Most Improved Sequel
Oftentimes, it doesn't really take much for a game publisher to produce a sequel. Many game sequels aren't very different from their predecessors, and are obvious attempts to cash in on the success of the games they're based on. At other times, however, sequels can really fulfill the potential of the original game, which may itself have been lacking. Most rare is the sequel that maintains some basic elements of its predecessor, such as the story arc or overall theme, but becomes a unique and rewarding game in its own right. The five finalists in this category rose above their forebears with aplomb, bringing entirely new and thrilling elements to the table that made each one more than just another sequel:
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The first Burnout wasn't all that great, but the series came into its own with the second installment. Burnout 3 takes the basic idea in its predecessor and runs with it at approximately 140 miles per hour.
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Dragon Ball Z is a hugely popular license, but this series of fighting games traditionally hasn't quite been up to snuff. That is, until this installment, which makes the core fighting extremely accessible, introduces some overdue new features, and perfectly captures the hyperkinetic look of the animated series.
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GameSpot's resident footie fan and all-around Brit Justin Calvert called FIFA Soccer 2005 "the first FIFA [he wants] to own." Enough said. The newly added "first touch" mechanics set EA's latest soccer title head and shoulders above last year's game.
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Unreal Tournament 2003 had great core gameplay but didn't quite have the content to make it last. Unreal Tournament 2004's brilliant onslaught mode and wide array of drivable vehicles make it the game its predecessor should have been, and will keep it on gamers' minds long after the calendar year is over.
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In 2001, little-known developer Phantagram put out a bland real-time strategy game called Kingdom Under Fire. It sucked. The company's sequel for the Xbox is a very different game, with superb visuals, visceral hack-and-slash action, and a hardcore strategy element. It's also simply great.
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And the Winner is...
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