History SpiritualSuccessor / VideoGames

* The original Platform/{{Xbox}} is widely considered to be the spiritual successor to the Platform/SegaDreamcast, since many Dreamcast games - particularly those from Sega themselves - were ported to (''VideoGame/ShenmueII'') or received sequels on (''VideoGame/PanzerDragoon Orta'', ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio Future'') the system, they both have similar controller layouts, the Xbox was at one point going to be backwards compatible with the Dreamcast, and both are compatible with Windows CE and UsefulNotes/DirectX.

%% * {{Casual Video Game}}s are the spiritual successors to UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s.

* The Namco UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame ''[[VideoGame/CosmoGangTheVideo Cosmo Gang: The Video]]'' seems to be trying very hard to be a ''VideoGame/{{Galaga}}'' sequel while still maintaining a fair resemblance to the original electromechanical ''Cosmo Gang''.

* ''VideoGame/{{Rakuen}}'' has been compared to ''VideoGame/ToTheMoon'', an UsefulNotes/RPGMaker game that ''Rakuen's'' creator Laura Shigihara has composed songs for. While they go about it using different methods, both games are ultimately silly but heartfelt stories about [[spoiler: granting the final requests of dying patients by experiencing their memories with the help of an alternate dream-like world.]]

* Creator/StrategicSimulationsInc's legendary ''VideoGame/GoldBox'' UsefulNotes/GameEngine and the eponymous WesternRPG meta-series running on it had at least three successors: the Black Box series, a.k.a. ''VideoGame/EyeOfTheBeholder'', by Creator/WestwoodStudios; the Infinity Engine meta-series by Creator/BioWare and Creator/BlackIsleStudios; and the ''VideoGame/SevenDragonSaga'', announced in 2015 (!) by Tactical Simulations Interactive (an indie studio comprised of SSI veterans). The former two in particular had strong ties, as both were based on the ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' GameSystem, and [=BioWare=] developers noted the Gold Box series as one of the inspirations for ''VideoGame/BaldursGate'' (also, David "Zeb" Cook worked on both ''[[VideoGame/GoldBox Pool of Radiance]]'' and ''Baldur's Gate'', the first games on the Gold Box and the Infinity Engine, respectively). Another SpiritualSuccessor specifically to the Gold Box-based 1991 MassivelyMultiplayerOnlineRolePlayingGame ''VideoGame/NeverwinterNights'', is Creator/CrypticStudios' MMORPG ''VideoGame/{{Neverwinter}}''.

* Creator/{{Rare}}'s ''VideoGame/PerfectDark'' is often described as an unofficial sequel to their ''VideoGame/{{GoldenEye|1997}}'' game, albeit with the Franchise/JamesBond license swapped out for a near-future sci-fi setting and a DistaffCounterpart to Bond in the form of Joanna Dark (a classy, British-accented super-spy equipped with a vast suite of high-tech gadgets). It was built on the same UsefulNotes/GameEngine as ''[=GoldenEye=]'', so it feels like a natural extension of the same game, despite Bond being nowhere in sight. They even use guns and settings from ''[=GoldenEye=]'' with the names slightly changed. ''[=GoldenEye=]'' later had another Spiritual Successor in the form of the ''VideoGame/TimeSplitters'' games, done by the core team behind ''[=GoldenEye=]''. ''VideoGame/TimeSplitters2'' especially is very similar to ''[=GoldenEye=]'', and with the use of the Map Maker, one can get extremely close to it.

** ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening Link's Awakening]]'' is a spiritual successor to ''[[VideoGame/ForTheFrogTheBellTolls For the Frog the Bell Tolls]]'' because both are action-adventures for the [[Platform/GameBoy Game Boy]] that run on the same [[UsefulNotes/GameEngine engine]]. The rival character from the game, Richard, even makes a cameo in ''Link's Awakening''.

* ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHot Pursuit2010'' is a SpiritualSuccessor to both ''Hot Pursuit 2'' and the ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' series. ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted2012'' has been near universally referred to by the gaming press as a SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/BurnoutParadise''.

* The 2010 ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed: Hot Pursuit'' is a SpiritualSuccessor to both ''Hot Pursuit 2'' and the ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' series. ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted'' (2012) has been near universally referred to by the gaming press as a SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/BurnoutParadise''.

* {{Casual Video Game}}s are the spiritual successors to UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s.

* ''VideoGame/DeathStranding'', headlined by Creator/HideoKojima, seems to be a continuation of the concepts ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidV'' introduced to the ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' series. It carries over the open world setting; the Creator/AlfonsoCuaron style [[TheOner Oner]] cutscenes; the [[OurZombiesAreDifferent zombie-like enemies]]; and vehicle and character customization (weapons customization has yet to be announced, but likely). It also carries on more general series traditions, such as having stealth mechanics, long cutscenes, weirdly-named characters, a radio support team and a cynical DeadPanSnarker protagonist [[GutturalGrowler with a gravely voice]].

