The sequels I want –

There is no shortage of promising sequels, but unfortunately we haven’t heard anything of significance from some of them, and yet I would still love to play them…. These are the sequels I’m desperate for.

I want to play: Days Gone 2

It’s hard not to dream about Days Gone 2. The first game offered a raw and atmospheric open world where the threat of Freakers was always lurking. Riding around on a motorcycle through desolate Oregon, constantly searching for resources, and with a sense of constant danger, was something special. A sequel could have built on everything that worked, with sharper AI, a more dynamic world and even more intense hordes. The story also had more to offer, and with today’s technology, it could have been a real gem. Sony may have discontinued a sequel, but the hope of one day returning to the world of Deacon remains.

I want to play: F-Zero GX2

As you know, Nintendo has long let F-Zero gather dust while fans whine relentlessly for a new game in the series, not least myself. Unfortunately, this is nothing short of a tragedy. F-Zero GX for Gamecube was a pure adrenaline rush, brutally fast, technically impressive and with a difficulty that really tested your skills. Advancing at insane speeds on insane tracks with razor sharp turns and minimal margin for error was an experience that few other racing games can match. The thought of a modern sequel, with the same uncompromising speed and challenge, is mouth-watering. Imagine F-Zero GX with today’s graphics, online functionality and maybe even a track creation tool. Nintendo has shown with F-Zero 99 that the series is not completely forgotten, but that we deserve more than that. It’s time for Captain Falcon to truly return, and we’re ready to step on the gas…. If only for a remake.

I want to play: Half-Life 3

Forget all other games, there is no more heartbreaking open wound in the gaming world than Half-Life 3. The game that should have come out at least 15 years ago, but is still conspicuous by its absence. Half-Life was a stylistic masterpiece, as was Half-Life 2, and after all this time there is certainly the potential to do it again with Half-Life 3, and maybe even finish the Combine story (because god knows I can’t wait for a fourth game).

I want to play: Panzer Dragoon Saga 2

The game that defines the Sega Saturn for me more than any other is 1998’s Panzer Dragoon Saga. The first game offered a unique blend of Japanese role-playing and dragon flying, with an atmosphere and world that remains unmatched today – although we got a small taste of the latter a few years later in Panzer Dragoon Orta. With the recent resurgence of Japanese role-playing games, the series deserves a modern comeback. Imagine an epic adventure in which we once again ride through vast deserts on a majestic dragon, with tactical combat and a story that delves deeper into the mysterious world of the series. With today’s technology, a sequel could be stunningly beautiful, while further honing the unique combat system. Sega has long ignored the series (no, the half-hearted remake doesn’t count) and it’s high time Panzer Dragoon Saga gets the return it deserves.

I want to play: Red Dead Redemption 3

Red Dead Redemption is one of the absolute best games I have ever experienced. I was absolutely floored by how well crafted this western epic was, and how immersive and vivid the world was as well. Moreover, John Marston felt like one of the best protagonists of all time; Melancholy about his past, but choosing to make amends. Still, nothing could prepare me for the force of nature that was Red Dead Redemption 2. Now I wait for Grand Theft Auto VI and I am curious, but most of all I dream of returning to Rockstar’s Wild West. If I had my choice, it would be set in the Civil War era, an era that hasn’t been explored that well in gaming and could even bring us closer to atrocities like slavery. Make it happen, Rockstar.

I want to play: Rock Band 5

It’s hard not to miss Rock Band, even though I, like many others, have grown tired of music games because of the relentless marketing of constant sequels and reissues. Still, it was an unbeatable feeling to gather friends, grab plastic instruments and live the dream of being a rock star. Rock Band 4 did a lot right, but the genre deserves a proper comeback, and a Rock Band 5 (or a new Guitar Hero, I’m not picky!) could have been exactly the boost it needed after 10 years. Imagine a modern version with more songs, deeper online support and maybe even a new career mode where you take your band from garage gigs to arena tours. With today’s streaming services, the song library could be bigger than ever, and with updated and more luxurious hardware, the drums and guitars could feel even better. Music games are something lacking in today’s climate, where we would certainly benefit from interacting more and just enjoying good music.

I want to play: Star Fox 64 – 2

This is starting to feel a bit like the same unlikely dream as F-Zero GX2. Star Fox 64 set the standard for that era of space shooters with intuitive game controls, fast pacing and cinematic feel, where each mission felt like part of a larger adventure. Gliding through asteroid fields, dueling with Star Wolf and ending in an epic battle against Andross was pure magic. A modern sequel to Switch 2, built on the same foundation but with today’s technology, could have been something special. Imagine vast galaxies, more selectable routes and a truly lavish campaign with epic space battles that could be played multiple times…. Nintendo certainly tried to revive the series, but never quite captured the magic of Star Fox 64. It’s time to turn back the clock, realize that the game was good the way it was, and give Fox and his team the comeback they deserve. Today’s gamers also need to learn what a barrel roll is.

I want to play: Star Wars: Republic Commando II

The first game was a rock-hard, tactical action adventure that put us in control of an elite team of clone commandos in some of the galaxy’s toughest battles. Thanks to the Xbox, which at the time ran circles around all other consoles in performance, it delivered a darker, more intense and realistic Star Wars game than anything we had seen before, and it still has a loyal following of fans (including myself). A sequel could have taken everything to the next level. Imagine modern battles with smarter teamwork, a deeper story that could encompass everything that has happened since then in series like the Clone Wars, as well as a brutal story that explains why this war was so brutal – and perhaps address how Delta Squad deals with the rise of the Empire ? With today’s graphics engines, more dynamic missions and even co-op, Republic Commando II could have been a dream come true for those (like me) who constantly crave a more tactical and soldier-centric Star Wars adventure.

I want to play: Injustice 3

It may seem a bit odd, considering that I wasn’t really impressed with the first two Injustice games. They felt a little too bleak and plastic by design, even though they were based on a skillful foundation. But with James Gunn getting serious with the DCU this summer, it would be appropriate to launch a really good Injustice updated with heroes that resemble their movie counterparts. As new heroes and villains are added, they could be added to the game as a sort of living platform, and ideally also have a series of campaigns to play as single player. A dream for me, for sure.

I want to play: Banjo-Threeie

Banjo-Kazooie and its sequel Banjo-Tooie defined an era of platform action with their charming humor, clever level design and beautiful music that was in many ways better than anything Nintendo itself delivered. Rare showed how exploration, puzzles and platform action could be combined in a way that for many was the epitome of three-dimensional platform action of the time – and to this day, the series remains as beloved as it was when it was first released, despite the fact that Microsoft seemed totally uninterested in anything to do with bears and birds. I would have loved a modern sequel that retains the classic collecting fun and sound effects (including speech), but with today’s technology, with larger worlds, tighter controls and a graphical style that captures that magical Rare feel. Banjo-Kazooie is far too beautiful to be just a nostalgic relic, and I really, really, really want to play Banjo-Threeie. Although I realize that even 2025 will disappoint me on that front.