set against a backdrop of diverse mission objectives like civilian rescue and bomb disposal. Revitalizing this system with modern graphics and mechanics could spark a resurgence of creative potential for future X-Men adventures.

5 The Last Story

An Awesome Game Left Behind

The Wii library may not have been lauded for its RPG offerings, but Mistwalker made significant strides with titles like The Last Story. This game melded real-time action mechanics with classic narrative elements reminiscent of Final Fantasy, establishing a blueprint for future JRPGs. It featured a mature storyline, skill-based combat, and a memorable soundtrack.

Despite its initial underperformance, the rich world and engaging gameplay warrant a sequel. As absurd as a title like The Last Story 2 may sound, fans are eagerly anticipating sequels for franchises like Final Fantasy, making the notion of revisiting this beloved title quite tempting.

4 Alpha Protocol

The Espionage RPG

Despite its flaws, Alpha Protocol remains a compelling RPG with an intriguing espionage narrative pregnant with potential. Anticipating choices evolving into significant consequences, players navigated through a web of intrigue, albeit with shooting mechanics that felt somewhat outdated upon its 2010 release. Yet, within its imperfections lies a compelling premise that draws from RPG elements reminiscent of Mass Effect, married with gameplay akin to Splinter Cell.

A sequel could transform this underappreciated gem into a truly powerful experience, especially if developed by Obsidian, who could harness the game’s potential along with the success of their latest title, Avowed.

3 Lost Dimension

Who Do You Trust?

Release Date:

August 7th, 2014

Developer:

FurYu

Platforms:

PS3, PC, PS Vita

Lost Dimension may have faded into obscurity alongside many other PS3 titles, but it offered innovative ideas deserving of recognition. Its premise featured a unique mechanic where players faced the heart-wrenching task of sacrificing a party member after each mission, depending on their loyalty—each playthrough offering a different twist.

Additionally, the combat system successfully fused real-time movement with turn-based tactics akin to Valkyria Chronicles, boosting the experience with numerous strategies and abilities. A sequel could elevate these concepts further, especially in contemporary gaming’s landscape dominated by themes of betrayal and survival, similar to popular titles like Squid Game and Call of Duty: Warzone.

2 Two Worlds II

A Fantasy of a Different Kind

Release Date:

May 9th, 2007

Developer:

Reality Pump Studios

Platforms:

PS3, Xbox 360, and PC

The Two Worlds franchise often remained in the shadows within the RPG genre, but it harbored unfulfilled potential—especially in its sequel. Offering more refined combat mechanics than its contemporaries and an imaginative magic system that allowed players creative spell-making, the title was a platform unto itself.

The open world exudes a richness reminiscent of epic fantasies yet retains a darker atmosphere. As indie and smaller developers work to break into the fantasy RPG market, fans hope for a sequel that fully explores the tremendous possibilities this series has always promised.

1 Vampyr

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Vampyr is a standout title that combines an innovative premise with engaging gameplay. Players assume the role of a doctor turned vampire, navigating the chaotic environment of a plague-ridden London. This unique narrative concept has remained largely unexplored in gaming.

The core gameplay involves battling hostile vampires and frantically attempting to save the city’s inhabitants, all while grappling with moral dilemmas of whether to cure or feed on them. The branching narratives and mini-stories that develop deepen the emotional impact of player choices, ultimately shaping the future of London.

With the potential for a sequel that modernizes this system and enhances combat mechanics, the opportunity to re-engage with this remarkable story—possibly adapting to contemporary issues like the COVID-19 pandemic—would be a thrilling venture for fans and newcomers alike.

Source & Images

Related Articles:

Top 10 Survival Games Featuring Soulslike Mechanics

Top 10 Metroidvania Games to Convert You into a Fan

Comprehensive Reggie Guide: Master the Art of Dating Everything

Top 10 Iconic Boss Fights From the PS1 Era

Why Rick Grimes Wouldn’t Have Been Captured by The Walking Dead’s CRM If He Had Eliminated Negan

A Complete Guide on Obtaining Nectar in Bee Swarm Simulator

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *