Worthless Predecessors: Games You Just can't come back to.

[DinoRexMax]

Indie - Ninja Saviors

Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors. A game that's been "reborn" no less than three times, with it's latest steam/PC release being the optimal way to play it. However, each version of the game is different enough to warrant experiencing for its own merits and gameplay. Originally on Arcade...

retrogametalk.com

redux007, posted a review on the Ninja Saviours remake, "Return of the Warriors". Which, in itself, was a remake of the Ninja Warriors sequel, Ninja Warriors Return. However, it made me realize how nobody really cares about that first game. And there's a good reason for that, it's inferior in every way to it's successor, to the point where I started to wonder if there was any reason to play the original Ninja Warriors at all.​

And then I got to thinking, hey, there are actually a lot of games that seemed to be eclipsed by their sequels. It could simply be due to the abundance of new features introduced, or the quality of life issues that were added in, but whatever the reason is, I find there are just certain games I can never quite go back to.

Off the top of my head, the original D&D beat 'em up by Capcom (Tower of Doom) has absolutely nothing on the later "Shadows over Mystara" (wider selection of character, more robust movesets and controls, more replayable, etc.). The only reason anybody even remembers ToD is because it always comes packaged with SoM. Devil May Cry 3, but that could just be because of how bad DMC2 is. Onimusha 2. Demon's Crest blows both the Gargoyle's Quest games out of the water. And why anyone would ever torture themselves with the original Street Fighter is beyond me.

Now, of course, there we've all been dissapointed by sequels that couldn't live up to the original, that's a no brainer (Anything past the first Digimon World is not even worth playing). And in contrast, there are also franchises where all the games can be played equally. For instance, I never have an issue getting into ANY of the Super Mario games, whether it be SMB1, 2, 3, World, New, 64, Galaxy, Sunshine, whatever. And with the Final Fantasy: Tactics subseries, it's almost frustrating how rounded out they are, since, while they all add something new and exciting to the mix, they also seem never learn from the ideas of their forebears (FFT has Monster Taming, JP shopping, and Movement Abilities, FFTA has Racial Classes, Freerange Equipment and Combos, and FFTA2 has Clan Benefits, The Bazaar, and that big ass map, but none of them have it all in the same game).

So my question is, are there any games you feel you can't play anymore because you got spoiled by their sequel? Remakes are also allowed, but a wholly seperate game is perferred. It also doesn't necessarily need to be in the same series, as games in the same network of IPs can also count (Fighter Z can make even really good DBZ fighting games like Budokai 3 and Super DBZ look not so great, and I don't anybody really wants to go back to playing Batman games before the Arkham series).

 

[Adachi_08]

Maybe, if i was much younger. But im kinda open for any game. And i even like older games in series, for example i like Oblivion over Skyrim, despite having Skyrim as my first game from the elder scrolls. I guess im kinda started looking at games differently over the years and treating them differently too. I may still bitch about older game lacking moves that are in second game, but i would still play the game regardless.

just be because of how bad DMC2 is

Also a hot take. DMC2 is very average game at best, all the poeple who say that just use guns never tried melee combat. Despite only having a sword, there are a lot of combos for it, and it does MORE damage than guns. I legit played thru dmc 2 and its not that bad, i mean yeah they fucked here and there, but the whole experience of the game is rather "Eh" than awful.

 

[DinoRexMax]

Also a hot take. DMC2 is very average game at best, all the poeple who say that just use guns never tried melee combat. Despite only having a sword, there are a lot of combos for it, and it does MORE damage than guns. I legit played thru dmc 2 and its not that bad, i mean yeah they fucked here and there, but the whole experience of the game is rather "Eh" than awful.

But DMC3 is SOOOOoooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOooooo much better it's not even funny. What made the DMC series so amazing was how it set itself apart from the "average" action games of the era, essentially redefining it as it's own subgenre (Character/Stylish Action). It's not like RE5 is that bad either, but you go back to "average" after "EXCELLENCE" it can't be seen as anything but worse.

 

[Bakuma1997]

Pokemon truly began to shine in GSC, sorry Genwunners, but RBY when fun and innovative back then, nowadays is obvious they are held with tape, hopes and dreams due to having so much to proccess in both an new idea and engine

 

[Adachi_08]

but you go back to "average" after "EXCELLENCE" it can't be seen as anything but worse.

Yeah, it kinda feels that way

 

[RestoredaftrLostv2]

I would more focus on Ninja Gaiden trilogy for snes. NEVER play this, the nes version are superior as they broke the game in several ways.

 

[DinoRexMax]

Pokemon truly began to shine in GSC, sorry Genwunners, but RBY when fun, nowadays is obvious they are held with tape, hopes and dreams

Very yes. GSC is clearly a candidate for "Most Improved" in all categories, and it even double dunks on Gen1 with HGSS being a better remake overall then FRLG.

However, due to Gamefreaks nefarious financial practices, almost all Pokemon games are "valid" due to their exclusive content and peripherals. Like, try playing playing Pokemon Stadium with a GSC game. And the only reason you'd play Pokemon Stadium 1 over 2 (besides the minigames) is to get that sweet, sweet Amnesia Psyduck or Surfing Pikachu.

Post automatically merged: Today at 1:33 AM

broke

*"breake"

 

[bjork]

However, it made me realize how nobody really cares about that first game. And there's a good reason for that, it's inferior in every way to it's successor, to the point where I started to wonder if there was any reason to play the original Ninja Warriors at all.

I care about that first game. Perhaps you had to be there at the time and stand in awe of the cabinet, hearing Daddy Mulk blasting out of that thing. I think it's worth seeing just for the sake of having seen the foundation of what followed.
But I feel that way about games in general. I enjoy going back and seeing the history of franchises and companies, despite the industry not seeming to care about it beyond a certain point in time. So the notion of going, "I can't play this any more" seems sort of silly to me. I understand not everyone feels that way, though.
That said, apparently you can unlock arcade music in this newest game, and that's great. We should all appreciate Daddy Mulk regardless of thoughts on the game it came from.

 

[PhaseJump]

Including a homebrew project as a banner, and not talking about it at all is certainly a thing, I suppose.

One of the big homebrew port projects on Sega Genesis, half done, the scene is waiting for news updates on it to see 5 and 6 released, mega man fans are already dying of thirst, and now we're here reading bullshit about Ninja Warriors.

 

[χKai]

I can't play GameBoy because I was spoiled by having full color NES as a kid

I don't know who'd want to look at that ugly puke green screen for longer than a couple seconds anyway

 

[CopperCorman]

As someone who grew up with the OG Legend of Zelda when it was relevant, as someone who absolutely loved that game and spent dozens to hundreds of hours in it, as someone with an undying respect for what it managed to pioneer both technically and design-wise...

...Just play Link to the Past. Zelda 1 is, uh, rough.

 

[χKai]

I must admit that clickbait title is rather effective. Not a word said about the amazing continuation project of The Wily Wars, yet an engaging lead into a thread with a point and purpose.

 

[RanmyakuIchi's icon RanmyakuIchi RanmyakuIchi]

Kind of a meta example, but Doom 2 basically took everything from Doom 1 and added further to it, to the point that 95% of fanmade mods/wads are made for 2 and not 1. Given that fan-made content is a big part of what's given Doom it's longevity, this can make Doom 1 feel redundant sometimes in the modern day.

(Comparing the base games themselves is a bit more flattering in Doom 1's favor though, as many prefer it's level design compared to 2)

 

[bjork]

As someone who grew up with the OG Legend of Zelda when it was relevant, as someone who absolutely loved that game and spent dozens to hundreds of hours in it, as someone with an undying respect for what it managed to pioneer both technically and design-wise...

...Just play Link to the Past. Zelda 1 is, uh, rough.

Meanwhile I'd take Zelda 1 over LttP 100 times out of 100. It's different for everyone.

 

[Esidemoken]

In my case, it's RPG games with random encounters and screen changes, and it's not because of recent games but because of Chrono Trigger.
I used to find RPGs very boring (in my childhood), but when I got Paper Mario 64, I began to appreciate what the genre had to offer, and after that game, I got Chrono, which set a standard that, strangely enough, many other games have failed to achieve.
I've put Mario RPG, FFV, VII, and VIII on hold for that very reason, because it's very difficult for me to go back to random encounters and constant screen changes in every battle.

 

[Tonberry]

I can't play GameBoy because I was spoiled by having full color NES as a kid

I don't know who'd want to look at that ugly puke green screen for longer than a couple seconds anyway

I kind of feel exactly the same. I had Link's Awakening DX growing up and I couldn't for the life of me understand why every ROM i downloaded was in black and white when that cartridge eventually disappeared.

 

[DinoRexMax]

I must admit that clickbait title is rather effective. Not a word said about the amazing continuation project of The Wily Wars, yet an engaging lead into a thread with a point and purpose.

Man, I knew that'd be an issue when I used that graphic, but you didn't have to call me click bait over it. That's just mean...

I was even thinking of running it through photoshop so I wouldn't get people confused, but I was lazy so I didn't do it.

Sequel Wars is pretty badass though. A followup to the excellent Wily Wars all made from the ground up with Sonic:AIR style options, multiple playable characters, and remixed music. They haven't finished the the other 2 games, have they? I keep seeing 1.1 on here and on their site, which only has up to MM4 done.

God, do you think they're going to go full tilt and make there own versions of the Genesis Unit when it's all said and done. That'd be pretty nifty.

Post automatically merged: Today at 2:26 AM

(Comparing the base games themselves is a bit more flattering in Doom 1's favor though, as many prefer it's level design compared to 2)

Sandy Peterson wanted to make a level that looked like a hand, and goddammit, he was going to make it.

Post automatically merged: Today at 2:33 AM

Including a homebrew project as a banner, and not talking about it at all is certainly a thing, I suppose.

Aw man, now everyone's gonna be busting my balls for that one.

