5 Video Game Sequels That COMPLETELY Changed Genre

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Sequels to video games can sometimes be either successful or disappointing. While fans are often eager for continuations of popular games, not all subsequent releases manage to live up to the original. Typically, sequels continue with similar genres and gameplay mechanics as their predecessors. However, there are instances where a new installment undergoes a complete transformation within the franchise.

The games listed here can be considered as both continuations and fresh additions to the same game series. However, they each significantly altered or combined elements from their initial concepts in unexpected ways, steering the direction of their respective series and leaving fans pleasantly surprised.

5. World of Warcraft

Back in the day, I couldn’t believe the shift when World of Warcraft came along. Compared to the strategy games that made up the Warcraft series before it, like Warcraft: Orcs & Humans from 1994, this one was a total game-changer. You see, those earlier games were all about real-time strategy (RTS), where you’d build your base, gather resources, and lead armies into battle against your enemies. But then came World of Warcraft, the fourth installment in the series, and it flipped the script. This wasn’t just a strategy game anymore; it was an entirely new experience set in the same world of Azeroth, where I found myself exploring, questing, and leveling up my character instead of micromanaging armies. It was quite the transformation!

In contrast to its predecessor Warcraft games, which were real-time strategy (RTS) titles, World of Warcraft (WoW) transformed into a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). While the storyline remained consistent, WoW offers a more expansive and flexible way to traverse Azeroth compared to the earlier versions. The shift in genre has proven successful, as World of Warcraft continues to thrive even years after its release.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

As a seasoned gamer, let me tell you, the first time I heard someone label Breath of the Wild as a cozy game, it took me by surprise! Growing up, I remember my hands clenching around the controller in frustration, lost in the labyrinthine dungeons of The Legend of Zelda series, ready to toss the controller in anger when I hit a puzzle wall I just couldn’t crack.

But Breath of the Wild somehow managed to keep the spirit of The Legend of Zelda alive while completely revamping the gameplay experience. It took a beloved franchise and elevated it to new heights, transforming the way we adventure in Hyrule. The open-world exploration and innovative mechanics truly made it a standout addition to the series, much to my delight (and relief for my controller!).

In earlier installments of the series, players moved through dungeons sequentially and found one solution for each puzzle. However, the open-world, non-linear approach of “Breath of the Wild” significantly changes the game’s genre, making it more of an exploration and adventure game as opposed to a linear puzzle game like its predecessors. The upcoming title “Tears of the Kingdom” seems to adhere to this new style, suggesting that the Legend of Zelda franchise may have permanently transitioned in this direction.

3. Metroid Prime

The game titled “Metroid Prime” is the fifth addition to the “Metroid” series, which came out in the year 2002 for the GameCube console. That same year also saw the release of another Metroid title called “Metroid Fusion” on the Game Boy Advance. However, “Metroid Prime” deviated significantly from its predecessors as it marked the transition of the series into 3D gaming. Yet, the change wasn’t only about moving from 2D to 3D; it brought a whole new experience to the table.

The initial Metroid games, reminiscent of arcade play, were primarily side-scrolling platformers in a 2D format. However, the fifth game in the series broke new ground by adopting a first-person viewpoint. Though it retained some platforming components, the game predominantly embraced an action-adventure style over the platforming-centric approach that characterized the early games. This change is intriguing because the original Metroid games played a pivotal role in establishing the “Metroidvania” genre, yet they later departed from it.

2. Jak 2

The initial Jak and Daxter game was essentially a classic platformer, evoking memories of early Super Mario games. Unlike modern characters who often speak, Jak didn’t have any dialogue; instead, players guided him through multiple levels to gather items and express frustration at his cursed companion. However, Jak 2 took a significant turn for mystery, altering the mood and overall gameplay significantly.

In addition to having a more serious atmosphere, Jak 2 breaks away from traditional platformer gameplay by adopting a shooter-style open world. This sequel brings new changes, as Jak now speaks and displays a strong personality. Despite utilizing the same characters and being a continuation of the original story, Jak 2 undergoes a significant transformation in genre and style. The game’s description acknowledges this change, stating “Jak is back for another thrilling adventure, but he’s not the same as before.

1. Fallout 3

For numerous gaming enthusiasts, no sequel has been as transformative for a series as the release of Fallout 3. Before this third installment in the Fallout franchise, the games were played in an isometric style, featuring a fixed perspective and turn-based gameplay. However, with the arrival of Fallout 3, that all changed significantly.

In simpler terms, “Fallout 3” brought first-person, real-time gameplay to the franchise for the first time. Unlike its predecessors, which were more traditional RPGs (Role Playing Games), “Fallout 3” offered a more open-ended, RPG-style experience that significantly changed the direction of the series. This change became a defining characteristic of future games in the Fallout series.

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2025-08-30 21:42