* Nintendo's ''Toys/{{Amiibo}}'' line of NFC products has been described as partially a successor to the e-Reader accessory for the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance, which allowed players to scan cards to unlock certain game features; in this case, however, the function is built into the game hardware rather than requiring a separate peripheral (save for the original-model UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS, which requires a small accessory that connects to the system via an infrared sensor). Additionally, you don't need to buy another system in order to use amiibo.[[note]]One of the biggest factors of the e-Reader's failure outside of Japan was the fact that since it connected to the GBA through its cartridge slot, a link cable and a second GBA were needed to use e-Reader-centric features in compatible games. Since [=GBAs=] never exactly sold for peanuts and since e-Reader features tended to be quite minor, many in the west felt that the cost did not justify the reward.[[/note]] While amiibo were initially just in the form of figures, amiibo cards eventually debuted alongside ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossingHappyHomeDesigner'', suggesting the possibility of similar uses to the e-Reader. Since then, the amiibo cards have found use in ''Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival'' and the ''Welcome amiibo'' update for ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossingNewLeaf''. The figurines themselves also successors to the NFC figures for ''VideoGame/PokemonRumble U''.

** In a similar vein, ''Cuphead'' itself is also one to ''VideoGame/{{Parodius}}'', as both are CuteEmUp shooters parodying the popular media and have cartoonish art styles donned on it. Both also started out on Microsoft platforms[[note]]''Parodius'' started out on UsefulNotes/{{MSX}}, and ''Cuphead'' started out on UsefulNotes/MicrosoftWindows and UsefulNotes/XboxOne[[/note]].

** In the other direction, Richard Eisenbeis of ''Kotaku'' [[http://kotaku.com/this-generations-best-final-fantasies-werent-named-f-1449859509 argued]] that ''VideoGame/LostOdyssey'' and ''VideoGame/TheLastStory'' were closer to being ''Final Fantasy'' games than the actual ''Final Fantasy'' games that came out during UsefulNotes/{{the Seventh Generation|OfConsoleVideoGames}}. This is particularly notable given both games' lineage -- they were made by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the ''Final Fantasy'' series, with music by Creator/NobuoUematsu, who scored ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI'' through ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyX X]]''.

* The ''VideoGame/FireProWrestling'' series, along with ''VideoGame/HALWrestling'' for the UsefulNotes/GameBoy, is this to Nintendo's classic ''VideoGame/ProWrestling'' game, following the same style of play mechanics as well as the use of CaptainErsatz versions of existing wrestlers.

* The Tiger UsefulNotes/GameCom could be considered the spiritual successor to the UsefulNotes/GameGear, as the Game.com featured games from Sega licenses (like ''Virtua Fighter II'' and ''Sonic Jam''), and was launched the same year as the Game Gear was discontinued in 1997, with Sega not making a new full handheld console after that.
** To a lesser extent, the UsefulNotes/NeoGeoPocketColor could also be considered a spiritual successor to the UsefulNotes/GameGear, as it also featured games from Sega licenses and can be linked to a UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast.

* WordOfGod says that ''VideoGame/GoldenSun'' is this to the ''VideoGame/ShiningForce'' tactical RPG series, which makes sense considering Camelot was the ones who developed said series before they split with SEGA. In fact, the [[ExecutiveMeddling botched release]] of ''VideoGame/ShiningForceIII'' on the [[UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn Saturn]] is the whole reason why they split and started ''VideoGame/GoldenSun''.

* The UsefulNotes/NeoGeo & UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast PlatformGame ''VideoGame/{{Gunlord}}'' is essentially this to ''VideoGame/{{Turrican}}''.
* ''VideoGame/GunstarHeroes'' was considered a spiritual successor to ''VideoGame/ContraIIITheAlienWars'' due to the fact that two of its main programmers worked on both games. In fact, it was the closest thing to a ''Contra'' game for the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis before Konami decided to release ''VideoGame/ContraHardCorps''.

** To some, ''VideoGame/TheGranstreamSaga'' on the UsefulNotes/PlayStation may be considered a fourth game due to a few shared themes.

* Creator/DataEast's UsefulNotes/NeoGeo platformer ''VideoGame/{{Spinmaster}}'' stars the same characters from the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis game ''[[VideoGame/DashinDesperadoes Dashin' Desperadoes]]'', but plays more like a modernized version (literally and figuratively) of the original ''VideoGame/JoeAndMac'' (aka ''Caveman Ninja'') than the game it's supposed to be a sequel to (which was more of a racing platform game). ''Spinmaster'' might as well had been called ''Joe & Mac'' [[RecycledInSpace AS INDIANA JONES-STYLE TREASURE HUNTERS]].

* The UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} game ''VideoGame/{{Saint}}'' is effectively the successor to ''[[VideoGame/TheMonkeyKingTheJourneyBegins The Monkey King: The Journey Begins]]'', with a more realistic art style. They were clearly developed on the same engine, and are both very loosely inspired by ''Literature/JourneyToTheWest''.
* ''VideoGame/JumpingFlash'' is a spiritual successor to a UsefulNotes/SharpX68000 game called ''Geograph Seal''. Same developers, similar gameplay blend of FirstPersonShooter and PlatformGame. Have a look at [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qca_bXtxIe4 video]] and compare the two.

* ''VideoGame/{{Knack}}'' to the Creator/NaughtyDog-developed ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot'' games. Mark Cerny, one of the chief architects of the UsefulNotes/PlayStation4, was an executive producer of the latter game, and director of the former.

** ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening Link's Awakening]]'' is a spiritual successor to ''[[VideoGame/ForTheFrogTheBellTolls For the Frog the Bell Tolls]]'' because both are action-adventures for the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoy Game Boy]] that run on the same [[UsefulNotes/GameEngine engine]]. The rival character from the game, Richard, even makes a cameo in ''Link's Awakening''.

