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[Drew1440]

Dead or Alive 2, kind of helped that it launched on a next generation console (Dreamcast) but was a huge step up in gameplay partially how it blended in game cutscenes before the gameplay.
The Sims 2. huge evolution from the first game, Sims are in 3D, have genetics and relations, memories and the neighborhoods are fully editable. Even Sims 3 and 4 are a letdown in this regard.
Saints Row 2
GTA San Andreas was a huge leap over GTA III and Vice City, espiecally how big the world of San Andreas is.
Ridge Racer Type 4 was a huge evolution over Rage Racer and Ridge Racer Revolution, so much more cars and a story mode Grand Prix.

 

[grvg]

Dark Souls 1 to 2





just kidding

 

[xrnzaaas]

I wouldn't say ME1 was a significantly worse game than 2. I've replayed the trilogy about two years ago and didn't feel major differences in quality between the games. In fact some people may be disappointed that the series became less of an RPG and more of a third-person cover shooter.

Assassin's Creed 2 would be my pick. The gameplay stopped being repetitive, plus they also introduced a much more charismatic protagonist than Altair.

 

[EruditeHobo]

FFVII Remake to Rebirth was gargantuan.

 

[Loke]

Duke Nukem II to Duke Nukem 3D

Took it from a rather generic platformer to an absolute classic and one of the most memorable first person shooter ever made.

 

[TintoConCasera]

What about Heroes of Might & Magic 2 to 3?

From a pretty but broken game to an absolute classic.

 

[IDKFA]

It's one of the best sequels of all time.

The game is worth playing just for the suicide mission alone.

 

[metareferential]

Well, I for one, prefer ME1, so...

I'd say Uncharted 1 to 2, Soul Blade to Soul Calibur (though the first one already is a masterpiece, the second is just unbelievable on Dreamcast).

HL 2 and RE4 are maybe the best sequels ever.

Aaaaand: Daytona 2 and Outrun 2. Damn.

 

[OmegaSupreme]

Re3 to 4 was huge.
Uncharted 1 to 2.
I'm a little fuzzy on gears 2 but I think that was a good leap too?

 

[Closer]

Final Fantasy I
Final Fantasy II (VI)

You mean Final Fantasy II (IV) or Final Fantasy III (VI)?

 

[TheChumpNation]

AC 1 to 2

But also, Mass Effect 1 is the best in the trilogy. Combat might be unpolished but its much more compelling. Having one cooldown cycle for all powers was a horrible change.

 

[Ponderling]

All things considered for me it has to be Half Life 2. Valve went above and beyond.

 

[SmokedMeat]

Street Fighter 1 to 2.

Nothing else even comes close to this answer.

 

[SmokedMeat]

I’d say Diablo 2 coming off Diablo.

 

[AJBungah]

I can only echo what others have said about ME1 to ME2, I really think environmentally ME2 has aged very poorly. They did a good job dressing up the corridors with interesting backdrops etc. but on a replay in 2024 the corridor based nature of every environment was very jarring, especially coming from ME1 which had its own problems, certainly FELT more open.

 

[simpatico]

Dragon Age Origins I think is the closest example.

DAO and ME1: The originals were broad in scope and full of fresh ideas. You left the games feeling enchanted.

DA2 and ME2: Scope hit the chopping block hard. Game was full of movie and TV tropes in the story. You left the game feeling pigeonholed in all RPG senses. Both games went from open RPGs to corridor action games with choose-your-own-adventure Teen Lit dialog choices. But in reality, you barely had any choice at all. ME2 inspired the level of "choice" in Fallout 4. "Agree heartily, Agree, Agree snidely"