3 Game Sequels That Raised the Question: Should the Series End Here?

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It’s captivating when a video game sequel feels so complete that you question whether another installment is even necessary. This is unusual, but when it happens, it creates a unique and strong feeling. It’s like a perfect ending that feels too good to extend, yet too meaningful to forget. Every successful series hopes to reach a point where the story concludes with such impact that continuing it would only lessen its power.

It’s unusual for successful franchises to simply end, as the desire for more profit often overshadows the artistic benefit of leaving a story complete. However, some sequels are so well-crafted that they feel like the perfect conclusion, making any further installments seem unwanted or even harmful. Here are three games that achieve this – sequels that almost make you wish the series had stopped there.

3. The Last of Us Part II

When The Last of Us Part II came out, it drastically changed what people expected from a sequel – and not in a positive way. It wasn’t a predictable continuation made to simply satisfy fans. Instead, it was a harsh, controversial, and intensely emotional story about revenge and how violence tends to repeat itself. Many players also found the ending felt overly conclusive, or ultimately unfulfilling.

The events following Joel’s actions in the first game reopened old emotional scars. The world felt bleaker, and the characters were more damaged than ever before. By the end, the game left players with a profound sense of emptiness – the kind that comes when a story concludes without providing the satisfying closure you were hoping for. It felt like Ellie’s journey, and possibly the future of humanity within that world, had reached a dead end.

Despite the ending of the second game, rumors about The Last of Us Part III persist. While Ellie’s story felt conclusive, it also left many players hoping for a more positive outcome for her character. Revisiting that world is a risk – it could either feel repetitive or diminish the impact of the first two games. Perhaps that’s what makes Part II so memorable; it didn’t leave audiences wanting more of the story, but questioning if the series had already reached its natural conclusion.

2. God of War: Ragnarök

As a huge fan, I think God of War (2018) really changed Kratos – it showed us he was more than just a rage-filled god out for revenge. And Ragnarok just completed that incredible journey. It felt like a perfect ending for Kratos, honestly – a truly epic conclusion that was surprisingly emotional and thoughtful. We finally saw him find some peace and even redemption, and Atreus discovered what he was meant to do. It all led to a sense of closure and a real shift towards peace in the Norse world, which was just amazing to experience.

The ending of Ragnarok truly felt like a final chapter. Long-running storylines reached satisfying conclusions for the characters and the overall themes of the game. The complicated relationship between father and son finally found peace and understanding. The game’s ending was dignified and calm, like the series was drawing to a close after years of conflict. It felt like Kratos had finally earned a well-deserved rest, and a weight had been lifted.

Just because a game reaches its conclusion doesn’t mean the story is truly over. The creators of God of War have suggested there’s more to come, which begs the question: can they continue the story without diminishing the impact of its perfect ending? Kratos finally found peace, and a continuation could easily erase that achievement. However, the world is full of gods, so there’s certainly room for more stories. Perhaps Ragnarok feels so memorable because it seemed like both an ending and a fresh start. Given the strong conclusion of Ragnarok, but also the potential for further adventures with Kratos and especially Atreus, it’s very likely this series will continue.

1. Assassin’s Creed II (and the Ezio Trilogy)

While the first Assassin’s Creed showed potential, Assassin’s Creed II truly delivered on that promise. The story of Ezio turned the series into a worldwide success by adding relatable emotions and human connections to its fantastical science fiction roots. Players experienced Ezio’s life, watching him evolve from an impulsive young man into a skilled assassin and, ultimately, a thoughtful figure ready for peace. His story felt fully realized and satisfying.

The original trilogy beautifully told the story of a hero’s journey, with each game adding meaningful layers instead of overextending the narrative. Brotherhood cemented his legacy, and Revelations provided a thoughtful conclusion. Ezio’s final speech felt like a goodbye not only to his character, but potentially to the initial vision of Assassin’s Creed itself. However, Ubisoft continued to develop the series, introducing new settings, eras, and characters, which ultimately diluted what made it unique.

Looking back, Ezio’s story – the trilogy of Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations – might have been the perfect ending for the series. It provided a rare thing for big franchises: a satisfying conclusion. Everything that came after has felt like a pale imitation, constantly trying to recapture the magic of those games without success. It’s possible that Assassin’s Creed II didn’t just shape the series, it actually finished it, even though the franchise continued. While modern Assassin’s Creed games still use the name, the original story arc that started with the first game came to a natural and complete end with Revelations.

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2025-11-13 18:14