** By the same developers, the UsefulNotes/NeoGeo golf game ''VideoGame/NeoTurfMasters'' is a spiritual sequel to the ''VideoGame/MajorTitle'' series.

* The ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' video game by Bandai for the UsefulNotes/SuperNES is a spiritual successor to the ''Series/ChoujinSentaiJetman'' game by Angel for the UsefulNotes/{{Famicom}}. Not that surprising, considering Creator/{{Natsume}} developed both.

* The UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch is ironically one to the UsefulNotes/PlaystationVita outside of Japan [[AmericansHateTingle where the system bombed]]. The Vita, after [[ScrewedByTheNetwork developers jumped ship and western retailers abandoned it]], became known for its selection of ports, remakes, and indie titles. Within its first year, developers announced a bunch of ports, remakes, and support from indie developers - making the Switch an unknown SpiritualSuccessor.

* ''VideoGame/OdinSphere'' is a SpiritualSuccessor to the little-known and [[NoExportForYou Japan-exclusive]] UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn title ''VideoGame/PrincessCrown'', being created by the same director and company, and featuring several thematic similarities, including the "little girl reading the game story in a book" narrative device.
** The UsefulNotes/NintendoWii game ''VideoGame/MuramasaTheDemonBlade'' is a spiritual successor to both of them, and was in earlier stages referred to as ''Princess Crown 3'', in the same way ''Odin Sphere'' was named ''Princess Crown 2''.

* For some, the original UsefulNotes/PlayStation is considered the spiritual successor to the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem even more so than its actual successor the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64. This is mostly due to the fact that the UsefulNotes/PlayStation was originally an add-on to the SNES, both systems have similar controller layouts (which is especially noticeable with the original controller), and many third-party developers for the SNES moved to the UsefulNotes/PlayStation during the [[UsefulNotes/TheFifthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames fifth-generation]].

* ''[[VideoGame/PropellerArenaAviationBattleChampionship Propeller Arena: Aviation Battle Championship]]'' is the spiritual successor to ''VideoGame/WingArms'' on the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn.

* ''VideoGame/{{Sockman}}'' is a spiritual successor to the UsefulNotes/ZXSpectrum classic ''VideoGame/ManicMiner''.

* The UsefulNotes/Atari2600 game ''VideoGame/{{Solaris}}'' was intended as an unofficial sequel to ''VideoGame/StarRaiders'' by Doug Neubauer, who programmed both games.

* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsW'' is the SpiritualSuccessor to ''[[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsJudgment Super Robot Wars J]]'' for the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance. Despite being in separate continuities, they both share many of the same series' (''Literature/FullMetalPanic'', ''Anime/MartianSuccessorNadesico'', ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'', and ''Anime/TekkamanBlade'' are the standouts), with units even using the same sprites and attacks. W also has many of the same features as J, such as Unit Switching with battleships, altering background music, and series favorites. A common [[EpilepticTrees fan theory]] is that the other race ''J's'' Fury mention they're avoiding is in fact ''W's'' Database, or at least will be once their storylines come up in the Original Generation series. Similarly, ''K'' has a similar engine and graphics, but series-wise it really only shares ''SEED'' This all culminates in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars High School'', which combines all three.

* The ill-fated 1st party UsefulNotes/PlayStationVita action game ''VideoGame/FreedomWars'' has one: ''[[VideoGame/SwordArtOnline Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet]]'', of all games. ''Fatal Bullet'' is made by the same developers and features a more RPG-oriented spin on most of ''Freedom Wars''' core mechanics. It even includes a hookshot mechanic that is clearly inspired by the Ibara Hookshot.

* Creator/{{Treasure}}'s ''Bleach'' fighting games for the Nintendo DS are considered to be spiritual successors to their UsefulNotes/MegaDrive fighting game ''[[VideoGame/YuYuHakushoMakyoToitsusen Yu Yu Hakusho: Makyo Toitsusen]]''.

* ''VideoGame/TheWonderful101'', a UsefulNotes/WiiU game by Creator/PlatinumGames, seems to be based somewhat on ''VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe''.
* The UsefulNotes/WonderSwan can be considered to be a spiritual successor to the original UsefulNotes/GameBoy since they were both made by Creator/GunpeiYokoi.

* The original UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} is widely considered to be the spiritual successor to the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast, since many Dreamcast games - particularly those from Sega themselves - were ported to (''VideoGame/ShenmueII'') or received sequels on (''VideoGame/PanzerDragoon Orta'', ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio Future'') the system, they both have similar controller layouts, the Xbox was at one point going to be backwards compatible with the Dreamcast, and both are compatible with Windows CE and UsefulNotes/DirectX.
** To a noticeably lesser extent, the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 can also be considered a successor to the Dreamcast. While the two don't share any hardware or software, the [=PS2=]'s [[OvershadowedByAwesome mere existence]] being a factor in the Dreamcast's failure meant that those Dreamcast games which didn't see ports to or sequels on the Xbox instead saw them on the [=PS2=]. Amusingly, the [=PS2=] even managed similar third-party support long after its time had ended -- the Dreamcast still saw official releases in Japan until 2007 (and indie devs are still making the occasional game for it beyond then), while the [=PS2=]'s last official release was in 2013, just two months before the debut of a ''[[UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 fourth]]'' [=PlayStation=].
** Even the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube can be seen as a spiritual successor to the Dreamcast, as many Dreamcast games like ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'', ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', and ''VideoGame/CrazyTaxi'' received updated ports on the [=GameCube=], and both systems used proprietary disc formats. Also, the dual-screen functionality with the [=GameBoy=] Advance link-cable can be seen as a spiritual successor to the Dreamcast's VMU.

