These five games made remarkable comebacks with sequels after years of silence, proving timeless appeal in gaming.
Hope Dies Last
The video game industry rarely tolerates inactivity — franchises come and go, studios shut down, and trends shift lightning-fast. But sometimes, a miracle happens: after years, even decades, series once thought forgotten suddenly return. Not as mere remasters or nostalgic social media posts but as full-fledged sequels — fresh, ambitious, and alive. Here are five games that defied time to receive sequels.
1. Pathologic: A 14-Year Gap Between Original and Sequel
Pathologic is a brooding atmospheric game from the Russian studio Ice-Pick Lodge, first released in 2005. It stunned players with its unconventional storytelling and challenged even the well-established expectations of what a video game could be. Players had to survive in a town ravaged by a mysterious plague, make morally complex decisions, and simultaneously try to unravel what was really happening.
The game didn’t immediately gain huge popularity, but over time, a devoted fan base formed and steadily grew. This was helped by the 2015 re-release of Pathologic with improved graphics and bug fixes.
Then, after 14 years, in 2019, Pathologic 2 returned as a remake, sequel, and a completely new game all rolled into one. It was a full reimagining of the original, now with fresh resources and capabilities that Ice-Pick Lodge lacked in the early 2000s. Interestingly, the developers stayed true to their vision of creating a highly specific, surreal, and challenging game "not for everyone."
2. World of Goo: 16 Years Later
World of Goo is a charming puzzle game from 2008 where players build whimsical structures from living "goo" balls — sticky spheres with eyes. Simple yet addictive, with subtle humor, a magical soundtrack, and a story that unfolds unexpectedly, it won several awards and gained a certain cult following, though mostly in niche circles. It seemed like the kind of project unlikely to get a second wind.
However, in 2024, 16 years after the original, World of Goo 2 was released, surprising many fans. The new installment retained everything people loved about the first: challenging puzzles, humor, music, and the signature aesthetic — while adding fresh gameplay mechanics. The developers even poke fun in-game about how long it took to release the sequel. This is one of those rare cases where the continuation wasn’t expected but became a delightful surprise.
3. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines: 21 Years Apart
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, a cult RPG from 2004, hardly needs an introduction. Over two decades, it gained legendary status despite a rushed development, countless bugs, and poor sales at launch. Its dark vampire atmosphere, memorable characters, diverse role-playing options, and complex clan system created an enduring legacy.
Fans dreamed of a sequel for years, but hopes seemed futile—until 2019, when Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was announced. Excitement ran high, though the road to release has been rocky, marked by delays, studio changes, and creative conflicts. Yet, despite long development and growing skepticism, the game remains alive with a planned release by late 2025. This might become one of the most eagerly awaited RPG comebacks ever.
4. Baldur’s Gate Series: 23 Years Between Second and Third Installments
Baldur’s Gate is a legend that kicked off the golden era of isometric RPGs in 1998. Based on Dungeons & Dragons rules, it immersed players in a vast fantasy world with intricate plots, charismatic companions, and diverse role-play styles. Developed by BioWare, Baldur’s Gate set the genre standard and spawned a renowned series, including the cult classic Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn.
Despite the series’ success, news of a new installment was absent for nearly 20 years, causing many to lose hope. Then in 2019, Larian Studios shook the industry with the announcement of Baldur’s Gate 3. Released in 2023, the game didn’t just revive the series but gave it new life, winning over both old fans and newcomers. Stunning graphics, rich storytelling, and companions you never want to part with made Baldur’s Gate 3 a phenomenon, proving that the classic CRPG genre remains far from niche.
5. Wasteland Series: 26 Years Between Original and Sequel
Wasteland, a true RPG legend, debuted in 1988. It set the standard for post-apocalyptic RPGs like Fallout. Players controlled a squad of Desert Rangers, struggling to survive in a harsh world devastated by nuclear war — fighting, exploring, and making impactful decisions.
For its time, Wasteland was incredibly advanced: detailed text descriptions, freedom of choice, and non-trivial quests. It rightfully earned cult status, but reaching modern gamers was tough for such an old release.
Then, 26 years later, Wasteland 2 arrived. Supported by fans on Kickstarter and crafted by skilled developers, the sequel preserved the original’s spirit: dark, cynical humor, nonlinearity, and immersive atmosphere. The comeback was so successful that a few years later, the third installment was released, firmly securing the series among the most respected modern RPGs.
Do you have a favorite game you’d love to see get a sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments!
- What common factor helped these games get sequels after many years? Most of these games developed dedicated fan bases over time, sometimes aided by re-releases or crowdfunding, which convinced developers to continue the series.
- Are these sequels remakes or original new titles? It varies: some, like Pathologic 2, serve as both remakes and sequels, while others, like Baldur’s Gate 3, are entirely new entries continuing the legacy.
- Do these sequels keep the original’s style? Yes, they generally maintain the core atmosphere, gameplay mechanics, and aesthetics that fans loved, while adding fresh elements.
- Why do some games take decades to get sequels? Reasons include studio closures, funding difficulties, long development cycles, or shifts in market trends delaying new installments.
- How have modern sequels been received? Most have been warmly embraced, winning awards and renewing interest in their genres, proving that classic games can thrive in today’s market.
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