The French game development studio Spiders is celebrated for its mid-budget action role-playing games. Their latest offering, GreedFall 2: The Dying World, adheres closely to the studio’s established formula. This sequel is set in the same richly detailed 18th-century colonial universe as its predecessor from 2019, while also incorporating fantasy elements. Although the overall gameplay remains consistent, GreedFall 2 is notably influenced by the early combat mechanics reminiscent of BioWare’s RPGs. However, the narrative direction of this upcoming title diverges significantly from the original game.
Is GreedFall 2 a True Sequel?
Despite its designation as a sequel, GreedFall 2: The Dying World does not follow the events of the first game directly. Rather, it functions more as a prequel, akin to how Red Dead Redemption 2 expands upon its predecessor. This new installment introduces an entirely fresh cast, and while a few plot references may link back to the original, the narrative stands on its own, allowing players to enjoy the game without prior exposure to its forerunner. Consequently, GreedFall 2 may not meet the expectations of those hoping for a traditional sequel, but this is in line with what has been observed in Spider’s prior releases.
A Unique Trend in Spiders’ Game Development
Spiders, despite having a workforce of fewer than 100, has cultivated an impressive portfolio over its 15+ years of operation, releasing seven titles and several third-party ports. Interestingly, the studio has avoided naming any of its games with a “2”until now, developing a tendency to create new intellectual properties rather than focusing on sequels. This results in a unique situation where Spiders has yet to produce a traditional follow-up to any of its games.
Exploring Spiders’ Game Continuity
While Spiders has developed game titles that led to prequels and paraquels, actual sequels have been rare. The first Spiders title with a form of continuation was the 2012 action RPG, Of Orcs and Men. This game spawned two prequels, Styx: Master of Shadows and Styx: Shards of Darkness, released in 2014 and 2017 respectively, but crucially, these were created by the studio Cyanide, not Spiders itself.
Another relevant example is Mars: War Logs, which saw the emergence of The Technomancer, launched three years later. Although their distinct titles might indicate different franchises, Spiders clarified that The Technomancer is a “paraquel,”paralleling the events of Mars: War Logs while introducing an entirely new character lineup. This trend continues with GreedFall 2.
A Hope for Future Sequels from Spiders
The absence of direct sequels from Spiders is quite striking. The studio has ventured into prequels and paraquels, yet a straightforward sequel remains elusive. Even GreedFall 2: The Dying World, a title that strongly implies a sequel, does not follow the direct narrative established in the first game. While the approach of crafting standalone stories has its merits, fans may look forward to the day when Spiders decides to revisit one of its beloved RPGs with a true sequel. A continuation of the GreedFall saga that picks up from the original’s ending could potentially excite many players.
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