** ''X-COM: UFO Defence'' itself is kind of a prequel to earlier Gollop's game ''VideoGame/LaserSquad'', quite successful on UsefulNotes/ZXSpectrum, but nearly unknown elsewhere. ''VideoGame/XCOMApocalypse'' even borrowed MegaCorp names from ''Laser Squad''. This came a full circle with ''[[VideoGame/LaserSquadNemesis Laser Squad: Nemesis]]'' -- a true sequel to ''Laser Squad'' and SpiritualSuccessor to ''X-COM''.

* The UK-based company Graftgold ported ''VideoGame/RainbowIslands'' to the [[UsefulNotes/CommodoreAmiga Amiga]] and other European-market home computers. They followed it up with a game called ''VideoGame/FireAndIceTheDaringAdventuresOfCoolCoyote'', which had somewhat similar game mechanics (in particular, combat is done by shooting something that immobilizes an enemy and then touching it while immobilized, enemies left immobilized for too long will [[TurnsRed become stronger]], every level contains a certain amount of enemy-dropped items which the player is supposed to collect, and [[StalkedByTheBell taking too long to finish a level causes something to chase the player character]]), and its box cover had a quotation from a review that called it "the best platformer since ''Rainbow Islands''".

*** ''Deus Ex'' also shares many similarities to UsefulNotes/CommodoreAmiga adventure game ''VideoGame/{{KGB}}'', also known as ''Conspiracy''.

* ''VideoGame/ForbiddenSiren'' was made by former members of Team Silent, the original developers for the ''Franchise/SilentHill'' series.

** Another game by Square-Enix, that's technicaly a spin-off, but also feels like a throwback to the first six Final Fantasy games, is ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyDimensions''. Many characters, not seen since ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI'' return here, like Bikke and his crew, Matoya, and the Prince (well, now King) of Alfheim. The Final Boss [[spoiler: is also a form of Chaos]], and the [[BonusBoss super boss]] is the Omega Weapon from the Gameboy Advance port of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''.

* ''VideoGame/IllusionOfGaia'' and ''VideoGame/{{Terranigma}}'' are considered to form a thematic, though unofficial, trilogy as successors to ''VideoGame/SoulBlazer''. Although there ''are'' direct links included; The first boss of ''Soul Blazer'' is a BonusBoss in Illusion of Gaia, with a storyline explanation of why, albeit a somewhat bizarre one. Meanwhile, ''Terranigma'' is explicitly referred to as "Illusion of Gaia 2" in a DevelopersRoom EasterEgg.

** And then came ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'', another horror ActionRPG by the director of ''Dark Souls'' and ''Demons Souls'', but set in a new continuity. ''Bloodborne'' might also be considered a Spiritual Successor to the [=PlayStation=] classic ''VideoGame/NightmareCreatures''; another NintendoHard survival horror game where you play as a flintlock-toting warrior in a city filled with monstrosities. Even more, due to it being a CosmicHorrorStory, it has also been considered to be an adaptation of Creator/HPLovecraft's works and the Franchise/CthulhuMythos. Its monster-mash themeing and [[{{Metroidvania}} interconnected levels]] also call to mind the ''VideoGame/{{Castlevania}}'' series.

* The ''VideoGame/{{Yakuza}}'' series is a spiritual successor to ''VideoGame/{{Shenmue}}'', being an action-adventure game with in-depth combat, a WideOpenSandbox with a plethora of content to uncover, and various minigames, sidequests, and other diversions.

* ''VideoGame/{{Gubble}}'' is a spiritual sequel to ''VideoGame/CrystalCastles'', with a SciFi setting instead of fantasy. Both games were developed by Franz Lanzinger.

* Strategic Simulations Inc.'s legendary ''VideoGame/GoldBox'' UsefulNotes/GameEngine and the eponymous WesternRPG meta-series running on it had at least three successors: the Black Box series, a.k.a. ''VideoGame/EyeOfTheBeholder'', by Creator/WestwoodStudios; the Infinity Engine meta-series by Creator/BioWare and Creator/BlackIsleStudios; and the ''VideoGame/SevenDragonSaga'', announced in 2015 (!) by Tactical Simulations Interactive (an indie studio comprised of SSI veterans). The former two in particular had strong ties, as both were based on the ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' GameSystem, and [=BioWare=] developers noted the Gold Box series as one of the inspirations for ''VideoGame/BaldursGate'' (also, David "Zeb" Cook worked on both ''[[VideoGame/GoldBox Pool of Radiance]]'' and ''Baldur's Gate'', the first games on the Gold Box and the Infinity Engine, respectively). Another SpiritualSuccessor specifically to the Gold Box-based 1991 MassivelyMultiplayerOnlineRolePlayingGame ''VideoGame/NeverwinterNights'', is Creator/CrypticStudios' MMORPG ''VideoGame/{{Neverwinter}}''.

