Many game franchises find success with just a few main entries to establish their identity. However, some become so popular that they expand into other forms of media, including movies, TV shows, books, and spin-off games.
Spin-offs give developers the freedom to experiment with new genres within an already established universe. They can offer fresh perspectives on existing stories, sometimes even from the viewpoint of former antagonists. Some spin-offs go even further than their predecessors, introducing entirely new open-world experiences that add depth and variety to their franchises.
June 25, 2019
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
There are many games in the Like a Dragon mainline series, most of them based in Japan. These include both beat ’em up and turn-based games. However, RGG Studios has taken their signature beat ’em up style and infused it with more unique features.
With Judgment, RGG Studios brought their Yakuza narrative to a new perspective: the law-and-order side. Making a private investigator the protagonist not only introduces a fresh viewpoint but also brings new experimental features, including detective-style gameplay. The “investigator mode,” which requires players to search for clues and evidence, is entirely new and unique within the series.
The Borderlands universe has expanded into other genres and media, including narrative-driven games like Tales from the Borderlands and even a live-action movie. One of the most successful additions to the franchise, both critically and financially, has been the spin-off Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
The events of the Pre-Sequel take place between the first and second entries, giving players deeper insight into the backstory of the second game’s antagonist, Handsome Jack. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel stands out from the main games thanks to unique gameplay elements such as low-gravity environments, double jumps, and the need for oxygen, since much of the game is set on a moon.
8/10
April 30, 2013
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
Originally released as an expansion to Far Cry 3, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon became successful enough to later stand on its own as a standalone spin-off. The game’s story and setting are heavily inspired by 1980s music and action films such as The Terminator, so much so that the actor behind Kyle Reese himself, Michael Biehn, voices the game’s protagonist.
Blood Dragon uses a similar gameplay and map layout as Far Cry 3, but reimagines it with a completely different tone and aesthetic. The game also introduces new futuristic weapons, cyborg enemies, and laser-shooting dragons. By defeating these dragons, players can use their cybernetic hearts to lure other dragons into enemy territory and let them cause mayhem.
With main entries like Skyrim and Oblivion, which are some of the most iconic games in gaming history, The Elder Scrolls franchise expanded its universe with an online spin-off. The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) allows players to explore both new and familiar locations across the continent of Tamriel.
ESO is an MMO with RPG elements that, unlike the series’ mainline single-player games, offers players the ability to explore its open world either solo or with friends. It features a great number of quests and main quests that expand on The Elder Scrolls‘ lore, as well as modes where players can face off against other players in PVP battles. Like previous entries in the series, the game can be played in either first or third-person perspective.
Known for their challenging gameplay and open worlds filled with formidable enemies, FromSoftware expanded their Elden Ring universe by blending its signature Souls-like mechanics with elements from other genres.
Elden Ring Nightreign is set in a reimagined version of Limgrave, a region that originally appeared in the base game. New gameplay elements include a shrinking map area, similar to those found in battle royale games. The game also introduces roguelike features, such as relics that upgrade players’ stats as they progress, as well as cooperative multiplayer gameplay.
September 22, 2009
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Language, Violence
Halo is a franchise rich with lore and storytelling, which has been expanded through books and spin-off games. Halo 3: ODST serves as a bridge between the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3, helping players and lore enthusiasts connect the dots in the narrative.
While the main Halo trilogy is known for its open yet linear levels, ODST introduced an open world structure. It features a central open-world hub, the city of New Mombasa, which is connected to other linear missions. Players are free to explore the open city at their own pace, uncover secrets, and collect lore audio logs that deepen the story.
9/10
October 23, 2012
t // Drug Reference, Language, Suggestive Themes
Microsoft Corporation
Online Multiplayer
Forza Horizon
Forza Horizon began as a spin-off of the Forza Motorsport franchise, but it quickly became so successful that it evolved into its own saga. While Motorsport focuses on closed circuits and precision racing with sports cars, Horizon takes a completely different approach to the world of driving.
As its name suggests, Horizon offers players an open world that can be fully explored solo or with friends. Unlike Motorsport, which emphasizes high-performance track cars, Horizon provides a massive garage filled with a wide variety of vehicles tailored for different terrains of its open world, like rally, drift, off-road, and more.
8/10
October 19, 2010
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
Before Fallout: New Vegas, the Fallout games featured open regions connected together to form a larger world. New Vegas, however, introduced a fully open sandbox for players to explore; a vast desert wasteland filled with fully developed towns, including the iconic location of New Vegas itself.
In addition to its open world, New Vegas also introduced deeper RPG mechanics to the series. Player choices significantly impact the outcome of the quests, and the improved companion system adds more depth to companion relationships. The skills and perks system allows for more roleplaying styles, like stealth, melee combat, firearms, or a persuasive speech-based approach. New Vegas offers the freedom of a new open world where players can create their own path. Also, it is the only Fallout game where players can gamble in casinos to earn some extra caps, or lose them entirely.
