Eight Games That Paved the Way for Superior Successors

May 29, 2026 - 02:35

Some video games are brilliant in their own right, but their true legacy lies in the masterpieces they inspired. Here are eight titles that laid the groundwork for even better games to come.

1. Doom (1993) inspired Half-Life (1998)
Id Software's Doom defined the first-person shooter with its fast-paced action and demon-slaying. But it was Valve's Half-Life that took those core mechanics and added a gripping narrative, environmental storytelling, and seamless gameplay. Without Doom's blueprint, Gordon Freeman might never have picked up a crowbar.

2. Grand Theft Auto III (2001) inspired Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
The 2001 open-world revolution of GTA III let players roam Liberty City freely. Rockstar refined that sandbox over a decade, culminating in GTA V's sprawling Los Santos, three playable protagonists, and an online empire. The original was a rough diamond; the sequel polished it into a cultural phenomenon.

3. Street Fighter II (1991) inspired Super Street Fighter II Turbo (1994)
Capcom's Street Fighter II created the modern fighting game genre with its diverse roster and special moves. But the 1994 Turbo edition added super combos, faster pacing, and balanced characters, turning a classic into a competitive gold standard. Every fighting game since owes a debt to both.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) inspired The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Ocarina of Time established 3D action-adventure with its lock-on combat, time travel, and dungeon design. Breath of the Wild shattered that formula by introducing a truly open world, physics-based puzzles, and player-driven exploration. It honored the original's spirit while redefining what Zelda could be.

5. Resident Evil (1996) inspired Resident Evil 4 (2005)
The original Resident Evil popularized survival horror with fixed cameras and tank controls. Resident Evil 4 reinvented the series with an over-the-shoulder camera, action-oriented gameplay, and a more dynamic story. It became the template for third-person shooters for years to come.

6. Super Mario 64 (1996) inspired Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
Mario's first 3D adventure introduced analog movement, camera control, and hub worlds. Odyssey took that foundation and added the capture mechanic, transforming enemies into tools. It kept the joy of exploration while expanding the possibilities exponentially.

7. Metal Gear Solid (1998) inspired Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)
Hideo Kojima's 1998 classic pioneered stealth action with its cinematic storytelling and boss fights. The Phantom Pain evolved that into an open-world sandbox with emergent gameplay, base building, and unparalleled player freedom. The original told a tight story; the sequel let you write your own.

8. Minecraft (2011) inspired Terraria (2011)
Minecraft's blocky survival and crafting sandbox sparked a genre. Terraria took that concept into 2D, adding combat, bosses, and a progression system that gave players clear goals. It built on Minecraft's creativity while offering a more structured adventure.

These eight games prove that even the greatest hits stand on the shoulders of pioneers. Without the originals, the successors might never have found their footing.