* Strategic Simulations Inc.'s legendary ''VideoGame/GoldBox'' UsefulNotes/GameEngine and the eponymous WesternRPG meta-series running on it had at least three successors: the Black Box series, a.k.a. ''VideoGame/EyeOfTheBeholder'', by Creator/WestwoodStudios; the Infinity Engine meta-series by Creator/BioWare and Creator/BlackIsleStudios; and the ''VideoGame/SevenDragonSaga'', announced in 2015 (!) by Tactical Simulations Interactive (an indie studio comprised of SSI veterans). The former two in particular had strong ties, as both were based on the ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' GameSystem, and [=BioWare=] developers noted the Gold Box series as one of the inspirations for ''VideoGame/BaldursGate'' (also, David "Zeb" Cook worked on both ''VideoGame/PoolOfRadiance'' and ''Baldur's Gate'', the first games on the Gold Box and the Infinity Engine, respectively). Another SpiritualSuccessor specifically to the Gold Box-based 1991 MassivelyMultiplayerOnlineRolePlayingGame ''VideoGame/NeverwinterNights'', is Creator/CrypticStudios' MMORPG ''VideoGame/{{Neverwinter}}''.

* ''VideoGame/AlphaProtocol'' is a spiritual sequel to ''VideoGame/VampireTheMasqueradeBloodlines'' and ''VideoGame/DeusEx'', an action-RPG where choices result in tangible consequences and gameplay is more heavily affected by one's character sheet than most games, including other [=RPGs=]. More cynically, ''Alpha Protocol'' gets a lot of undeserved flak and is often brushed aside as an attempt at "''Franchise/MassEffect'' [[InSPACE with SPIES]]" that failed miserably, so it also shares living with a bad rap (as well as some genuine technical problems) with ''Bloodlines.''

* ''VideoGame/OfLoveAndEternity'' is a {{Retraux}} SurvivalHorror game where you play as a [[KnightInShiningArmor literal]] FailureKnight who is murdered along with his girlfriend in the intro cinematic. BarredFromTheAfterlife and stuck in purgatory as undead, he has to reunite with her soul and set right [[MyGreatestFailure his greatest failure]] so they can rest in peace. For anyone who has played ''VideoGame/{{Medievil}}'' on the original PS1, this setup seems really familiar.

* Nintendo announced a Chinese company is developing an MMORPG featuring all of the Disney franchises separated into different worlds that the players can visit called "Disney Fantasy Online". That's right, it's an MMORPG version of ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' with the Square elements subtracted. [[http://dsn.91.com/ The website]] really screams it out, since the Disney characters are wearing the same outfits they do in ''Kingdom Hearts''.

* ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'' is a SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'', with more emphasis on offense and greater penalty for turtling. Early in development, Creator/ArcSystemWorks received a lot of flak for basically just giving ''Guilty Gear'' a huge makeover.

* ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3lpcQ9U-0U Aaero]]'' is ''VideoGame/GitarooMan'' meets ''VideoGame/{{Rez}}'' with a {{dubstep}} soundtrack.

* ''VideoGame/ArcRiseFantasia'' is more or less a ''VideoGame/TalesSeries'' game, but with turn-based battles. There are three morally-grey nations that eventually fight each other, a number of "summon spirits" - Rogress, critique of organised religion, and a FantasticRacism subplot. There's also costumes for your party (unfortunately, they show up only in menus), ''Tales''' trademark skits, and even a [[PreviousPlayerCharacterCameo cameo battle]], using a trio of characters from ''VideoGame/LuminousArc''. Later plot developments include [[spoiler:existence of TheMole in your party]], [[spoiler:death of one of your party members]], and [[spoiler:a BittersweetEnding, that separates TheHero from the party]], all of which can be seen in several ''Tales'' games. Perhaps not coincidentally, two of the developers, director Hiroyuki Kanemaru and scenario writer Takumi Miyajima, worked on ''Tales'' games in the past.

* ''VideoGame/AsurasWrath'' was stated by Creator/Cyberconnect2 to be a spiritual successor to ''VideoGame/GodHand'' in the sense of over the top action, but the concept of the game itself is more like one of these to ''VideoGame/TimeGal'' or ''VisualNovel/{{Yarudora}}'' due to being touted as an Interactive anime like the aforementioned games.

* ''VideoGame/{{Bulletstorm}}'' is this to ''VideoGame/{{Painkiller}}''.
* Many UK video game magazines of the era argued that ''VideoGame/{{Bully}}'' is this to ''VideoGame/SkoolDaze''. They weren't wrong.

** And then came ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'', another horror ActionRPG by the director of ''Dark Souls'' and ''Demons Souls'', but set in a new continuity. ''Bloodborne'' might also be considered a Spiritual Successor to the [=PlayStation=] classic ''VideoGame/NightmareCreatures''; another NintendoHard survival horror game where you play as a flintlock-toting warrior in a city filled with monstrosities.

* ''VideoGame/TheEvilWithin'' to ''Franchise/ResidentEvil''. The first game is a successor to mainly ''[=RE4=]'', while ''VideoGame/TheEvilWithin2'' is a successor to ''[=RE=]'', ''[=RE2=]'', ''[=RE3=]'', and ''[=RE4=]''.

* ''VideoGame/{{Aquaria}}'' is essentially ''VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin'' with a mermaid and a little {{Metroidvania}}. It also may be considered a better adaptation of ''WesternAnimation/{{The Little Mermaid|1989}}'' than the licensed games of prior generations.