I can't edit it now, but this was the image I thought about using originally, but I thought I was being clever by using "Sequel Wars" since it sort of fit the topic at hand. I didn't think I would upset anyone for co-opting it, sorry. Sequel Wars is good though, and I hope they finish Megaman 5 & 6 for it, maybe even add Bass and their own version of the Genesis Unit someday.

 

[χKai]

Man, I knew that'd be an issue when I used that graphic, but you didn't have to call me click bait over it. That's just mean...

No offense meant; I was just trying to figure out why it said Megaman The Sequel Wars

Sequel Wars is pretty badass though. A followup to the excellent Wily Wars all made from the ground up with Sonic:AIR style options, multiple playable characters, and remixed music. They haven't finished the the other 2 games, have they? I keep seeing 1.1 on here and on their site, which only has up to MM4 done.

It's pretty amazing

God, do you think they're going to go full tilt and make there own versions of the Genesis Unit when it's all said and done. That'd be pretty nifty.

There will most certainly be custom made cartridge prints people will produce, especially if 5 & 6 get finished, but likely even before that. People love to get their hands on a physical copy of a superior ROM, and I'm no different

I can't edit it now, but this was the image I thought about using originally, but I thought I was being clever by using "Sequel Wars" since it sort of fit the topic at hand. I didn't think I would upset anyone for co-opting it, sorry.

It just took me awhile to get it
I don't think anyone's upset beyond the initial

feeling of reading what they think is negative towards Sequel Wars

Sequel Wars is good though, and I hope they finish Megaman 5 & 6 for it, maybe even add Bass and their own version of the Genesis Unit someday.

Me too!

 

[MDGeistsfavMC5song]

I care about that first game. Perhaps you had to be there at the time and stand in awe of the cabinet, hearing Daddy Mulk blasting out of that thing. I think it's worth seeing just for the sake of having seen the foundation of what followed.
But I feel that way about games in general. I enjoy going back and seeing the history of franchises and companies, despite the industry not seeming to care about it beyond a certain point in time. So the notion of going, "I can't play this any more" seems sort of silly to me. I understand not everyone feels that way, though.
That said, apparently you can unlock arcade music in this newest game, and that's great. We should all appreciate Daddy Mulk regardless of thoughts on the game it came from.

I love Daddy Mulk... hell most Zuntata stuff is fantastic... same with Falcom's JDK Band... now while I agree seeing the og Ninja Warriors cabinet at the time was something ( had one at a local bowling alley) even then the gameplay itself wasnt that great, even compared to older side scrollers like Shinobi.. I guess maybe Im biased because I spent more time on the Mega CD version, where without the giant triple monitor it just wasnt very much fun... but again, great soundtrack that kept me playing for a while... but I totally agree with you about playing the originals just to appreciate where the others come from.. I still have to start from the beginning (as much as I can, or at least try them) when starting a new game series... maybe thats why it takes me a while to finish some series..

 

[Dr.Kisaragi Dr.Kisaragi]

This happen to me in Super Mario bros 1 on Nes because (this is a hot take) Super Mario bros 2 (because I am big fan of character select) and Super Mario bros 3 is my favorite Mario game (world map items the music)

 

[DinoRexMax]

This happen to me in Super Mario bros 1 on Nes because (this is a hot take) Super Mario bros 2 (because I am big fan of character select) and Super Mario bros 3 is my favorite Mario game (world map items the music)

Yeah, SMB3 is better than 1, liquid magma opinion. But I gotcha, it's hard to go back to any game without a battery backup, especially considering it only lets you continue after death with a code (hold A, Press Start 3 times). SMB2 is great because it justifies itself being a reskin of Doki Doki Panic, since SMB2 adds the mechanics of momentum from SMB1 that are sorely lacking in DDP.

 

[Waffles's iconWaffles]

Pokemon Red & Blue became impossible to go back to after Yellow came about.

It improved way too many things, changed the (frankly laughable) sprite work for the better, and it appealed to fans of the anime, effectively bridging the gap with those introduced to the franchise by Ash's adventures.

And then, Fire Red and Leaf Green buried them so throughly, I don't see anyone ever going back to play those. Quite sad, really.

 

[Xarr]

I can't play GameBoy because I was spoiled by having full color NES as a kid

I don't know who'd want to look at that ugly puke green screen for longer than a couple seconds anyway

I agree with you on that for the most part, i can stand game boy emulation on a PC though as far as handheld forget that.

 

[moonbits]

The old Monster Hunter games are certainly a chore to play nowadays. But you ain't in the cool clique if you don't prefer them over the new ones. Some people really love eating soup with chopsticks just to feel superior, or gather 10 unique mushrooms to feel special.

Street Fighter 2 just doesn't do it for me now.

Paper Mario N64 is worthless when TYYD exists, that's the best I can think of.

 

[Zerohour2k12]

For me both X-Blades and Blades of Time. Both are quite Mediocre. I remember really wanting to like them. Have finished both. Sure there's some fun to be had but they fall way too short. Both got HD re-releases so it has it's fans.