* Aside from being a spiritual entry in the ''VideoGame/LuminousArc'' series, ''VideoGame/ArcRiseFantasia'' can be seen as an installment in the ''VideoGame/TalesSeries''. The characters are in anime-design, there are skits that tend to be on the light-hearted side, costumes can be acquired (though they can only bee seen on the character's portrait), and [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking it isn't released]] [[NoExportForYou in Europe]]. Two developers who worked on the ''VideoGame/TalesSeries'' even worked on this game.

* The Asphalt series of free-to-play racing games from Gameloft is basically ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' with real licensed cars and ''VideoGame/RidgeRacer'' drifting.

** There are many reasons why many refer to Asura as the Japanese ''VideoGame/GodOfWar'' (though [[ChaoticGood Asura]], to his credit, is much nicer than [[ChaoticEvil Kratos]] is for the most part).

* ''VideoGame/AxiomVerge'' is a modern adaptation of the classic 2D ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'' games.

* ''VideoGame/BangDreamGirlsBandParty'' is perhaps the closest that RhythmGame fans outside of Japan will get to ''VideoGame/{{CHUNITHM}}'', with its lane-based touch-device gameplay that features tap, slide, and flick notes.

* ''VideoGame/BeamNG.drive'', with its intricate crash physics model and stunt-heavy gameplay, is a more than worthy follow-up to the ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' series.

''VideoGame/BladedFury'' a Metroidvania sequel to the long-lost ''VideoGame/{{Valis}}'' series.

* ''VideoGame/BlazingChrome'' is one of the best ''VideoGame/{{Contra}}'' games not developed by Konami, especially with reception of the previews of Konami's official (albeit InNameOnly) next entry in said series, ''Contra: Rogue Corps'', being largely negative.

''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'' may play like ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'' and ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'', but with its Victorian setting, it could also be considered a sequel to the long-defunct ''VideoGame/NightmareCreatures'' series. Even more, due to it being a CosmicHorrorStory, it has also been considered to be an adaptation of Creator/HPLovecraft's works and the Franchise/CthulhuMythos. Its monster-mash themeing and [[{{Metroidvania}} interconnected levels]] also call to mind the ''VideoGame/{{Castlevania}}'' series.

* ''VideoGame/BlueRevolver'' is basically ''VideoGame/{{Ketsui}}'' but with a more forgiving version of ''VideoGame/BattleGaregga''[='=]s [[DynamicDifficulty rank]] system and [[ViolationOfCommonSense intentional death incentives]] and ''VideoGame/DangunFeveron''[='=]s ship customization variety.

In ''VideoGame/{{Broforce}}'' The Alien levels remind people of ''VideoGame/{{Contra}}''. and If you're playing as [[Franchise/IndianaJones Indiana Brones]], you're pretty much playing ''VideoGame/{{Spelunky}}''.

* The original ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' was heavily inspired by the arcade game ''Thrill Drive''. Beside the basic premise of being a checkpoint-based point to point racer with an emphasis on violent crashes, the two games share similar graphics and interface.

* ''VideoGame/{{Bulletstorm}}'' is considered to be a better ''VideoGame/DukeNukem'' game than ''VideoGame/DukeNukemForever''. The main character, Grayson, is seen as a throwback to protagonists like Duke and his ilk. It's even more ironic now, since the ''[[UpdatedRerelease Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition]]'' has Duke Nukem as a playable character. There are others that see it as an [=FPS=] version of ''VideoGame/MadWorld'' or ''VideoGame/Wild9'' due to use of TheJoysOfTorturingMooks, VideoGameCrueltyPotential, and a [[YouWillNotEvadeMe electric, leash weapon]].

** Some of the later games in the series sarting with ''VideoGame/CallOfDutyAdvancedWarfare'' before [[VideoGame/CallOfDutyWWII the return to the more grounded settings]] have been compared to the ''VideoGame/{{Crysis}}'' games due to the addition of PoweredArmor suits with various abilities.

* ''VideoGame/BlueDragon'' takes heavily from ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'', even getting Creator/AkiraToriyama to do the character designs.

* ''10.000 Bullets'' can be a worthy successor to Creator/{{Capcom}}'s ''VideoGame/{{Gunsmoke}}'', because Creator/{{Rockstar|Games}}'s ''VideoGame/RedDeadRevolver'' actually started life by Capcom as an arcade-style, stylized version of ''VideoGame/DeadToRights'', but Creator/TakeTwoInteractive acquired Angel Studios, and ''VideoGame/FreedomFighters'' influenced the gameplay of Rockstar's ''Revolver''.
* It can also seen as this to ''VideoGame/{{Gungrave}}''.
* The first VideoGames (and arcade games in general) can be seen as a SpiritualSuccessor to various carnival games such as the claw game, shooting ranges and {{Pinball}} as you spend little money for one game that is quickly over and in the case of pinball you aim for a high score. It also helps that the only business experience Nolan Bushnell had before founding Atari was from maintaining these at a carnival.
** However, they're more a spiritual successor to the earlier electromechanical arcade games, at least some of which had a similar cabinet design to those first video games.
* ''VideoGame/LaAbadiaDelCrimen'' is essentially a video game adaptation of ''Literature/TheNameOfTheRose'', to the extent of opting to ape the book's working title when they couldn't secure the rights to the original.

* After ''VideoGame/SilentHills'' was [[ScrewedByTheNetwork unceremoniously]] [[TroubledProduction canceled]], British studio Lilith Ltd. created ''[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allison_Road_(video_game) Allison Road]]'' in order to give players ''some'' way of playing a full-length version of ''Silent Hills''[='=] acclaimed ''P.T.'' demo.

* {{Casual Video Game}}s are the spiritual successors to UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s.
* ''VideoGame/{{Armikrog}}'' is a PointAndClickGame with StopMotionAnimation, all in the same style as Creator/DougTenNapel's earlier ''VideoGame/TheNeverhood'' and ''VideoGame/{{Skullmonkeys}}''. It was even advertised as such on Website/{{Kickstarter}}.

* ''Franchise/AssassinsCreed'' is considered by many to be a SpiritualSuccessor to Ubisoft's ''Franchise/PrinceOfPersia'' series. However, fans of ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersia'' are very confused by that notion, seeing as the two titles have almost nothing in common, gameplay and story wise. This may be due to the fact that ''Assassin's Creed'' started out as a ''Prince Of Persia'' game, but it was [[DivorcedInstallment made into its own separate franchise]], due to those differences in tone, story and gameplay.

* ''VideoGame/BattleBrothers'' has been called an unofficial video game adaptation of ''Literature/TheBlackCompany'', and a turn-based TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}} strategy game.

* ''VideoGame/BattleGaregga''[='s=] spiritual sequel is ''VideoGame/ArmedPoliceBatrider'', which inherits many of ''Battle Garegga''[='s=] mechanics, such as [[RewardingVandalism bombing the scenery]] for powerups and medals, as well as the medal chaining system, and even has [[GuestFighter guest appearances]] by the ships of ''Battle Garegga'' and the ''Mahou Daisakusen'' series. ''Batrider'' in turn had a spiritual sequel in ''Battle Bakraid'', which borrows ''Garegga'''s option changing feature, has a somewhat modified medal chaining system, and the "tickle laser"-cum-charge-shot from ''Batrider''.
** The DynamicDifficulty system of these games is lifted from ''VideoGame/{{Zanac}}'', of all things, only made completely and utterly inconvenient (notably, the removal of every rank reduction method except dying.)
** ''VideoGame/{{Ibara}}'', sharing the same main designer also counts as a SpiritualSuccessor, if you can count a near-exact copy of the rank system of Garegga as one.
*** Its sequel, ''Pink Sweets'', is considered a successor to ''VideoGame/{{Recca}}'', with unlimited but charging bombs, separate option firing, and variable speed options.

* ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'' is a SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'', with more emphasis on offense and greater penalty for turtling. Early in development, Creator/ArcSystemWorks received a lot of flak for basically just giving ''Guilty Gear'' a huge makeover.
* ''VideoGame/BloodstainedRitualOfTheNight'' is a 2-D {{Metroidvania}} video game that's meant to be a successor to Creator/{{Konami}}'s ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}'' series.

** The Creator/HideoKojima game ''VideoGame/DeathStranding'' seems to be a continuation of the concepts ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidV'' introduced to the ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' series. It carries over the open world setting; the Creator/AlfonsoCuaron style [[TheOner Oner]] cutscenes; the [[OurZombiesAreDifferent zombie-like enemies]]; and vehicle and character customization (weapons customization has yet to be announced, but likely). It also carries on more general series traditions, such as having stealth mechanics, long cutscenes, weirdly-named characters, a radio support team and a cynical DeadPanSnarker protagonist [[GutturalGrowler with a gravely voice]].

* Creator/{{Sega}} created their own spiritual sequel to ''VideoGame/VirtualOn'' in 2009's ''VideoGame/BorderBreak''. It takes the storyline conceit of ''Virtual On'' that the arcade consoles are networked to future actual HumongousMecha by networking them on the Internet to play against other players in other arcades.

* The [[WebGames browser game]] ''VideoGame/{{Archmage}}'' has successors like ''VideoGame/TheFivePillars'' and ''VideoGame/TheReincarnation''.

* Many UK video game magazines of the era argued that ''VideoGame/{{Bully}}'' is this to ''VideoGame/SkoolDaze''. (They weren't wrong.)
* ''VideoGame/NamuAmidaButsuUtena'' is this to ''VideoGame/BungoToAlchemist'' is this to ''VideoGame/ToukenRanbu'' is this to ''VideoGame/KanColle''.
* ''Shiwuyu[=/=]VideoGame/TheTaleOfFood'' is essentially ''VideoGame/ToukenRanbu'' to ''VideoGame/FoodFantasy'''s ''VideoGame/KanColle'' – they're both Chinese games with a premise of CastOfPersonifications of food items, but the former, with its exclusive focus on Chinese cuisine, takes an approach more heavily based in Chinese culture and history than the latter's international one.
* The 2010 ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed: Hot Pursuit'' is a SpiritualSuccessor to both ''Hot Pursuit 2'' and the ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' series. ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted'' (2012) has been near universally referred to by the gaming press as a SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/BurnoutParadise''.

** The sequel, ''VideoGame/ChronoCross'', got its own SpiritualSuccessor in the ''VideoGame/BatenKaitos'' duology for the Gamecube: both games share several staff members, have the same art style (hand-painted backgrounds with 3d sprites), and have similar battle systems.

* Creator/{{Sega}}'s ''VideoGame/ConfidentialMission'' is considered by many a spiritual successor to their ''VideoGame/VirtuaCop'' games.

* ''VideoGame/ChaseTheExpress'' is one of these to the movie ''Film/UnderSiege2DarkTerritory'', being a [[DieHardOnAnX Die Hard on a Train]] hijacked by terrorists looking for a nuclear weapon onboard, and the protagonist being a special forces elite attempting to diffuse the hostage situation on his own. The protagonist even looks a little like Steven Seagal [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_the_Express#/media/File:Chase_the_Express_cover.jpg on the cover]].

* ''VideoGame/CuteKnight'' is quite similar to the ''VideoGame/PrincessMaker'' series of games.
** As are ''VideoGame/CuteKnightKingdom'' and ''VideoGame/SpiritedHeart'', and the Flash game ''VideoGame/ProjectPrincess''.
** ''VisualNovel/LongLiveTheQueen'' is also markedly similar to ''Princess Maker'', but with a more story-driven gameplay with many skill checks and [[TheManyDeathsOfYou fail states]] added to it.

* ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'', with its near-identical ActionRPG gameplay, probably would be ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls 2'' if Sony didn't own the IP. That Other Wiki outright classifies them as part of the same series (the ''Souls'' series).

* ''VideoGame/{{Darkwatch}}'' because of Creator/{{Capcom}} publishing the game in 2005, believe to be as this to ''VideoGame/{{Gunsmoke}}'', but actually Sammy Studios, before Capcom publishing it, announced the game in 2004, more-in-line with ''VideoGame/{{Blood}}''.

** ''VideoGame/DungeonsAndDragonsChroniclesOfMystara'' itself, as a HackAndSlash game with RPGElements, is a successor to Capcom's earlier ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheRound'' and ''VideoGame/TheKingOfDragons''.
* ''VideoGame/DragonBallAdvancedAdventure'' is a spiritual successor to a game based on ''Manga/DragonBall'' released on the NES that's better known overseas as ''Dragon Power'': both are action games with 2D fighting elements based on Goku's adventures, with ''Advanced Adventure'' improving heavily on the gameplay and expanding the scope of the game beyond the Emperor Pilaf saga to include everything up through the King Piccolo saga.
* ''VideoGame/DragonBallZKakarot'' is an open-world RPG that recaps ''DBZ'''s story reminiscent of the ''[[VideoGame/DragonBallZTheLegacyOfGoku Legacy of Goku]]'' series.

* ''VideoGame/{{Driveclub}}'', created by Creator/EvolutionStudios, is more a spiritual successor to Creator/{{Taito}}'s long-discontinued ''VideoGame/BattleGear'' series than their own ''VideoGame/MotorStorm'' series. The driving physics are somewhat similar, and they are more of skill-based racing games set on fictionalized courses.

* Although ''VideoGame/{{EarthBound|1994}}'' shares the same villain, [[spoiler:the SufficientlyAdvancedAlien Giegue/Giygas (albeit in a [[EldritchAbomination vastly different form]])]] with its predecessor ''VideoGame/EarthBoundBeginnings'', it's more this than a direct sequel to it. The main plot revolves around stopping an AlienInvasion just like the first game, and it stars characters that are [[{{Expy}} close Expies]] of the party in the first game for the most part (to the point of the main protagonist of the game, [[TheAllAmericanBoy Ness, being near-identical to his predecessor Ninten]]). However, it takes place in an entirely different setting: {{Eagleland}}, as opposed to America of the first game.
* ''VideoGame/EiyudenChronicleHundredHeroes'' is a spiritual successor to ''VideoGame/{{Suikoden}}''.

* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars [[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration OG Saga:]] VideoGame/EndlessFrontier'' is considered a SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom''. Both games are developed by Creator/MonolithSoft, and shared a similar action-styled battle system, even though the latter game was structured like a TurnBasedStrategy game, and the former being more a EasternRPG. The kicker is though that the protagonists of ''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom'', Reiji Arisu and Xiaomu, get caught up in the events of ''VideoGame/EndlessFrontier'', while chasing down the BigBad [[NotQuiteDead they thought they had killed]] at the end of ''Namco X Capcom'', thus making the two games in continuity.
** ''VideoGame/ProjectXZone'' is next, bringing back the crossover (and TurnBasedStrategy) elements in full force (Creator/{{Sega}} even joins the fun!) and includes the protagonists of ''both'' NXC and EF (and [[VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}} KOS-MOS]] too, of course.).

** ''[[VideoGame/ProjectSnowblind Project: Snowblind]]'' actually was to be a spinoff of ''Deus Ex'', but was retooled when [[VideoGame/DeusExInvisibleWar its actual sequel]] sold poorly.

* ''VideoGame/NickelodeonAllStarBrawl'' is this to both the web-browser ''[[VideoGame/NickelodeonSuperBrawl Super Brawl]]'' series (a fighting game featuring ''Franchise/{{Nicktoons}}'') and ''VideoGame/CartoonNetworkPunchTimeExplosion'' (a ''VideoGame/{{Super Smash Bros}}''-like clone with characters from a children television channel).

** Likewise, ''VideoGame/NFLBlitz'' to ''VideoGame/HighImpactFootball''.

* Creator/{{Taito}{'s ''VideoGame/{{Gekirindan}}'' is a spiritual sequel to the ''Truxton/Tatsujin'' games, being developed by former Creator/{{Toaplan}} members.